As we step into a new era, a groundbreaking concept called Cybereality has emerged, where the speed of time accelerates in milliseconds, leaving businesses and individuals vulnerable to rapidly evolving cyber threats. In this fast-paced digital landscape, staying protected is more critical than ever. ALTISEC TECHNOLOGIES Pvt Ltd, a leading Cybersecurity company, is at the forefront, ensuring that you are safeguarded from the risks of the digital world.
According to Sandeep Dusane, the President (Strategy & Global Business), and Parag Ghatkar, Director (Global Delivery), their responsibilities and effectiveness increase tenfold in such a scenario. They elaborated on how ALTISEC TECHNOLOGIES is ensuring that its clients remain constantly protected in this cyber-vulnerable digital age.
CIOWorld India welcomes Sandeep and Parag to this exclusive interview. “We appreciate your time and insights, which will undoubtedly help our readers navigate the complexities of Cybersecurity in today’s digital era,” said Manthan.
“Yes, cyber threats are indeed evolving at an unprecedented pace, and businesses must stay one step ahead. We are glad to share our expertise and help raise awareness about the risks companies face today. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity,” echo’s Sandeep and Parag.
As a trailblazer in the Cybersecurity industry, could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to step into and continue focusing on this dynamic field?
Sandeep: Cybercriminals are constantly seeking ways to outmanoeuvre Cybersecurity measures. They may rapidly exploit vulnerabilities, use advanced persistent threats (APTs), deploy ransomware, conduct sophisticated supply chain attacks, or leverage AI and machine learning to automate attacks and evade detection. In this dynamically evolving cyber landscape, your clients entrust you to keep them safe. This trust drives us to ensure our clients stay ahead in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.
This business’s role is based on a key principle: the focus is on actively assisting clients in strengthening their security posture and staying ahead of ongoing security challenges. Without this commitment, the business’s relevance is diminished.
Our journey began in 2017 when we discovered that many data protection controls were failing to prevent data exfiltration. This was not due to the tools’ ineffectiveness but rather because many clients had not established a comprehensive plan. A solid understanding of their data was essential for success. Furthermore, there were very few resources available to help clients navigate these challenges.
Recognizing this gap, we launched a consultancy aimed at improving data practices. This involved conducting data flow analyses to trace how data moves through various
systems and processes. This analysis allowed us to identify potential weaknesses and unauthorized access points. As a result, we assisted organizations in implementing targeted security measures, such as exfiltration prevention controls, encryption and access controls, to enhance their data security.
In addition, we expanded our services to help clients with data risk analysis. This begins with discovering and classifying data effectively across their organizational landscape. Our commitment to delivering these services with a firm focus on results quickly led to the signing of consultancy and service contracts with large banking clients in India.
“In this dynamically evolving cyber landscape, our clients entrust us to keep them safe. This trust drives us to ensure our clients stay ahead in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.”
-Sandeep
This motivated us to address the specific problems that clients needed solutions for, prompting us to broaden our service portfolio to include security solutions for unstructured data, file security, and more.
Today, we are committed to enhancing organizational resilience through our comprehensive suite of Cybersecurity services. Our services are designed to empower clients to build stronger defences against an ever-changing landscape of cyber threats. We focus on guiding organizations through the complexities of regulatory compliance, ensuring they meet essential standards and mitigate risks effectively. Our team collaborates closely with clients to develop proactive response strategies, enabling them to address cyber incidents promptly and minimize disruption to their operations. All this contributes to creating a safer digital environment for our clients.
Could you share the guiding philosophy that has propelled your organization’s success?
Sandeep: Our journey has just begun, and we are ready to embark on an exciting and transformative path. We are determined to lead the way in this field by embracing core principles and strategic approaches with exceptional finesse. You can see that in our overall approach and people practice.
The issue at hand is not the inadequacy of existing tools, the competence of personnel, or the robustness of the processes in place. What is essential is a comprehensive approach that integrates all these elements cohesively. This entails analyzing them as an interconnected system to align efforts toward effectively achieving the desired outcomes.
At the forefront, our Altisec Fusion Platform empowers our clients to adopt a proactive security posture toward emerging threats and significantly reduce the exposure landscape.
We are actively harnessing automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to elevate our services’ KPIs, such as incident response time, measurement of the effectiveness of risk reduction methods, alert accuracy, compliance measures, and drive outstanding results.
“The issue at hand is not the inadequacy of existing tools, the competence of personnel, or the robustness of the processes in place. What is essential is a comprehensive approach that integrates all these elements cohesively. This entails analyzing them as an interconnected system to align efforts toward effectively achieving the desired outcomes.”
-Sandeep
We focus on enhancing our training programs, recognizing their vital role in improving employee behaviour and reducing incidents. By prioritizing training, we aim to minimize the risk of human error and strengthen our overall security measures. This proactive approach not only fosters a safer work environment but also empowers those associated with it with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
We provide advanced, cutting-edge services designed to significantly enhance our operational capabilities. By establishing robust strategic partnerships with leading Cybersecurity technology leaders, we ensure that we remain at the forefront of industry advancements and best practices.
We have a strong Cybersecurity plan that minimizes the risk of attacks. However, we also emphasize building a strong cyber resilience plan, which helps businesses quickly adapt, recover, and resume operations with minimum impact.
Through strong governance frameworks, we empower our clients to navigate complex regulatory requirements. Our focus on trust, transparency, and ethical practices underpins
our business model, helping us build lasting relationships with our clients and partners.
Cybersecurity landscape is continually evolving. How do you ensure that ALTISEC TECHNOLOGIES remains adaptable and ahead of industry trends, providing innovative solutions to your clients?
Parag: We are navigating a rapidly evolving cyber landscape defined by a significant surge in the number, speed, and sophistication of cyberattacks. Our clients are determined to maintain a competitive edge while effectively managing stringent regulatory requirements. This dynamic environment presents us with challenges and valuable opportunities to address today’s Cybersecurity threats head on.
To effectively detect and respond to the threats, we have established our own Cybersecurity Operations and Fusion Centre (COFC) with Advanced Fusion capabilities that seamlessly integrate and leverage AI for Threat Intelligence, Threat Hunting, Incident Response (IR), and Security Monitoring. This powerful combination, the Alticyber Fusion Platform, allows us to implement proactive and adaptive defense mechanisms that enhance our client’s security posture.
We have essentially aimed to break down silos and encourage collaboration among various team members. For instance, Threat Intelligence teams can share reliable Threat Data with the Incident Response team and analysts. This collaborative approach provides a comprehensive view of the threat landscape, leading to quicker and more accurate responses, ultimately helping to effectively mitigate cyber threats.
Furthermore, we assess and monitor in real-time through Continuous Threat and Exposure Management Platforms (CTEM). These platforms continuously assess and monitor our clients’ attack surfaces, identify potential risks, and prioritize them for remediation. We also track identity feeds and have integration points to a larger Identity Data lake for comprehensive security management. By maintaining a complete organizational view of assets, Identities and
vulnerabilities, we can proactively neutralize potential threats. As you may know, exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities and compromised identities is responsible for more than 90% of successful breaches. Additionally, we are collaborating with Edvantech and using a next-gen Learning and Compliance management system platform to provide targeted training for client-end users, which works collaboratively with our simulation system. For example, if certain users fail an email phishing simulation test, they are directly guided to complete the
required training immediately. This happens because of the workflow integration we have managed to implement at one of our clients’ places.
They say that the essence of Cybersecurity lies in seamless operations and technological innovation. So how does ALTISEC TECHNOLOGIES strike a balance between operational proficiency and client expectations?
Parag: Balancing operational efficiency with client expectations for a Cybersecurity company is a significant challenge that demands a strategic approach. First, we conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to understand the specific threats the clients’ organization faces. This helps us prioritize security measures and allocate resources effectively. Enhancing IT security while maintaining efficiency requires a deep understanding of one’s application and infrastructure.
We prioritize the implementation of security measures that enhance rather than disrupt operational workflows. By utilizing automated tools for repetitive security tasks, we empower our team to concentrate on more complex challenges. We work closely with our clients to ensure that their Cybersecurity strategies are closely aligned with their business goals and risk tolerance. This collaboration involves setting clear strategic objectives and seamlessly integrating security measures that support these aims while maintaining productivity. Furthermore, we harness the power of AI for proactive threat detection, which not only improves accuracy but also alleviates the workload on our team, allowing for quicker and more effective responses.
“We are a purpose-driven organization, and through our employee-first approach, we are fostering a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment among our associates.”
-Parag
We have a robust event response plan that includes both internal and external processes. This plan assists clients in responding to various types of cyber incidents by containing issues, responding effectively, and ensuring quick recovery to minimize disruption to operations. We conduct regular audits and testing to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with industry best practices. This proactive approach helps maintain a high level of security while keeping operations efficient.
We promote global cooperation in Cybersecurity to share threat intelligence and best practices. This collaborative approach helps us quickly address global cyber threats and improve overall security posture. Our associates work collaboratively with the global cyber network and are aware of the latest security threats and best practices. We have implemented metrics to measure the effectiveness of our approach. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Mean Time to Acknowledge (MTTA) and Mean Time to Respond (MTTR) can help in assessing the efficiency of one’s security operations. In the event of a security incident, balance the need for speed by eliminating false positives in one’s response. Quick decisions can mitigate damage, but they must be informed and well-considered to avoid further complications. By following these steps, we are effectively balancing operational efficiency with client expectations, ensuring robust security measures without compromising performance.
Do you agree that the workforce is the cornerstone of any successful organization. How does ALTISEC TECHNOLOGIES foster a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment among its employees?
Parag: We completely agree and believe the same. Culture represents an organization’s personality, reflecting the shared values, ethos, and practices that shape its members’ overall behaviour and attitudes. We are a purpose-driven organization, and through our employee-first approach, we are fostering a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment among our associates.
By fostering this environment, we aim to motivate, engage, and empower our employees to contribute to the organization’s success. We have implemented a structured program that provides continuous learning opportunities and a clear, transparent pathway for career progression. We encourage our associates to take ownership of their work and have given them the autonomy to make decisions that help us exceed client satisfaction (CSAT) goals. Making our clients successful is paramount for our associates, as we prioritize a client-first approach.
“The robust synergy between Altisec Fusion Platform and our skilled resources allows us to create proactive and adaptive defense mechanisms that enhance our client’s security posture.”
-Parag
We promote a culture that encourages creativity and experimentation, as this can lead to innovative ideas and solutions. This is crucial for staying competitive and adapting to changing market conditions. Additionally, it can lead to improved products and services and help being responsive to client needs.
We are committed to building an inclusive and supportive environment through our policies and practices, which focus on work-life balance and employee well-being. We are particularly nurturing innovation and collaboration across teams, which is a crucial aspect of our Fusion services. Without this collaboration, achieving our desired results would be challenging.
Our operations span multiple locations, which allows us to attract a wide range of talent with various skills and backgrounds. This diversity not only enriches our team but also enhances our ability to connect more effectively with our clients as we are closer to their needs and perspectives.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for ALTISEC TECHNOLOGIES? How do you aspire to continue making a significant impact on India’s Cybersecurity landscape?
Sandeep: We function at the crossroads of cutting-edge technology and comprehensive Cybersecurity services. Our ambition is to lead the industry in delivering innovative and transformative solutions that shield organizations from the ever evolving landscape of cyber threats and enable them to flourish in the digital realm with confidence and resilience.
Our approach combines state-of-the-art security measures with strategic consulting, ensuring that our clients are equipped to navigate the complexities of today’s digital environment. By collaborating with us, organizations can fully concentrate on achieving their core business objectives, knowing that their Cybersecurity requirements are being meticulously managed by experts. This partnership allows them to minimize risks, enhance their Cybersecurity posture, and ultimately drive sustainable growth while safeguarding their critical assets.
Can you also shed some light on your global aspirations?
Sandeep: The Cybersecurity market is thriving and continually evolving, presenting a wealth of opportunities for service providers to innovate and effectively address the growing security needs across various industries. By adopting a holistic approach that seamlessly integrates tools, personnel skills, and existing processes, we can view these elements as interconnected components of a larger system. This perspective enables us to align our efforts more constructively, ultimately driving impactful results.
Our dedication to this comprehensive strategy has already yielded positive outcomes. Our projects have consistently achieved impressive customer satisfaction (CSAT) scores, which has led our partners to approach us with opportunities from globally recognized companies. This success has empowered us to engage in consultancy and professional services projects in dynamic markets such as Dubai, Singapore, and Johannesburg. Furthermore, we have successfully completed significant projects for an insurance giant and a manufacturing company in the U.S. These experiences not only showcase our tactical strengths but also reveal the exciting opportunities that the U.S. market holds for 2025, fueled by ongoing technological advancements and rising demand for Cybersecurity solutions. In response, we are strategically planning to expand in the U.S., where we already have an office and are in the process of establishing a Center of Excellence (COE) in Dallas.
“Our ambition is to lead the industry in delivering innovative and transformative solutions that shield organizations from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats and enable them to flourish in the digital realm with confidence and resilience.”
-Sandeep
To take advantage of these emerging opportunities, we are excited to leverage our Fusion Platform to provide Managed Security Services that include continuous monitoring and management of security systems. This initiative will allow businesses to focus on their core operations while we implement strong security measures to protect their interests, ultimately fostering a safer digital landscape for everyone.
We are also looking forward to expanding our efforts in the Middle East, particularly in Critical Infrastructure Protection. The strategic importance of sectors like oil and gas, energy, and transportation presents a unique opportunity for growth. By delivering robust Cybersecurity services to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats, we can fulfil the increasing demand and contribute meaningfully to the safety and resilience of these essential industries.
Will you share an example of a customer benefiting from ALTISEC TECHNOLOGIES’ holistic approach?
Parag: Sure! A leading institution in the Insurance sector encountered several Cybersecurity challenges that presented opportunities for improvement. With operations across multiple regions, the organization had a complex IT infrastructure comprised of various security tools that were not well integrated. Additionally, employees tended to work in silos, hindering the development of cohesive threat intelligence and a comprehensive view of their security landscape. The diverse security tools from different vendors created integration difficulties and inefficiencies in both threat detection and response. This independent operation among teams led to communication gaps and limited collaboration, making it harder for the institution to effectively identify and respond to emerging threats. Moreover, navigating the ever-evolving regulations in the BFSI sector posed a continuous challenge, further complicated by their fragmented security approach.
“For a client in the Insurance sector, Cybersecurity’s unified platform reduced the average threat detection time by 35% and improved response times by 45%. The collaborative framework led to a 30% increase in operational efficiency and a significant decrease in security incidents.”
-Parag
Recognizing these challenges, our company collaborated with the client to transform their Cybersecurity framework. We implemented a solution that integrated all existing\security tools into a unified platform. This strategic integration streamlined operations, enhanced data sharing, and improved threat detection capabilities. By establishing cross-functional teams, we effectively broke down silos and cultivated a collaborative environment. To ensure alignment with the new security protocols, we organized regular workshops and training sessions for all teams.
Our advanced threat intelligence solutions offer real-time insights into potential threats, empowering the client to anticipate and mitigate risks proactively. We also set up a robust compliance management system that automatically tracks regulatory changes, ensuring the institution remains compliant with all industry standards.
The results were remarkable: the unified platform reduced the average threat detection time by 40% and improved response times by 50%. The collaborative framework led to a 30% increase in operational efficiency and a significant decrease in security incidents. As a result, the client gained a holistic view of their security landscape, which facilitated proactive risk management and informed decision-making.
The automated compliance management system kept the client up-to-date with regulatory requirements, effectively lowering the risk of non-compliance penalties. By integrating their security tools and fostering a culture of collaboration, our company enabled this BFSI client to significantly enhance their Cybersecurity posture. This comprehensive approach not only improved security but also positioned the institution as a leader in Cybersecurity within the BFSI sector, showcasing its commitment to excellence in safeguarding sensitive information.
