Mr. Santosh Chachar,
Sr. Security Program Manager,
Conviva,
With the emergence of a knowledge-based economy, data has become the key resource for many innovations and development. When organisations extend their operations internationally, the protection of information becomes not only crucial but comes with its set of challenges.
Information security is becoming increasingly complex due to rapid technological change and the growing sophistication of cyber threats. Organizations need to navigate a constantly evolving landscape, balancing protection, compliance, and the integration of new technologies. Here are the key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the world of modern information security.
The unprecedented proliferation of data in various sectors is transforming the global economy, with the data sphere expected to hit 175ZB in 2025. This surge, in layman's terms, defines the transformation being witnessed in a digitally-driven world by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, with this massive influx comes an equally significant responsibility: to find approaches to data protection and keep data safe from threats when it is located in different countries and jurisdictions. Leadership, in this area, is not only about responding to specific situations but also about identifying several risks and devising strategies that will guarantee security and privacy at the same time.
Information is driving everything from corporate plans to customer interactions, and the risks that come with it have never been more exposed. This is a resource that needs to be defended at all costs since its loss can compromise a company’s operations and reputation. It necessitates a proper framework for cybersecurity and risk management.
Cloud Security & Zero Trust Architecture: As businesses migrate to the cloud, securing these environments is a top priority. Organizations are adopting Zero Trust Architecture, where continuous verification of all access points ensures that no one is trusted by default—whether they are inside or outside the network.
AI and Automation: The use of AI and machine learning is enhancing security efforts, enabling more effective threat detection, incident response, and predictive analysis of vulnerabilities. Automation is also helping to manage the overwhelming volume of cyber alerts and attacks.
Evolving Threats: The sophistication of ransomware, malware, and supply chain attacks is on the rise, forcing organizations to improve their defenses and be prepared for increasingly complex cyberattacks.
Regulatory Compliance: Regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and other global privacy laws demand strict data protection measures. Organizations must keep up with these evolving standards to avoid penalties and protect customer trust.
Sophisticated Threats & Insider Risks: Cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, leveraging techniques like social engineering, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs). Simultaneously, insider threats—whether from malicious employees or inadvertent mistakes—add another dimension of risk.
Skilled Labour Shortage: There is a global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, creating gaps in implementing and managing effective security measures. This lack of talent is a significant roadblock to maintaining strong defenses.
Balancing Security with Usability: Implementing robust security often hampers user experience and business operations. Organizations face the challenge of striking a balance between usability and stringent security controls.
Third-Party & Supply Chain Risks: Many businesses rely on third-party vendors, which can introduce vulnerabilities. Ensuring the security of external partners and maintaining supply chain security has become critical but complex.
AI-Powered Security & Automation: AI-driven tools provide an opportunity to detect threats in real-time, automate responses, and enhance overall security monitoring. Best practices include integrating AI into your security operations center (SOC) for anomaly detection and leveraging machine learning models to predict and prevent potential attacks.
Zero Trust & Collaborative Defense: The Zero Trust security model offers a proactive approach to managing risk by ensuring that all users, whether inside or outside the network, are continuously verified. Best practices involve implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), micro-segmentation, and ensuring least-privilege access to minimize attack surfaces. Collaborative threat intelligence allows organizations to share data on emerging threats, enhancing collective defense. A best practice here is to participate in industry-specific threat-sharing networks and maintain real-time threat feeds.
Leveraging Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) is an efficient way for companies to scale their security efforts without needing extensive in-house teams. Best practices include regularly assessing MSSPs' security standards, ensuring alignment with your organizational risk tolerance, and maintaining clear communication regarding responsibilities and incident response protocols.
Preparing for the future, quantum-resistant encryption provides an opportunity to safeguard against the upcoming risks of quantum computing. Best practices include beginning the transition to quantum-safe algorithms and assessing current encryption methods to identify areas where upgrading will be required. Early adoption and continuous research are key to staying ahead in this area.
The complexity of modern information security presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. With emerging technologies like AI, the adoption of Zero Trust models, and innovative encryption techniques, organizations can strengthen their defenses while staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. However, balancing regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and effective security strategies remains critical to thriving in this evolving landscape.
Mr Santosh Chachar currently heads the information security program at Conviva, a global leader in streaming intelligence and analytics. With over two decades of rich experience in the security domain, Mr Chachar has established himself as a pragmatic leader adept at building and managing comprehensive Information Security functions across diverse product and service organisations.
Throughout his career, he has worked with renowned companies such as Jifflenow, Helpshift, GS Lab, and Atos, where he spearheaded security initiatives ranging from GDPR compliance to SOC 2 attestation. At Conviva, he oversees critical aspects of cloud, application, network, and endpoint security, as well as privacy, DevSecOps, and vendor risk management. His expertise extends to leading organisation-wide efforts to meet global security standards such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA.
A certified CISSP, CEH, CCIO, and RHCE professional, Mr Chachar has successfully implemented Secure SDLC programs and defended against active cyberattacks. He is also passionate about driving business growth through innovative security solutions and awareness programs. Additionally, he serves as Director of the ISC2 Bangalore Chapter, guiding cybersecurity professionals in the region. Mr Chachar’s technical acumen, leadership, and commitment to security make him an invaluable asset to the industry.
