How a Leap of Faith Transformed a Career in IT!
In every click, every tap, there’s potential; data flows from here to there on invisible strings, that’s what keeps the framework of modern life in its place. Each application, each system, hides a world that thrives on curiosity and innovation. It takes only a spark, a mere suggestion or an idea, and it’s all over the world in seconds.
This fascinates Hiral the most: the power of IT to transform, to turn one thought into something tangible, something impactful. It is not about solving a problem but creating possibilities. It’s the way we speak to the future, speaking a language that’s constantly evolving and thus learning. Being in the industry for over 2 decades, Hiral was thus able to transform longstanding issues into an opportunity for his success and thus became a giant figure in the IT sector.
As early as 1999, he took an enormous leap of faith into the nascent world of Information Technology while pursuing his B.Sc. in Chemistry. He began working as a Junior Programmer but soon became a master in networking and system administration.
His career continued with a very significant milestone in 2006, wherein he took a position in Saudi Arabia, where he led the IT infrastructure for the ambitious “Saudi Oil and Gas On Shore” project. This was an experience that tested not only his expertise but also his resilience in high-stakes settings.
In 2008, during a global recession, Hiral took on the opportunity to work for NATO and the UN in Afghanistan. He provided critical IT services under adverse conditions and went on to lead IT for a Mumbai-based MNC and break new ground on Information Security at Automation Anywhere.
Acknowledging risk and constant learning will be his pathway to success in an ever-growing domain as Hiral Shah moves forward in advancing the information security world through entities such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Hiral got his 1st CISO role in Dhani Services (part of Indiabulls Group) and he proved how vision and determination can change the face of the industry as he led Dhani to a more secure digital future. He is currently with Elecon Group of Companies as a group CISO
Let us learn more about his journey:
The Evolution of a Cyber Guardian
Hiral has had a fabulous experience over his journey for the last 24 years in the information security realm. Well-fascinated technology interests began for Hiral in 1999 when he faced the urgent necessity of protecting sensitive data and systems against malicious threats. He further recalls those days when cybersecurity was in its very early stage with rudimentary hacking methods and basic defensive strategies. There was a constant battle going on between hackers and security experts, wherein one side kept moving the line higher by making new tools and tactics while the other tried to stay ahead of them.
A turning point in Hiral’s career was when the point began to shift to more of an active approach to security. Those firewalls and antivirus software installations of yore were but a history; what was required was an era of humanity’s understanding of emerging threats. He dove deep into the intricacies of advanced persistent threats, zero-day vulnerabilities, and cybercrime motives.
This training gave him an understanding of what should be done in case these dual-faceted problems occurred. He evolved into a sought-after consultant for organizations of all sizes that needed guidance through the perilous waters of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyber assaults that might paralyze operations and compromise sensitive information.
The rise of cloud computing had another very significant impact on Hiral’s career, as it represented a paradigm shift in security practice. With data and applications migrating to the cloud within a time frame measured in months, he realized the urgent need to transform himself to handle the distinct security issues this new environment throws up.
He acquired expertise in cloud access management, encryption of data, and richer incident response designs. With continuous learning and adaptation, he ensures assets for his clients are kept safe and secure from this rapidly changing technological landscape.
During all this travel across information security, Hiral has seen the most stringent revamps, from humble starter information security into what it is today, an integral element in any organization’s risk management strategy.
Managing Risks with Insightful Precision
Hiral would approach risk assessments as a mix of qualitative and quantitative analysis, applying the tools of the SWOT analysis and the Risk Assessment Matrix to adequately identify and prioritize risk. He demonstrates immense relevance to the organization’s goals by proactively soliciting stakeholder input so that he is better positioned to understand strategic goals.
Utilizing established frameworks such as ISO 31000, he ensures that the process of the assessment is always relevant and responsive, with ongoing monitoring and feedback. This collaborative method would not only integrate risk management with the decision-making framework but also see to it that the risk would be addressed in a manner that would support the broader aims of the organization.
A Resilient Security Framework
According to Hiral, a security program cannot be formulated without some ruminations. It entails starting with a real risk assessment that will help identify vulnerabilities and threats specific to the organization. Next is setting out security policies and procedures aligned with business objectives and compliance standards.
The final step is a technical implementation of controls like firewalls and encryption and administrative controls of access management and training of the employee. The program needs to be simulated and audited regularly to ensure that it functions as expected, that is, provides chances for adjustment rather than change in the risk.
To summarize all this procedure, well-prepared incident response plans and continuous monitoring are highly important in working toward adaptation to emerging threats. In relation to this, these two complement each other to ensure the organization keeps its resistance to challenges.
Approach to Compliance
Hiral is aware of the changes in rules by reading news from renowned primary sources, agencies issuing updates, and magazines that circulate industry-specific news. All these heighten his comprehension of what is required to comply. Professional networks and attendance at industry-related events all add depth to their understanding of what is necessary to comply.
As such, Hiral has developed a robust compliance program that fosters compliance for the long term across the different sectors of business. There is regular training of staff, a periodic assessment of practice, and a monitoring system responsive to new developments in the place. Through all this, he encourages open communication, which substantially enhances awareness and commitment toward regulatory standards among all the team members.
Lessons from a Ransomware Attack
Hiral recalls an event that spoke volumes about a security incident encountered by a midsized organization when ransomware took over, caused a total data lockout, and led to severe operational disruptions. Such an event highlighted severe weaknesses in the organization’s backup procedures as well as incident response strategies.
This experience taught many critical lessons. Apart from the fact that it underlined the dangers of changing default passwords, it emphasized creating tested backup copies at regular intervals. It also threw light on how advanced threat detection systems will be invaluable in this regard.
Educating one’s employees in a way to identify phishing attempts is very useful in complementing defenses against such attacks. At the same time, a sensitive and detailed incident response plan with appropriate communication and recovery strategies becomes very important to reduce downtime and speed up recovery. It is through such insight that the organization has strengthened its security posture and paved its way to better tenacity in case of future threat situations.
Protecting Sensitive Data
Hiral emphasizes the use of fundamental security technologies to protect sensitive data. In these, advanced encryption techniques are highly notable, especially homomorphic encryption. This allows computations on encrypted data without decryption to preserve privacy throughout the computation.
A zero-trust architecture is all about enforcing strict identity and access management policies, where users and devices are continuously verified for added security. EDR solutions significantly contribute in terms of real-time monitoring and the subsequent threat detection across devices.
More noteworthy, indeed, is the integration of network and security functions through Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), which effectively safeguards the cloud environment from data breaches. Additionally, AI as well as ML is applied for threat detection for quick identification of anomalies and potential breaches. All these combine to present a whole, giving a strong defense for the progressing nature of cybersecurity threats to protect sensitive information in an increasingly digital world.
Building a Culture of Security
Hiral believes that organizations have to realize that their security culture will never be comprehensive unless it permeates all levels, starting from awareness and education related to best practices.
Such an environment has to be “infused into the workflow” and needs to have open communication regarding all forms of potential threats. Training sessions, including simulated phishing attacks, are part of developing the said culture, along with clear security policies.
Employees are critically involved in the process because they become the primary defense an organization has against attacks and breaches. Their vigilance in strictly adhering to the established protocols can prevent the risks that associates face in terms of breaches and attacks.
Involving active employees in security creates a sense of responsibility, which can be emphasized by the fact that everyone shares the responsibility for protecting sensitive information. However, staff collaboration does not only enhance protection but makes it a shared value within a workplace setting.
Measuring Security Success
Hiral stresses the value of KPIs toward security program effectiveness and talks of the number of security incidents detected, the time taken in addressing vulnerabilities, percentage of employees completing security training, response times to incidents, click-through rates in phishing simulation, compliance with security policies, reviews of user access, and volume of security alerts managed, among others.
In concert, these indicators clearly define an organization’s security posture and spot areas that need to be attended to while focusing security measures on broader organizational objectives.
Strengthening Security through Collaboration
Hiral outlines the need for departments to collaborate in a way that brings a holistic approach toward information security. Repeatedly meeting to pool together the IT, legal, and compliance teams allows organizations to effectively set their security goals in alignment. This will ensure security policies are both robust and adherent to regulations.
Clear communication channels are essential in this process to enable teams to share insights on emerging threats as well as best practices, allowing full integration of security measures into workflows. Being able to involve stakeholders with the development of training and using this understanding deeply in an organization is a basis for a stronger security framework.
Preparing for Tomorrow’s Cyber Threats
Hiral warns of the growing dangers in advanced ransomware, complex phishing schemes, and the misapplication of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. To protect against such impending threats, organizations need to invest in high-end cybersecurity training for the employees. Advanced threat detection tools, along with responses and smooth update cycles with other patching mechanisms, are much needed.
Comprehensive incident response plans will also be necessary in handling any breach that may arise. Advanced threat hunting can further enrich the security environment, while partnerships with threat intelligence sharing groups will bring valuable insights into a breach.
Further, making security considerations in the software development lifecycle will play a very important role in reducing risks. By taking all the steps above, organizations will be prepared for the trials to come.
Creating a Growth Culture for Cybersecurity
Hiral inspires growth and adaptation by leading his team with a sense of vision. That inspires the environment to be one of continuous learning, where not only certifications or knowledge of the latest security trends and technologies are pursued but where open communication is essential and makes the employees share their ideas and insights without any hesitation at all. Creative solutions to security challenges find an acknowledgment and reward from him, initiating a culture where innovation is applauded.
A complete approach to security and, hence, regular brainstorming sessions and collaborative projects with IT, legal, and compliance departments help ensure completion. This collaboration not only makes the team more effective but also helps them to feel and act as owners and guardians of information.
As he stays connected with the latest industry trends and innovative minds, Hiral keeps the strategic orientation of the team on point, allowing them to be proactive in hardening their security rather than reactive. The result from his leadership is a culture that takes pride in growth, creativity, and responsibility within an ever-progressing cybersecurity domain.
Encouraging the Future of Information Security
Hiral focuses the attention of organizations on several emerging trends in information security to focus on during the next few years. Zero-trust security models are becoming increasingly essential to fortify perimeter defenses and scrutinize each point of access. As artificial intelligence and machine learning evolve, so does their role in threat detection and response; thereby, the organization can get a handle on the risk quickly.
With rising legal standards on data privacy, companies have been facing an increased need for compliance. Increasing use of remote work and cloud services calls for more robust cloud security solutions to protect sensitive information. Furthermore, Hiral has stressed the importance of employee security awareness training, which would help employees recognize and counter potential dangers.
These include integration of DevSecOps practices throughout the software development lifecycle, baking security into that right from the start of development, and using advanced analytics on threat intelligence for anticipating and counteracting emerging cyber threats. All these trends can help organizations work towards a safer digital space for themselves and others.
Personal Reflection on Success
Success for Hiral is a journey toward personal and professional improvement. Thus, his desire has always been to take on roles that help him not only upgrade his skills but also make a more meaningful impact within his organization and community.
After two decades of beginning his career, Hiral was inspired by the will to learn from the very experienced colleagues around him while taking every opportunity that came his way to add value.
For years, Hiral undertook special projects that stretched his skills and found ways to help his teammates so that his work was always of excellent quality. Eventually, this gave him the trust and support from leadership to undertake more complex initiatives.
While this journey certainly wasn’t easy, Hiral is firmly of the conviction that cultivating a growth mindset along with perseverance and dedication to self-improvement is what has propelled him in the direction of advancement at work.
While success, to everyone, may have its own different meanings, for Hiral, it has become the constant pursuit of knowledge, the actual practice of his talents, and the nourishment of big relationships in the trip. His account is an example that fulfillment indeed cannot be found if not in the journey itself through experiences and connections that build on both oneself and others.
Words of Wisdom
Hiral insists, very seriously, that leadership aspirants would focus more on establishing good rapport and showing quality character. If they care to listen to understand diverse opinions and treat everyone with due respect, they create an environment that motivates people and raises them to achieve even better.
The marks of true leadership are not honesty only, not even just empathy, but results. It goes hand in hand with staying humble and being willing to learn from both the successes and mistakes that you know will create. With diligence and a sincere interest in helping others, these leaders have the potential to inspire meaningful change in communities.
Power of Recognition
Hiral believes that recognition plays an enormously powerful role for individuals as well as for organizations. Valuing recognition by peers and other professional bodies, it is understood that external validation is a powerful motivator. This brings strength to what might be focused on quality, and it also develops a culture of ongoing self-improvement.
To be personal, winning “Top 100 CISO 2023” from the CISO platform and the “Impact Circle CXOs 2023 (India)” Award from Marketing in Asia, which was received in 2023, is a true honor for Hiral, encouraging him to challenge himself all the time in embracing new responsibilities and coming up with creative solutions, expanding the realm of possibility.
The firm boasts a proud record of obtaining leading market positions. For Hiral and the organization, these plaques are merely a step on the ladder to ensure learning from past successes as they spur exploration of new means to improve the service provided for all stakeholders. Recognition ignites ambition, while accreditation provides benchmarking against which to measure performance against those established standards. A feeling of pride over the so far feats weighs heavily on Hiral, and he remains invigorated by what is still ahead.