Strengthening sustainability and security

BEEAH Group is the Middle East’s leading sustainability pioneer, renowned for groundbreaking environmental innovations and smart solutions for future-ready cities. Recognising sustainability and technology as the foundations for a modern economy, BEEAH Group has invested in a comprehensive, full-circle strategy for the future, expanding into the fields of renewable energy, green mobility, transport, education and technology. Ankit Satsangi, Director – Enterprise Development, BEEAH Group, and a judge in our Intelligent ICT Awards 2024 Middle East, discusses the biggest challenges and opportunities for cybersecurity leaders in the evolving digital landscape.

How do you stay abreast of emerging cybersecurity technologies and decide which ones to integrate into your organisation’s security operations?

To keep up with new cybersecurity technologies and decide which ones to integrate, I start by thoroughly understanding my organisation’s business processes. I map out how our current technologies work together and identify any gaps or inefficiencies.

It is also crucial to assess how new technologies could enhance automation and improve overall efficiency. I try to stay informed about industry trends by attending webinars, participating in forums and reviewing research reports. Engaging with vendors and testing new solutions in a controlled setting helps me make informed decisions on which technologies will best meet our needs.

How do you measure the success of your leadership and team development initiatives within the cybersecurity department?

To understand how well our leadership and team development efforts are working in the cybersecurity department, I look at a mix of practical results and direct feedback from the team. I watch how quickly and effectively the team handles security issues and check the quality of their work. If they’re getting better at these tasks, it’s a good sign that my development initiatives are making a difference.

I also keep an eye on how much the team is growing in terms of skillset development and certifications on technologies they work on daily. While tracking things like certifications and training is helpful, what really matters is seeing these new skills put into practice in their daily work. When they are using what they have learned, it shows they’re developing in their roles.

The team’s overall morale and engagement are also important, and I regularly check in with them to see how they are feeling about their jobs and their opportunities for growth. High levels of engagement usually mean we’re doing something right with our initiatives.

Retention is another key indicator. In a field as challenging as cybersecurity, keeping talented people on the team and seeing less turnover suggests our leadership and development efforts are successful.

I also look at how often the team comes up with creative solutions to complex problems. Their ability to think critically and innovate is a strong sign of success.

Finally, I consider how well the cybersecurity team works with other departments. Good communication and successful collaborations with other parts of the organisation show that our team isn’t just improving internally but is also making valuable contributions to the company as a whole.

What do you believe are the biggest challenges and opportunities for cybersecurity leaders in the evolving digital landscape?

One of the main challenges is keeping up with new technologies like AI, IoT and cloud computing, which expands the potential attack surface.

Cyberthreats are becoming more sophisticated and advanced, and staying ahead of them requires constant adaptation and investment in the latest security tools and education.

Balancing strong security with a smooth user experience is another challenge. Organisations want seamless digital experiences, but security measures can sometimes slow things down. It’s important to implement security that doesn’t hinder innovation or usability.

There is also a considerable amount of shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, making it hard to build and maintain strong teams. This talent gap can slow down responses to new and emerging threats.

However, these challenges also present opportunities. Advanced tools with the right people operating them can be used to strengthen defences, automating threat detection and response and catching patterns that humans might miss.

There’s always room to build a culture of security within organisations by educating employees about threats, reducing the risk of human error. Additionally, with more regulations around data privacy and AI, cybersecurity leaders can help shape their organisation’s strategy, building trust with customers and gaining a competitive edge.

How do you foster a collaborative environment within your cybersecurity team, especially when integrating new security technologies or methodologies?

Fostering a collaborative environment is all about communication, trust and involvement. First, I focus on clear, open communication. When integrating something new, I make sure everyone understands why we’re doing it and how it fits into the bigger picture.

This helps the team see the value and reduces any resistance to change. I then actively involve the team in the process and encourage them to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas early on. By doing this they feel more invested in the new technology or method because they have had a say in how it is implemented.

I also make sure to provide the necessary training and resources, so everyone feels confident and capable when working with new tools.

Trust is another key factor. I trust my team’s expertise and judgment, and I show that trust by giving them the autonomy to experiment and explore the best ways to integrate new technologies. This not only fosters innovation but also strengthens the team’s bond as they work together to solve problems and find the most effective solutions.

I encourage a culture of continuous learning and support. By combining clear communication, involvement, trust and a learning mindset, I create a collaborative environment where the team can thrive, especially during times of change.