Devendra Rath, Vice President of Engineering, Arctic Wolf

With over 25 years of experience in software engineering and leadership, Devendra Rath has built innovative software products from the ground up and led teams at top cybersecurity and tech firms such as Sophos, Pulse Secure, McAfee, and Intel. A graduate of Birla Institute of Technology, Devendra specializes in enterprise-grade security and infrastructure solutions, blending deep technical expertise with strategic vision to drive scalable, secure, and impactful technology outcomes.

What are the major cybersecurity threats and risks that have impacted Indian businesses?

Operations and data security are threatened by a growing number of cybersecurity attacks that Indian companies have to contend with. Ransomware attacks, which encrypt valuable company information and require huge ransoms to decrypt it, continue to be a major issue. Similarly, cloud security breaches have grown, often due to improper configurations or weak access controls, exposing confidential company information.

Unsecured links and incorrectly configured security settings are also significant problems as they offer opportunities for hackers to exploit. Unpatched programs and poorly secured systems leave firms vulnerable to security breaches, which can lead to losses in both money and reputation.

In addition, targeted phishing attacks have advanced in sophistication. Social engineering techniques are used by attackers to fool staff members into installing malware or disclosing private information, granting them illegal access to vital systems.

Given the speed at which cyber threats are developing, Indian companies need to put a high priority on strong security plans, frequent system upgrades, and employee education initiatives to reduce risks and protect digital assets.

Looking back at 2024, how have cybersecurity innovations performed in protecting Indian businesses? Are these trends expected to continue or evolve further in 2025?

Cybersecurity innovations greatly fortified the Indian firms' defenses in 2024. Through the removal of implicit trust and the application of ongoing authentication, the widespread implementation of Zero Trust enhanced security. In 2025, this momentum is anticipated to gain steam as corporations prioritize more proactive threat mitigation.

Real-time detection of cyber threats and response are now feasible due to increasing investments in threat detection and mitigation based on AI. However, while AI is advancing, hackers are employing it for conducting increasingly sophisticated attacks, which compels businesses to enhance their security measures.

In parallel, heretofore disseminated solutions are being targeted through security platform integration. The disparate data of multiple security products are now centrally analyzed by combined platforms, enhancing threats and visibility. In addition, proactive detection through AI-fostered predictive security allows enterprises to mitigate perils before they progress further.

As cyber threats grow more advanced, the only way forward is through AI-driven defense and Zero Trust security ensuring constant verification and faster threat detection.

How is technology shaping the future of cybersecurity? What innovative technologies are being developed to combat cyber threats?

The future of cybersecurity is being redefined by technology, which is bringing creative ways to counteract changing threats. Traditional perimeter-based security is being replaced by zero trust, which makes sure that no entity, inside or outside the network, is trusted by default. This strategy greatly minimizes attack surfaces by implementing stringent access controls and ongoing verification, which makes unauthorized breaches more challenging.

Speed has also emerged as a crucial component of cybersecurity defense. Critical assets can be swiftly identified and exploited by contemporary threat actors following an initial compromise. Organizations are using machine learning (ML) and generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI)-based solutions, which automate incident response and offer real-time threat intelligence, to combat this. With the use of these technologies, security teams can identify, evaluate, and eliminate threats more quickly than before, reducing possible harm.

What role is the Indian government playing in strengthening cybersecurity measures?

By guaranteeing that clients only access authentic platforms, the implementation of secure domains in banking and finance is drastically lowering phishing attacks. By taking this proactive step, digital transactions are more secure and trustworthy.

Important recommendations for companies and security suppliers are also being provided by ongoing changes to the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, and the Cyber Security & Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF). These rules provide a uniform strategy for threat mitigation, improve compliance, and strengthen cyber resilience.

By putting these safeguards in place, the telecom and banking industries are better prepared to handle changing cyber threats, protecting consumers and businesses alike.

How are innovative startups contributing to advanced security solutions for Indian businesses?

Creative entrepreneurs are developing security solutions for Indian businesses using cutting-edge AI technologies. The next five years will see AI play a critical role in cybersecurity, benefiting both attackers and defenders. On the defensive side, businesses are developing real-time threat detection solutions driven by AI, which enable them to promptly identify and eradicate online threats. AI-powered fraud protection systems are also enhancing security in e-commerce, banking, and finance by spotting anomalies and halting fraudulent transactions.

Additionally, automation is increasing the efficiency of cybersecurity operations. AI is automating routine tasks, allowing analysts to focus on complex risks and strategic security solutions. Startups are reducing human labor and accelerating response times to increase the resilience and efficiency of cybersecurity systems.

With AI’s growing influence, what does the future of cybersecurity look like over the next

As AI continues to evolve, the future of cybersecurity will be a constant battle between defenders and adversaries. Deepfake-based social engineering attacks are expected to rise, making it easier for cybercriminals to impersonate individuals and manipulate victims. Meanwhile, AI-driven botnets will automate large-scale malware attacks, increasing the speed and complexity of cyber threats.

To counter these risks, organizations must adopt AI-powered defense mechanisms and Zero Trust models, ensuring continuous authentication and proactive threat detection. By integrating advanced security frameworks, businesses can stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and build a resilient digital future.

Devendra Rath, Vice President of Engineering, Arctic Wolf, says, At the end of the day, the human element remains the weakest link in cybersecurity. No matter how sophisticated security tools become, one misstep from an individual can open doors for cyber threats. The only way to strengthen this link is through awareness. Frequent and relevant training programs play a crucial role in reducing the number of security incidents that companies face.