October marks the observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a pivotal initiative to foster a safer digital realm. In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are escalating, understanding and implementing cybersecurity measures is paramount. This article delves into insights from industry leaders at top-tier companies, shedding light on the importance of cybersecurity awareness and its impact on both individuals and organizations.
“Data is the most valuable (and hence vulnerable) asset for businesses today. Advanced technologies like AI and ML will help drive data-driven decisions, further accelerating business growth. That said, both end users and technology providers will need to exercise caution and look at the vulnerabilities that come with the use of these technologies.
The use of emerging technologies can be akin to two sides of the same coin. While technology providers leverage it to thwart attacks, attackers use AI to launch attacks that are harder to detect.
Today ransomware is one of the biggest threats to data security, with attacks and attackers getting more sophisticated. Recent data by SonicWall shows a 133% rise in ransomware along with a 311% increase in IoT attacks in India alone. As solution providers, we need to fortify the landscape as much as possible and be able to anticipate evolving threats and test our resilience against them.
Gartner predicts that by 2024, organisations adopting a robust cybersecurity architecture will reduce the financial impact of security incidents by an average of 90%. As a means of addressing such challenges, we recommend monitoring for abnormalities in the storage solutions, post which its access to the main network can be cut off while taking remedial measures.” – Puneet Gupta, Vice President & Managing Director, NetApp
“Cyber Security Awareness Month emphasizes the value of gradually stepping up one’s security precautions to enhance long-term cyber fitness. As one of the world’s foremost digital powers, it is India’s time to step up its security posture with the introduction of the Data Protection Bill 2023.
The critical interplay between privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity strategy will collectively foster a culture of data empowerment in the digital era. As we operate in a borderless cyberspace, the practice of a holistic approach through zero trust will help us keep current business in a controlled state. Each function of an organization must work collectively to fight cybercrime in a safe, economic, and sustainable manner
Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and traditional security measures are no longer adequate to defend against threats. Enterprises must shift from a reactive to a proactive approach towards cybersecurity, where new-age technologies like AI and cyber deception help identify potential threats and vulnerabilities in the early stages. Automating cybersecurity processes can reduce the time between an attack and its detection and ultimately reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches .” –Madhusudan Krishnapuram, Vice President of Engineering and Managing Director, India, GoTo
“In today’s interconnected world, it is important to recognise the role that cybersecurity plays in ensuring that our interactions and our data remain protected. Cybersecurity is a shared effort that extends beyond the realm of IT experts to every employee within an organisation. India’s Data Protection Bill 2023 is a significant stride in this direction that introduces robust regulations and standards for data handling and protection in an effort to make digital ecosystems safer.
Cybersecurity Month spotlights the significant role of IT teams as the backbone of our digital ecosystems. It is imperative for businesses to prioritise cybersecurity awareness and invest in cyber secure technologies such as Zero Trust Network Architecture, Multi-Factor Authentication, and secure VPNs. Fostering a cybersecurity culture begins with simplification, empowering security and IT leaders to navigate the digital defence landscape with the right tools. Through IT tools that offer multi-layer security to address today’s dynamic threat landscape, we can strive to build a secure and resilient world, where data is safeguarded, privacy is respected, and trust is fortified.” –Balaji Rao, Area Vice President, India & SAARC, Commvault
“As we observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we must acknowledge that cybersecurity in today’s dynamic threat landscape is a business enabler and an important brand differentiator. In this digital age, we stand at a critical juncture where new-age technologies like AI, IoT, and Cloud increasingly fuel innovation in every vertical. An integrated security-by-design approach ensures we can take advantage of the benefits of these technologies without getting blind slighted on the risks.
The recent passage of the Data Protection Bill 2023 in India is a transformative measure towards cybersecurity and data protection. It serves as a reminder that security and privacy are both an opportunity and our collective responsibility toward creating a cyber-resilient world and protecting information. At an organizational level, we must ensure frictionless security that users can easily adopt and promote cybersecurity education to empower our users and customers to stay vigilant. By prioritizing cybersecurity and fostering a culture of awareness, we can safeguard our digital ecosystems, mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats, and help meet business objectives.” –Venkatesh Subramaniam, Cybersecurity and Privacy Head, Mindsprint
“With the rapid adoption of diverse working models, the onslaught of cyber threats has been unrelenting, and India is one of the worst-hit cyber-attack victims over recent years. In fact, in the first quarter of 2023, India experienced a staggering 18% increase in weekly cyberattacks, almost twice the global average. In the broader Asia Pacific region, the year-on-year spike reached a remarkable 16%.
In the face of these persistent cyber challenges, our approach must hinge on crafting a holistic and user-friendly network architecture to protect data assets. The proposed Data Protection Bill of 2023 signifies a landmark leap toward a digital realm where data is shielded, aligning with the global aspirations for a resilient digital infrastructure. However, safeguarding our digital world isn’t just a technological pursuit; it’s a collective responsibility and a crucial business imperative. Organizations must cultivate a comprehensive cybersecurity culture that commences with simplification, equipping business leaders and CISOs to navigate the labyrinth of digital defence.
As we face unforeseen cyber-challenges, the call to ‘Secure the World’ resonates louder than ever. In the digital age, cybersecurity is not just a necessity; it is a responsibility. It is essential that we maintain an unwavering focus on educating individuals about combatting common cyber threats. Businesses should commit to substantial investments in upskilling and bridging the massive gap in the cybersecurity workforce. The formidable task of thwarting cyber threats and ransomware attacks can be overcome with a highly skilled team of cybersecurity professionals who can efficiently safeguard their digital domains to become a future-ready organization.” –Aladdin Elston, Head – Information Security at Altimetrik
“As we celebrate Cyber Security Awareness Month 2023 with the theme ‘Cyber Safety Starts With YOU,’ we aim to draw focus towards the immense power of individuals in the realm of digital security. In this era of interconnectivity, our online choices shape our personal cybersecurity and have a ripple effect across the digital network, impacting the collective safety of the online world.
At Visionet, we believe that every click, every password, and every vigilant moment matters. Empowerment starts with awareness. Simple cybersecurity practices like strong password management, cautious email handling, keeping personal and official devices up-to-date and responsible online behaviour have a profound impact. They not only protect our data but also fortify the digital defences of organisations and society.
An individual’s commitment to cyber safety resonates across the digital landscape. Actions in maintaining cyber hygiene, reporting suspicious activities, and staying informed about evolving threats form the foundation of a secure online world.
This year’s theme, ‘Cyber Safety Starts With YOU’ is more than a theme; it’s a call to action. It reminds everyone that each person is a catalyst for change in the cybersecurity realm. As society navigates the digital age, let these actions light the path for others toward a more secure and resilient cyberspace. This October, people should unite to protect, educate, and empower. Together, they will make a lasting impact.” –Bijo Chacko – Vice President & Head of Cloud & Infrastructure Delivery
“In India, there exists a common misconception among employees regarding cyberattacks, they fear that these are inevitable. However, it’s essential to dispel this notion. Most cyberattacks are not highly sophisticated; instead, they exploit human errors. As the threat landscape continues to spiral, organizations must strengthen their cybersecurity framework. That means having the ability to gain visibility across complex IT environments, quickly detect and prevent threats, respond quickly to internal and external threats to understand scope and impact and comply with information security, regulatory and industry standards.
Cybersecurity should be viewed as a preventive measure. Digital disruptions can result in data loss and hinder online access, making cybersecurity awareness crucial in our tech-driven era. Vigilance in handling emails, passwords, and access is crucial to thwarting attacks. Often, basics like scrutinizing email headers, avoiding suspicious links, and maintaining robust passwords are overlooked which leaves an organization vulnerable, especially in a time of AI-enabled targeted threats. The growing adoption of cybersecurity insurance signals increased awareness.
To enhance cybersecurity consciousness, companies should prioritize IT hygiene, adopt relevant frameworks, and conduct regular cyber incident mock trials. Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks can inflict significant losses on Indian businesses, but these can often be prevented through cybersecurity awareness and simple verification methods. Finance departments should establish protocols to make it challenging for cyber criminals to succeed in BEC attacks, recognizing that it’s not a question of “if” but “when” these attacks will occur. Awareness remains a potent weapon against cyber threats in India.” – Saurabh Saxena Regional Vice President at OpenText
“Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding our digital landscapes, particularly within the legal domain, where a wealth of sensitive information resides. In an age where data related to ongoing research is the lifeblood of innovation-driven startups and companies, both legal professionals and digital service providers such as PatSeer, bear an immense responsibility to protect the confidentiality and integrity of
their clients’ intellectual assets.
In this digital era, legal research is not merely confined to law libraries and courtrooms; it is increasingly conducted on the World Wide Web, making it more vulnerable than ever to cyber threats. As the Chief Technology Officer of PatSeer, I encourage our legal colleagues to recognize the significant role they play in maintaining trust and safeguarding client data. By embracing cyber security awareness, legal professionals can equip themselves with the
knowledge and tools needed to fortify their cyber defences.
In the field of online patent research and analysis, where PatSeer excels, we remain committed to providing a secure platform that our users can rely on. Towards this we have obtained the SOC2 Type 2 certification for PatSeer thereby maintaining one of the highest security standards set for SaaS-based platforms. Commitment to high quality security and data protection is our main priority. We intend to continue investing in this area to ensure that we maintain our customers’ trust.” – Manish Sinha – CTO, PatSeer
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to a close, the insights shared by experts from leading companies underline the ongoing importance of cybersecurity vigilance. Their collective wisdom emphasizes that fostering a culture of cybersecurity is not merely a one-month endeavor, but a continuous commitment to safeguarding digital assets. Through education and awareness, we can bolster our defenses and navigate the digital world with a greater sense of security and responsibility.
