As National Technology Day dawns, the cybersecurity community stands at the forefront of innovation and protection in our increasingly digital world. This occasion prompts reflection not only on past achievements but also on the insights and wisdom shared by cybersecurity leaders.

Praveen Kumar, CISO, Nykaa, says: Learn how to learn. “In today’s fast-paced world of ever-changing technology and cyber threats, what you learn today might be outdated tomorrow. But if you can master the art of learning, it’ll open up a whole world of opportunities for you. It’s a lot more fun than memorizing security controls or protocols, trust me!”

Kumar’s advice comes from an observation that underscores a sobering reality: cybercrime has become a thriving industry. He says, “The commodification of cybercrime has lowered the barrier to entry for attackers and increased the frequency of data breaches, with offerings like ‘Breach-as-a-Service’ and ‘Ransomware-as-a-Service’ enabling easy access to sophisticated attacks.”

As cybercrime becomes more accessible through these service-based models, the cybersecurity community must remain vigilant and adapt to counter these emerging challenges effectively.

Meanwhile, Ratan Jyoti, CISO at Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, highlights the surprising trend of AI and machine learning’s rapid adoption in cyber defense. He notes, “One cybersecurity trend that has surprised many is the rapid adoption of AI and machine learning in cyber defense.” This trend, while promising enhanced threat detection capabilities, also poses new challenges for securing AI systems themselves. Jyoti’s insight underscores the necessity for cybersecurity professionals to continuously evolve alongside emerging technologies.

Jyoti advises, “Develop a strong foundation and gain practical experience. This hands-on approach cultivates essential skills and prepares individuals to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges effectively.”

Additionally, Amit Malhotra, Cybersecurity Evangelist, says, “In today’s tech landscape, the rise of cloud services, mobile gadgets, and remote work has rendered traditional security approaches less potent.”

Malhotra’s insights reflect the shifting paradigms of cybersecurity. As organizations embrace digital transformation, traditional perimeter-based security models are no longer sufficient. This sentiment is echoed in a recent report by Gartner, which predicts that by 2025, 99% of cloud security failures will be the customer’s fault.

Hence, he advises the young cybersec experts to prioritize continuous learning to stay abreast of evolving technologies, threats, and best practices.

“Build a strong foundation in core cybersecurity concepts and gain practical experience through internships or projects. Explore different specialties within cybersecurity to find your interests and strengths, and network with professionals in the industry for mentorship and opportunities.”

Satyanandan Atyam, Chief Risk Officer, Tata AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd.: “Maintain high standards for integrity of work. Our profession is providing assurance to management and boards.”

Atyam’s emphasis on integrity reflects the core values of the cybersecurity profession. As guardians of digital assets, cybersecurity professionals play a pivotal role in providing assurance to stakeholders. However, this responsibility extends beyond technical expertise to encompass ethical conduct and transparency.

According to a recent study by the Ponemon Institute, 52% of data breaches are caused by human error or system glitches. Satyanandan’s advice serves as a reminder that while technological solutions are crucial, maintaining integrity and ethical standards is equally important in safeguarding organizations against cyber threats.

Hence, as we enter the realm of AI and LLM models and existing with pressure becomes vital with innovation, Tanin Chakraborty, Senior Director and Global DPO at Biocon Biologics, explains that cybersecurity professionals can stay ahead of malicious actors, fortifying organizational defenses against evolving threats. “Continuous learning and adaptation to new changes are key to staying a step ahead against hackers.”

By embracing continuous learning, adopting innovative approaches, and upholding ethical standards, the next generation of cybersecurity professionals can rise to meet the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring a safer and more secure cyberspace for all.