In a candid interview with SafetyDetectives, Rajivarnan R, the dynamic CEO of Cyberarch, sheds light on his extensive journey in the cybersecurity realm. With a rich background, encompassing roles in global banks and associations with esteemed platforms like the EC Council, Rajivarnan brings over a decade of expertise to Cyberarch, a frontrunner in offering comprehensive cybersecurity services based in Estonia. Through this interview, he offers deep insights into the ever-evolving threat landscape, emphasizing the pressing concerns like mobile phishing, deepfakes, and the rise of AI-fueled cyberattacks. As he walks us through the changing tides of the cybersecurity world, Rajivarnan emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering a cyber-secure environment, and the boundless potential yet inherent limitations of intertwining AI with cybersecurity. This discussion provides a holistic view of the current and future cybersecurity landscape from a seasoned expert’s lens.
Can you talk about your background and your current role as the CEO of Cyberarch?
I am a Cybersecurity Consultant Leader with extensive expertise in multiple domains such as Penetration Testing, Security Posture Assessment, Data Loss Prevention, Mobile Device Security, GDPR Compliance, Incident Response, and Threat Management.
Previously, I was fortunate to have worked with some of the biggest banks in different regions of the world in varying capacities. I had the privilege to share my knowledge and insights on prestigious platforms like the EC Council.
With more than a decade of experience in the cybersecurity industry, I am currently leading Cyberarch as its CEO. The company offers independent and in-depth cyber security consulting services to business organizations, both large and small, across various sectors. Our mission at Cyberarch is to empower organizations with cybersecurity excellence and help them develop a 360-degree view of their information security.
What are the flagship services that Cyberarch offers?
Cyberarch is one of the leading security consulting firms with multiple capabilities that include but are not limited to Cybersecurity, Information Security, Information Forensics, Penetration Testing and Security Training based in Estonia. Our mission as a company is to redefine how businesses are secured from cyber threats.
With more than decades of experience, a highly qualified team, and having solved a variety of challenges in the security field, we are capable of providing comprehensive security services that help secure individuals and businesses completely from any kind of cyber threat.
The security threat landscape has been evolving over the past decade with growing digitization, and it has now become sophisticated and advanced. We, at Cyberarch, are using innovative and responsive solutions, powered by the latest technology, tools, methodologies and best practices to solve growing security threats across the globe.
Can you share your insights into the most concerning emerging cybersecurity threats that organizations should be aware of?
In my view, there are myriad emerging cybersecurity threats threatening to break down the organisational security defences in 2023 and beyond. There has been a sharp rise in mobile-specific phishing and malware attacks, with social engineering tactics being employed left and right throughout.
I observe an increase in the number of cyberattacks against specific industries like healthcare, which is a cause of concern. The burgeoning deepfakes are something to keep an eye on. In addition, the flourishing Ransomware-as-a-Service and Cyber-crime-as-Service market across the world has the potential to put the business world upside down.
I would also advise businesses of all sizes to carefully consider the possible threat from Artificial Intelligence. This is important because cybercriminals are leveraging AI models to boost and broaden the cyberattack potential which must be robustly dealt with.
What are some fundamental security best practices that you believe every organization, regardless of size, should implement?
The fundamental security best practices, in my opinion, should begin at the top hierarchy of any organisation. The leadership group should lead from the front in laying down strong cybersecurity policies and empowering lower levels to implement them successfully.
Organisations should consistently conduct awareness and training modules for every employee of the organisation on the benefits of cybersecurity practices, the latest threats and security trends.
Additionally, businesses should focus on strong password policies, using multi-factor authentication, data backup, setting access privileges, implementation of Zero Trust Architecture, investing in technology and tools and partnering with experts to bolster the security posture and provide a holistic perspective for the organization.
How do artificial intelligence and machine learning contribute to enhancing cybersecurity, and what are their limitations?
The possibilities with the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into cybersecurity are limitless. A few of the top ones that come to mind include the elimination of the wastage of time on the collection and assessment of vast amounts of data. AI can do the task at lightning speed. The blend of AI and cybersecurity will help the security teams to be proactive as the powerful intelligence features will help in predicting the possible type of threats, how the criminals could carryout an attack, their objectives and so on. In an era where cybercriminals are working day and night to combine AI and security for nefarious activities, businesses should encourage AI to be a dominant force.
As for limitations, AI is not yet at its best and this creates problems. How much experts can rely on AI is an important question. The lack of professionals with expertise in AI-powered cybersecurity is also a problem.
How have you observed the landscape of cybersecurity evolving over the past few years, and what trends do you foresee in the near future?
In the past few years, cybersecurity has gone mainstream in the sense that business organisations have realized the necessity of implementing cybersecurity not just as a strategy but inculcating a cybersecurity-enabled culture within. The pandemic-induced changes such as remote working, hybrid working, and cloud storage all acted as a catalyst for the cybersecurity industry to secure the limelight.
The rise of advanced technology like AI, interconnected systems (Internet of Things), digital platforms and digitalization of business has propelled cybersecurity as a necessary element for a successful business. It will continue to play a critical role in keeping data and systems safe, thereby driving force for organizations to succeed.