CISO Endorses the Gap in Cyber Security Skill Set

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1. What do you perceive as the top 10 cybersecurity trends shaping the landscape in 2025, and how are they influencing the strategies of organizations like the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX)?

In 2025, cybersecurity is rapidly evolving, requiring organizations to adopt AI-driven threat detection and Zero Trust Security for stronger defenses. Supply chain security and post-quantum cryptography are becoming critical as third-party risks grow and quantum computing advances. Stricter regulatory compliance, such as SEBI guidelines, is pushing financial institutions to enhance data protection and incident response measures. The rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) and insider threats necessitates strong endpoint security, User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA), and cloud security solutions. To stay ahead, organizations must focus on cyber resilience, AI-driven monitoring, and zero-trust policies to secure financial transactions and maintain trust in digital trading environments.

2. With emerging threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, what proactive measures should organizations prioritize to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities?

Organizations must adopt a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) to enforce strict access controls and continuously verify users and systems. Leveraging AI-driven threat intelligence and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) helps detect and respond to cyber threats in real time. Regular security assessments, including vulnerability testing and penetration testing, are essential to identifying and mitigating risks. Strong cloud security measures, supply chain security, and cybersecurity awareness training help prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. Lastly, a well-defined incident response plan and compliance with regulatory standards ensure resilience against evolving cyber threats.

3. How is cybersecurity technology evolving to address the challenges of securing critical financial data and transaction systems, especially in an interconnected global economy ?

Cybersecurity technology is evolving with AI-driven threat detection and machine learning analytics to enhance real-time fraud prevention in financial transactions. The Zero Trust Security model is being widely adopted, ensuring strict identity verification and access controls to protect critical financial data. Advanced encryption techniques, including post-quantum cryptography, are being developed to secure global transactions against emerging cyber threats. Extended Detection and Response (XDR) and cloud security solutions are integrating security across networks, endpoints, and hybrid cloud environments to combat sophisticated attacks. As financial systems become more interconnected, organizations are prioritizing regulatory compliance, threat intelligence, and proactive security frameworks to safeguard sensitive data and maintain trust in the global economy.

4. What do you identify as the most significant cybersecurity challenges for financial institutions in 2025, and how can they be mitigated effectively?

One significant challenge for financial institutions in mitigating AI-driven cyber threats in 2025 is the skill gap and resource shortage in cybersecurity. As cybercriminals use advanced AI techniques to launch more sophisticated attacks, many institutions struggle to find and retain qualified professionals with the expertise to combat these evolving threats. This resource shortage makes it difficult for organizations to effectively implement and manage AI-powered threat detection systems. To mitigate this challenge, financial institutions should prioritize investing in training programs to upskill their existing cybersecurity teams and explore partnerships with managed security service providers (MSSPs) that offer specialized expertise. Additionally, adopting automated security solutions that integrate AI can help alleviate the burden on under-resourced teams and enhance the overall defense posture.

5. What do you believe is the root cause of the cybersecurity knowledge gap, and what steps should the industry take to bridge it?

The root cause of the cybersecurity knowledge gap lies in the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing complexity of cyber threats, which outpaces the available training and educational resources. As organizations adopt new technologies like AI and cloud computing, there is a growing demand for specialized skills that current educational systems and professional training programs often fail to address. To bridge this gap, the industry should invest in continuous learning programs that keep professionals updated on the latest cybersecurity trends and tools. Additionally, collaborations between educational institutions and industry leaders can create more targeted curricula and certification programs that align with real-world requirements. Finally, promoting diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity field will help attract a broader range of talent and foster a more innovative approach to tackling security challenges.

6. How important is hands-on experience for fresh graduates entering the cybersecurity field, and what specific skills or certifications do you prioritize when hiring?

Hands-on experience is crucial for fresh graduates entering the cybersecurity field, as it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Practical experience, such as internships or lab-based training, equips graduates with the ability to respond effectively to live security incidents and challenges. When hiring, I prioritize skills such as proficiency in using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, network security fundamentals, and incident response. Certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Audit (CISA)and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are highly valued, as they demonstrate a graduate’s commitment to cybersecurity best practices. Additionally, a strong understanding of emerging technologies like cloud security, AI-driven threat detection, and zero-trust models is essential for staying competitive in the evolving landscape.

7. What advice would you give to freshers seeking job opportunities in cybersecurity, particularly in terms of developing relevant technical and problem-solving skills?

For freshers seeking job opportunities in cybersecurity, it is essential to focus on building a strong technical foundation and developing critical problem-solving skills. Start by gaining a deep understanding of fundamental concepts such as network security, encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Hands-on practice is key—engage with lab environments, virtual machines, and platforms like Hack The Box or TryHackMe, where you can simulate real-world cybersecurity attacks and defenses. It’s also important to stay updated on emerging trends, such as cloud security, AI-driven threats, and the Zero Trust model, as these are shaping the industry. Pursue relevant certifications as they validate your skills and show potential employers your commitment to the field. Additionally, develop problem-solving capabilities by tackling complex security scenarios and learning to think critically about how to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, and respond to incidents efficiently. Finally, networking within the cybersecurity community and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can provide valuable insights and career guidance.

8. Many cybersecurity training programs and certifications are criticized for being irrelevant or unrecognized. In your view, what makes a certification or training program truly valuable in the industry?

A truly valuable cybersecurity certification or training program must be recognized, relevant, and aligned with industry needs. First and foremost, it should be rooted in practical skills, ensuring that candidates can apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. Training programs that include hands-on labs, simulations, and problem-solving exercises offer immediate value, as they provide experience in tackling actual cybersecurity challenges. Additionally, certifications that are recognized by top industry bodies, such as EC – Council , ISACA, or (ISC)², lend credibility to the program and demonstrate that the individual has met globally recognized standards of competence. The training must also be current and adaptable, reflecting the latest cybersecurity threats, technologies, and regulatory changes. Finally, programs that emphasize continuous learning, offering updates and specialized tracks in areas like cloud security, threat intelligence, or AI-driven defenses, are invaluable, as they help professionals stay ahead of evolving cyber risks. In summary, a certification or training program is truly valuable when it combines industry recognition, practical application, relevance, and a commitment to ongoing education.

9. How can educational institutions align their cybersecurity curriculum with industry requirements to better prepare graduates for real-world challenges?

To effectively align cybersecurity curricula with industry requirements, educational institutions must prioritize practical, hands-on learning experiences that reflect real-world challenges. This can be achieved by incorporating labs, simulations, and live-fire exercises where students can practice defending against actual cyberattacks, ensuring they develop the skills necessary for incident response and threat management. Collaboration with industry professionals and organizations to stay updated on current trends, regulations, and emerging technologies is crucial to ensuring the curriculum stays relevant. Educational institutions should also emphasize foundational skills like network security, encryption, and risk management while integrating specialized subjects, such as cloud security, AI in cybersecurity, and compliance with global standards like GDPR or NIST. Additionally, establishing partnerships for internships, co-op programs, and mentorship opportunities allows students to gain real-world experience and exposure to the industry’s evolving challenges. By focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, educational institutions can create a workforce ready to address complex cybersecurity threats effectively.

10. Looking toward the future of cybersecurity, what changes do you foresee in how organizations approach workforce training, and how can they ensure their teams are well-equipped to handle evolving threats?

Looking toward the future of cybersecurity, organizations will need to adopt a more dynamic and continuous approach to workforce training due to the rapid evolution of cyber threats.
Traditional one-time training sessions will be replaced with ongoing, real-time learning platforms that focus on upskilling employees in emerging technologies and threat landscapes, including AI-driven attacks, cloud security, and data privacy regulations. To ensure teams are well-equipped to handle evolving threats, organizations must prioritize a culture of continuous learning, where employees regularly participate in hands-on simulations, capture-the-flag exercises, and threat-hunting activities. Furthermore, personalized training paths based on individual roles—such as network security, incident response, or compliance—will be essential for ensuring that each team member is equipped with the specific skills they need. Additionally, partnerships with cybersecurity vendors and third-party platforms to provide certifications and specialized courses will enhance the team’s expertise. By fostering a learning environment that is flexible and tailored to the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, organizations can build resilient teams capable of proactively identifying and mitigating emerging threats.

11. What role do industry partnerships and internships play in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical expertise in cybersecurity ?

Industry partnerships and internships play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical expertise in cybersecurity. They provide students with hands-on experience, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Through internships, students gain exposure to industry-standard tools, technologies, and practices, which helps them develop the skills necessary to address evolving cyber threats effectively. Additionally, industry partnerships offer valuable insights into current cybersecurity trends and practices, enabling educational institutions to align their curricula with the latest industry needs. These experiences not only prepare students for the workforce but also provide employers with a pool of well-trained, job-ready candidates who understand both technical and organizational aspects of cybersecurity.

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