29th August 2024: StrategINK Solutions Private Limited proudly and successfully concluded the 5th Edition of ESCON, the premier Enterprise Security Connect spotlighting the latest advancements in cybersecurity, at Courtyard Marriott, Aravali, with 200+ cybersecurity leaders & technology leaders from South Asia, in the 3-day residential conference 23rd – 25th August. The conference was themed around Mission Possible – Cybersecurity in the Dynamic Digital-Age, delved into the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity and the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
We extend heartfelt gratitude to the unwavering support from our prestigious sponsor partners, including industry giants like Sysdig, Palo Alto Networks, SentinelOne, and 63 Sats, alongside Druva, Pentagon System & Services, Commvault, Wysetek, Barracuda, Com Olho, Forcepoint, OpenText, and Skybox Security. The conference had ET Now as telecast partner, StrategINK Insights as research partner, and CXO Digital Pulse was digital media partner.
Supporting associations included ISACA New Delhi Chapter, CMAI, CSAI and TEMA.
Talking about ESCON, Vinod Singh, Managing Director of StrategINK mentioned that, “South Asia accounted for nearly 15% of global ransomware attacks, underscoring the need for cybersecurity leaders to adopt a holistic strategy in the face of a dynamic threat landscape. ESCON aims to encourage the exchange of ideas and collaboration on innovative strategies, enabling us to build a more resilient cybersecurity framework as a united community.”
The conference had an impressive array of sessions, stimulating discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities, setting the stage for a forward-looking dialogue on the future of cybersecurity. The key highlights were:
- Insights from The Shadows of Security: South Asia Cyber Survey 2024, which had responses from over 650 CISOs and cybersecurity experts in South Asia, offered a comprehensive overview of current cybersecurity trends and challenges in South Asia, emphasizing emerging threats, evolving strategies, and regional sentiments.
- Launch of CISO Handbook – Strategic Cyber Vision, encapsulated point of views of 60+ CISOs and cybersecurity leaders across South Asia, highlighting the best practices, impact of AI and cybersecurity landscape
Prateek Tokas, Chief Knowledge Officer quoted, “With South Asia emerging as a prime target for cybercriminals globally, the cybersecurity posture of organizations is improving year on year. The survey clearly highlights the evolving strategic approach of CISOs in combating cyber attacks, with AI playing an increasingly pivotal role in crafting efficient and adaptive cyber strategies.”
The event commenced with a beautifully choreographed Ganesh Vandana, creating an auspicious beginning. As the conference unfolded, discussions emphasized –
- The critical need for boards to empower CISOs, highlighting the importance of clear communication of cyber risks and priorities in quantifiable terms to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
- Tackling the ‘Never Trust, Always Verify’ framework, emphasizing the importance of validating the source of requests, moving towards a zero-trust network, leveraging AI for multi-vector validation, and focusing on identity and data as core elements of security.
- The role of Gen AI in cybersecurity, highlighting the need for robust AI governance, clear policies, and risk assessment frameworks to address challenges like social engineering and deep fakes while questioning the ethical implications of AI.
- Building a sustainable training culture, fostering accountability starting at the Board level, and creating comprehensive awareness programs tailored to diverse user personas.
Santanu Ganguly, Chief Executive Officer StrategINK stated that, “At ESCON 2024, CISOs truly embodied the spirit of collaboration at the Idea Cafe, where their active participation sparked innovative discussions. The ideas that emerged reflect the collective forward-thinking mindset of our cybersecurity leaders, paving the way for a more resilient digital future.”
As ESCON’24 concluded, it solidified its reputation as a beacon of cybersecurity innovation, challenging conventional wisdom and showcasing the transformative power of emerging technologies. We extend our deepest gratitude to the speakers, panelists, and cyber visionaries who made it a resounding success.
