The world is more connected than ever, but with great connectivity comes great risk. In a time where our lives are lived online—from banking and shopping to social media and work—the need for robust digital protection has never been more critical. This is the new battleground, and a new kind of warrior is needed: the cybersecurity professional. To help students understand this fast-growing and vital field, The Times of India’s ‘Leaders on Campus’ initiative is bringing industry experts directly to the source of future talent.
The upcoming session, scheduled for Thursday, August 14, at St Francis College in Koramangala, Bengaluru, will feature Rahul Sasi, the CEO and co-founder of CloudSEK. Sasi is a fascinating figure in the cybersecurity landscape, a testament to how passion and self-driven learning can lead to incredible success. His journey began in 2006 with a grassroots community called Garage4Hackers, a group dedicated to exploring the intricacies of digital security. This early, hands-on experience laid the foundation for what would become a leading global threat intelligence company.
Rahul Sasi: A Journey from Passion to Career
Cybersecurity is a crucial field, no longer just a niche IT role. Consequently, the demand for skilled professionals is skyrocketing. It offers intellectual challenges, lucrative opportunities, and the profound satisfaction of being a digital hero. According to CloudSEK founder Sasi, the work is a “cat and mouse” game against malicious actors, where the stakes are incredibly high.
CloudSEK, an AI company, has built its reputation by predicting cyber threats. CloudSEK serves over 200 organizations globally. For instance, the company provides crucial services like threat detection and analysis to major financial institutions and tech giants.
This highlights the essential role that AI and machine learning are playing in the modern cybersecurity industry, turning the tide against increasingly sophisticated attacks. For students, this means that a career in cybersecurity is not just about understanding firewalls and encryption; it’s about mastering data science, artificial intelligence, and proactive problem-solving.
The Cybersecurity Toolkit
So what does it take to become a digital defender? The field is a broad one, offering various specializations that cater to different skill sets. Here are some of the key roles and areas students can explore:
- Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing: These professionals are the “good guys” who think like the “bad guys.” Ethical hackers are hired to legally breach an organization’s systems to find vulnerabilities before criminals can exploit them. This role requires exceptional problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of network architecture.
- Security Architecture: These experts design and build the security infrastructure of an organization from the ground up. They are responsible for creating a secure foundation that protects against a wide range of threats.
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: These analysts are the first line of defense, monitoring systems for suspicious activity 24/7. They are the ones who detect and respond to security incidents in real time.
- Forensic Cybersecurity: When a breach occurs, these specialists are called in to investigate. They use their skills to trace the attack, identify the perpetrator, and help gather evidence.
Each of these roles requires not only technical proficiency but also a passion for continuous learning. The cybersecurity landscape is in a constant state of flux, with new threats emerging daily. Professionals in this field must be adaptable, curious, and committed to staying informed about the latest trends and technologies.
The Times of India is hosting a two-day cybersecurity quiz for college students in Bengaluru. Students can test their knowledge and engage with the subject. The newspaper will feature those who answer all eight questions correctly.
Cybersecurity is crucial for protecting our personal data and vital infrastructure. Events like ‘Leaders on Campus’ inspire the next generation to pursue this impactful and fulfilling career, becoming the digital defenders our world needs. It’s a call to action for students to not just consume technology, but to protect it.
Reference:
Times of India: leaders on campus explores careers in cybersecurity for students
