Ashish is a first-generation entrepreneur with an excellent and rare combination of strong technology understanding and business acumen. Over the past two decades, he has successfully led and exited over three ventures in the areas of security, internet services and cloud based mobile and video communication solutions.

In an interaction with CEOInsights magazine, Ashish highlighted emerging cyber threats—Bot attacks and DDoS evolutions. Patching challenges persist, advocating virtual patching. Sector-specific vulnerabilities demand vigilance. Bridging skill gaps and leveraging risk-based security tech are critical. Below are the key excerpts of the interview-

Future Cyberattack Trends
Today's cyber landscape is witnessing a shift in attack strategies. Attackers are leveraging bots to probe assaults by initially identifying vulnerabilities in web applications and then launching targeted attacks. This two-step method, involving data breaches and malware injections, poses a grave threat. Notably, industries like insurance and healthcare in India are witnessing a surge in bot attacks, six times higher than the industry norm.

Additionally, DDoS attacks have evolved. Previously, they stemmed from centralized data centers on the dark web. Now, botnet-driven DDoS attacks are emerging, using millions of unique IP addresses to send minimal requests per address. These low-rate requests, while collectively massive, make conventional defense methods like rate limiting less effective.

As cyber threats evolve, organizations must rethink defense strategies. The rise of probing attacks and the evolution of DDoS techniques require a proactive and adaptive approach to cybersecurity, going beyond traditional defense mechanisms.

Strategies to Mitigate Critical Vulnerabilities with Cybersecurity
Cyber vulnerabilities fall into two key categories: known vulnerabilities, documented in OWASP Top 10 and SANS 25, include common attacks like XSS, SQL injection, CSRF, and File Injection. The other category, zero-day vulnerabilities, reveals around 300 new weaknesses monthly, reflecting the ever-evolving threat landscape. Addressing vulnerabilities remains a challenge, with critical ones persisting for an average of 250 days. Obstacles include legacy app complexities, limited developer bandwidth, fear of function disruption, and uncontrolled third-party patching cycles. Virtual patching is a hassle-free method to tackle vulnerabilities on the

WAAP or WAF with zero code changes. Vendors can swiftly deploy these patches with a 24-hour SLA and guarantee zero false alarms, offering a proactive shield against potential cyber threats.

Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges and Opportunities
In 2023, a 50 percent surge in disruptive attacks affected 67 percent of vital Indian government and service sectors. Protecting these sectors—government, BFSI, and health—demands addressing ever-evolving cyber threats to digital assets like websites, mobile apps, and APIs. DDoS and Bot attacks pose constant challenges. To combat these threats, real-time monitoring, vulnerability assessments, and swift incident responses are vital. Proactive cybersecurity requires robust solutions. Collaboration, threat sharing, and strong encryption bolster defenses. Training staff and staying updated on emerging threats are crucial for resilient cybersecurity across these critical sectors.

By fortifying the nation's cybersecurity infrastructure through these measures, India can pave the way for a more secure digital future.

Strategies for Bridging the Skills Gap in Cybersecurity
India confronts a pressing challenge: a staggering 40 percent skill gap in cybersecurity, impacting the safety of vital sectors. Leaders grapple with a daunting 69 percent retention struggle. This shortage heightens vulnerability to cyber threats across enterprises and government entities. To mend this gap, a dual approach is imperative.

Firstly, amplifying cybersecurity education in academic spheres is vital to entice more students into this field. Secondly, incentivizing private cybersecurity firms to invest in upskilling tech professionals is crucial. Collaborative efforts between academia and industry promise to bolster both the quality and quantity of adept cybersecurity professionals. By fortifying the nation's cybersecurity infrastructure through these measures, India can pave the way for a more secure digital future.

Key Technologies Empowering Cybersecurity
When discussing security, particularly in application realms, the spotlight falls on implementing risk-based security strategies. The initial stride involves pinpointing potential risks and deploying technology to effectively mitigate them. Shadow IT looms as a significant vulnerability, often evading detection. To combat this, leveraging tech platforms capable of discovering the entire asset library and assessing them based on risk becomes crucial. This ensures both IT and infrastructure teams are vigilant and well-informed about assets needing protection. A robust defense involves asset discovery, vulnerability scanning, and Web Application and API Protection (WAAP). Integrating these technologies fortifies organizational security and shields critical sectors against evolving threats. By embracing a risk-centric approach, organizations bolster their security stance, creating a resilient shield against potential risks.