"CYBERSECURITY IS NOW A BOARDROOM PRIORITY"

With over 24 years of expertise, SUNIL SAPRA, Founder & Chief Growth Officer, Eventus Security and Founder & Managing Partner, Seedop Technologies, brings a unique perspective on how cybersecurity has evolved from a niche IT concern to a critical boardroom priority. In this interview, he explores the integration of cybersecurity with business goals and the strategies organisations must adopt to stay ahead of emerging threats

- Noor Fathima Warsia

Cybersecurity has seen massive changes within the last few years, but you have seen it evolve from its early stages. Would you say we are now in the most exciting phase with Gen AI and other tech advancements?

In the last 24 years, I have witnessed remarkable transformations in the cybersecurity ecosystem, more accelerated over the past five years, evolving from basic perimeter defences to sophisticated threat intelligence and advanced response mechanisms. We are undoubtedly in one of the most pivotal phases of this evolution. Generative AI and other advanced technologies have expanded the repertoire of cybersecurity professionals and amplified the sophistication of potential threats.

Gen AI, for instance, introduces a double-edged sword. While it enables automated threat detection, predictive analysis and enhanced security measures, it also rapidly gives rise to new, more complex attack vectors, like AI-generated malware and social engineering scams. These advancements force us to rethink our defence strategies and become more agile and adaptive.

The pace of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration makes the current era particularly exciting. The intersection of AI, quantum computing and cloud security is rewriting the rulebook, making it imperative to stay ahead of the curve. The industry is buzzing with opportunities for innovation. It is a landscape where experience and adaptability are key, making this an exhilarating time for veterans and newcomers alike.

BW Businessworld surveyed India Inc.’s C-suite. One of the survey outcomes is that cybersecurity decisions have become boardroom discussions. What are your thoughts on this?