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Security Silos are Expensive and Risky – Its Time to Shatter Them Once and for All

Vikas Chauhan

SVP, Global Services & Customer Success

– in the field of IAG, security Convergence (IT, OT, Physical) digital transformation and governance controls

Security Silos are Expensive and Risky – Its Time to Shatter Them Once and for All

Our evolving digital landscape, spurred on by remote workforces, cloud technologies, and digital transformations, has birthed a new breed of cybersecurity challenges. The merging cyber and physical threats are by-products of our increasingly interconnected world. Imagine the swelling tide of the Internet of Things (IoT), projected to connect billions of devices in the coming years, igniting an exponential burst of cyber-physical risk. The advent of smart cities, autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotics marks our next frontier.

Over the past few decades, cybersecurity has undergone a profound metamorphosis, especially concerning awareness, industry vendors, security measures, and governance policies. We’ve poured resources into cutting-edge firewalls, virus/malware protections, security vulnerability scanning software, and comprehensive security programs, as well as audits and education campaigns.

Yet, despite these advancements, we grapple with substantial blind spots – namely in physical security, access control, operational technology/SCADA, and IoT sensor devices. While these departments may have individual security protocols, they often operate in silos, thereby diminishing the overall potency of Global Security Programs.

Leading minds in the industry concur that this siloed approach to security amplifies risk, inflates costs, and cultivates a climate of regulatory mistrust, fueled by recurring breaches. But what is cementing these barriers, and how can we demolish them?

Hesitation to integrate often arises from apprehensions regarding reduced roles and responsibilities.

Physical security is still often perceived as an isolated system – a fortress guarded by devices and cameras. Vendors and services need to embrace convergence technology to eliminate these silos. Still, there’s a lingering lack of confidence in employing software-defined controls instead of traditional, tangible methods like chains, locks, and keys.

The mantra often is, “If we’re not being fined by regulators, there’s no real issue.” Such a mindset proves detrimental, as organizations tend to resist change unless compelled.

However, let’s remember, malicious actors don’t share this view. Our upcoming model aims to illuminate how security convergence isn’t about eradicating roles, jobs, or departments, but instead about bolstering their capabilities to protect the enterprise. It’s about enhancing the workforce experience through automation, integration, and insightful data.

Converged Security Model: Empowering the Intelligent Enterprise through Digital Transformation

The lifeblood of converged security in our digital transformation journey is people and identity. Whether employees, contractors, visitors, or temps, these individuals inhabit our facilities or connect to our corporate networks and cloud infrastructure at all hours. The goal is proper identification and assignment of roles and responsibilities.

Devices/Assets are the next pivotal elements. People need these to accomplish their daily operations and fulfill their roles and responsibilities.

Background checks and training are paramount, especially when dealing with temporary staff and contractor/service vendor personnel.

Our Crown Jewels:

Critical Facilities

Data Centers, Office Buildings, R&D Labs, etc.

Critical Systems

Cloud Hyper Scalers, VPN, Active Directory Domains, other connected and non-connected IT & Cyber systems, Scada/PLC, and Virtual Infrastructure/machines.

Critical Devices

Firewall, gateway, IoT Sensors, Relays, Door Readers, Cameras, Panels, etc.

Shattering the silos of security is not just necessary; it’s the way forward. It’s an invitation to step into the unknown, to innovate, and to safeguard our organizations like never before..

Example: IT, Physical, OT, Cloud Access and devices/Assets Governance Approach

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David Cassady

Chief Strategy Officer

David Cassady has been selling and leading teams in Silicon Valley for more than 30 years. During that time, he’s led a mix of established software players and startups. Cassady has also been involved with five IPOs — and at least as many acquisitions. 

As Chief Strategy Officer, David leverages his extensive experience helping software businesses drive growth through deep and impactful partnerships with the world’s most successful SaaS providers like ServiceNow, Microsoft and SAP. 

Mark Weatherford

Chief Security Officer
Senior Vice President, Regulated Industries

Mark Weatherford brings years of high-level cyber-physical expertise to AlertEnterprise, and as Chief Security Officer (CSO), he guides the strategy of data management and protection by advising cyber-physical security policies and procedures within the company. Weatherford also works in liaison with businesses and executive professionals in the cyber and physical security industries to further accelerate security convergence adoption.

Mark has held numerous high-level cyber-centric positions, including Vice President and Chief Security Officer at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Department of Homeland Security’s first Deputy Under Secretary for Cybersecurity under the Obama administration, California’s first Chief Security Officer, and the first CISO for the state of Colorado.

Harsh Chauhan

Chief Technology Officer

As Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of AlertEnterprise, Harsh Chauhan is responsible for the company’s engineering technology innovation and solution delivery. A 20-year technology veteran and leader, Chauhan is focused on the growth of the company’s 3D Governance Risk Compliance (GRC) hyperscale cloud platform.

He also continues to develop integrated solutions with leading technology partners like SAP, SAP NS2, and ServiceNow. Before AlertEnterprise, Mr. Chauhan held multiple CTO positions, as well as Product Owner and Head of Development at SAP GRC 10.0, delivering targeted solutions to high-profile SAP clients.

Ruby Deol

Chief Operations Officer

Ruby Deol oversees all business units at AlertEnterprise. With more than 20 years of experience in global sales and support services, Deol nurtures existing client relationships with a customer-first approach. As AlertEnterprise continues to grow in industry recognition and stature, Deol is charged with developing and implementing methods to meet organization goals and facilitate the company’s ongoing transformation.

Kaval Kaur

CFO and Co-Founder

As Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Co-Founder of AlertEnterprise, Kaval Kaur leads all finance and administrative back-office operations. Kaur is a member of the national professional organization American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the California State CPA Society.

Prior to joining AlertEnterprise, she was the CFO and Co-Founder of Virsa Systems, a position she held until its acquisition by SAP.

Kaur is a philanthropist at heart, embracing the diversity of the San Francisco Bay area by assisting with and promoting special cultural events. She recently sponsored 2,000 public schools in rural India to advance computer literacy skills for children and is a foster mother to a 10 year old.

Jasvir Gill

Founder and CEO

Leading the charge of digital transformation and security convergence is Jasvir Gill, Founder and CEO of AlertEnterprise, Inc. An accomplished engineer by trade, Gill is driving the long-overdue digital transformation of the physical security industry.

Prior to launching AlertEnterprise, Gill was the founder and CEO of Virsa Systems, where he grew the company into a global leader of application security software. An early pioneer in establishing governance, risk and compliance as a software market segment, he drove exponential growth at Virsa, facilitating its acquisition by SAP in 2006.

In his free time, Jasvir helps drive social and economic empowerment in the community. He’s also a trustee at the American India Foundation.