In this exclusive interview Naveen Mathur, CIO, Ebix Cash Limited, shares his thoughts on Information Technology, cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence…
Q1. Could you brief us about your current role, and what responsibilities you undertake in your organization?
Being a Chief Information Officer (CIO), my focus is always to align the best suited technology with the organization’s strategic goals and business.
My responsibilities includes procuring, developing and implementing a comprehensive IT strategy, overseeing a secure and efficient IT infrastructure, managing the IT budget, and leading a collaborative team.
I work closely with other teams to identify possible technology opportunities that enhance can boost the business processes and improve the customer experiences and ensuring robust cybersecurity control in place. With new emerging technologies, I explore how they can be leveraged for our benefits, while managing vendor relationships to maximize value. Ultimately, my role is about using technology as a strategic asset to drive organizational success.
Q2. How can a CIO team up with CISO to evaluate the organization’s infrastructure, applications, and data storage systems to identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors?
A CIO collaboration with CISO helps strategies the organization’s infrastructure, applications, and data storage systems effectively by establishing clear communication and conducting joint risk assessments that focus on identifying vulnerabilities.
They can implement a standardized risk management framework, share threat intelligence, and review security policies to ensure alignment with IT operations. Together, they should develop and refine incident response plans, monitor compliance with security standards, and foster a culture of security awareness throughout the organization. By collaborating closely, the CIO and CISO can ensures that security considerations are integrated into the technology strategy, allowing for proactive identification and mitigation of potential weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors.
Q3. How does a CIO ensure that Information security-related activities required across the organization are accomplished in an efficient, cost-effective, and timely manner?
A CIO ensures that information security-related activities are accomplished efficiently, cost-effectively, and timely by establishing a clear security framework, such as NIST, ISO 27001, SOC2 or CIS to standardize processes for risk management. By prioritizing initiatives based on risk assessments, integrating security into the overall IT strategy, and leveraging automation tools, the CIO can streamline operations and reduce manual effort. Fostering collaboration across departments helps create a holistic approach to security, while continuous training and awareness programs minimize human error. Additionally, robust monitoring systems and regular reporting enable tracking of progress, ensuring that security activities are executed effectively and on schedule.
Q4. With generative AI tools like ChatGPT being used for cybersecurity, how do you parse the AI hype to understand what is its real application and what is simply marketing fluff?
To effectively parse the hype around generative AI tools like ChatGPT in cybersecurity, it’s important to focus on real-world use cases, seeking documented success stories that demonstrate measurable improvements in areas such as threat detection and incident response. Consulting expert opinions from cybersecurity professionals can provide critical insights, helping to distinguish practical applications from marketing claims. Additionally, understanding the limitations of AI—such as its reliance on quality data and challenges with false positives—is crucial. Assessing how these tools integrate with existing security frameworks and evaluating vendor transparency regarding capabilities and potential biases can further clarify their effectiveness. Lastly, consider whether the AI solution is designed for continuous learning, as genuine applications should evolve with new threat intelligence. By focusing on these aspects, you can better discern the practical value of generative AI in cybersecurity.
Q5. How crucial and practical is cost-effectiveness in your vision for the organization’s information security landscape?
The cost-effectiveness plays a crucial part in shaping my vision for the organization’s information security landscape and impact. It helps to ensure we allocate appropriate resources wisely while maximizing the impact of our security initiatives. A practical approach involves balancing security investments with operational needs, identifying areas where we can achieve robust protection without overspending. This includes leveraging automation and efficient technologies, conducting regular risk assessments to prioritize spending, and fostering a culture of security awareness to minimize risks.
Ultimately, a cost-effective strategy not only enhances our security posture but also aligns with broader business objectives, enabling sustainable growth and resilience in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Q6. With the faster adaptation of digital transformation by organizations, how critical is the significance of cyber resilience?
With evolving technologies and digital world, the significance of cyber resilience is very critical as organizations rapidly embrace digital transformation.
While adopting new technologies and online services, there is an significant expansion in the attacks and threats, making the organization more vulnerable to cyber threats.
Cyber resilience goes beyond just preventing attacks; it emphasizes the ability to respond effectively, recover quickly, and maintain operations in the face of incidents.
This approach ensures that organizations can withstand disruptions, protect sensitive data, and safeguard their reputation and branding. By prioritizing cyber resilience, businesses can foster trust among stakeholders, comply with regulatory requirements, and support ongoing innovation while mitigating the risks associated with digital transformations.