Sequretek Deeply Committed to Enhancing the Security Ecosystem Both in India and Globally

The cybersecurity landscape in India has evolved significantly in recent years. To do away with the menace of cybercrimes, there has been a substantial increase in investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and the adoption of advanced technologies like AI and ML. Committed to enhancing the security ecosystem both in India and worldwide, Sequretek empowers organizations to protect their digital assets effectively, with its comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions. PANKIT DESAI, CEO & CO-FOUNDER, SEQURETEK, in a conversation with VARINDIA, talks about the key security challenges, the role of AI and ML to combat threat and how Sequretek is ensuring its clients stay ahead of the curve.

Key security challenges
Increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks is one of the primary concerns today, as India is grappling with a multitude of security challenges. “We are seeing more advanced persistent threats that leverage AI to bypass traditional security measures. Additionally, the rapid digital transformation and the surge in IoT devices have expanded the attack surface, making it more challenging to secure networks and data. The rise in attacks on smart city infrastructure is an example of this,” says Pankit.

With the cybersecurity landscape evolving like never before, Pankit further adds, “We have witnessed a substantial increase in investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and the adoption of advanced technologies like AI and ML. There is also a stronger emphasis on regulatory compliance and data protection frameworks, thanks to initiatives like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.” Despite these advancements, Pankit feels the cybersecurity skills gap remains a critical issue, as highlighted by a World Economic Forum study showing a 40,000 shortfall in skilled cybersecurity professionals in India.

AI and ML Coming to the Rescue
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are emerging as a new saviour in the world of cybercrime. Pankit believes, “The adoption of AI and ML has significantly enhanced India’s approach to cybersecurity in several key ways: 1) Threat Detection and Response, wherein AI and ML algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data in real-time to identify unusual patterns and potential threats. 2) Automated Security Systems, which reduces the workload on human analysts and allows them to focus on more complex issues. 3) Predictive Analytics, which helps in preparing defences against future attacks. 4) Enhanced Authentication Methods, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, provide more secure and efficient ways to verify identities and prevent unauthorised access. 5) Fraud Detection, which helps in preventing financial crimes and protecting sensitive information, and 6) Incident Response, which accelerates the recovery process and minimizes downtime.” He further goes on to say that India’s National Strategy for AI, led by NITI Aayog, emphasizes its importance in enhancing cybersecurity measures.

Threat Actors Adopting New Methods
Threat actors are constantly evolving their communication methods to stay ahead of detection mechanisms. The Sequretek CEO elaborates, “In recent times, we have observed an increased use of encrypted communication channels and dark web forums for coordination and planning. These actors are leveraging encrypted messaging apps, such as Telegram and Signal, which offer end-to-end encryption to evade interception and monitoring.”

A number of sophisticated methods, according to him, are being employed by threat actors these days, such as - Living-off-the-land (LotL) Techniques, Reverse Tunnelling and URL Shorteners, Encryption-Free Extortion, Kerberoasting, Obfuscation and Anti-Analysis, and Victim-Specific URI and Text Padding. To counter these techniques, Pankit emphasizes the organizations need to adopt advanced threat intelligence and behavioural analysis solutions that can identify and mitigate these hidden threats.

Security Measures to Deal with Whale Phishing
Whale phishing is another area of concern, as it targets high-profile individuals like CEOs and CFOs, making it crucial for organizations to implement robust security measures to protect their executives. To this, Pankit advises to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness and training program tailored specifically for top executives. “The identification of whale phishing attempts includes looking out for suspicious emails, any unusual requests, or email anomalies like misspellings or unusual domains,” he notes, further suggesting organizations to also implement multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to executive accounts.

Contributing to the Security Ecosystem
Sequretek has a comprehensive suite of solutions – Enterprise Security Monitoring & Management, Endpoint Security, Identity Governance, and Managed Security Services – which empowers organizations to protect their digital assets effectively. “Besides, we leverage advanced technologies like AI and ML to provide real-time threat detection and response, ensuring that our clients stay ahead of evolving cyber threats,” he highlights.

Sequretek also invests heavily in R&D to continuously innovate and improve their security offerings. “Our proactive approach includes threat intelligence sharing and collaboration with industry partners and regulatory bodies to foster a more secure digital landscape. Through our partnerships with institutions in the US as well as India, training programs and workshops, we aim to educate and upskill the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. We help in designing the cybersecurity curriculum, provide course material and practical training,” Pankit elaborates. Additionally, Sequretek also actively participates in shaping cybersecurity policies and frameworks to drive better regulatory practices, he concludes.