Be proactive in researching and adopting emerging technologies, says Dhiraj Ranka, Deputy Vice President – CISO at TATA AIG General Insurance

Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies through ongoing education and training.

This is an exclusive interview conducted by the Editor Team of CIO News with Dhiraj Ranka, Deputy Vice President – CISO at TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited.

How did you plan your career path to be a successful Technology Leader?

My career path was a blend of strategic planning and seizing opportunities as they arose. Early on, I focused on building a strong foundation in technical skills and understanding the intricacies of security protocols during my tenure as a security developer and in consulting roles, particularly in the banking and insurance sectors. I made it a point to stay updated with industry updates and pursue an advanced deep dive into cyber security. Later in my career, I took a leap of faith by exploring opportunities in the Middle East within the banking industry. Homesickness got me back to India, and I divulged again in the Indian banking industry and eventually in the insurance industry. Networking played a crucial role. I actively participated in industry conferences and joined professional organizations to connect with other experts and mentors. As I gained experience, I sought roles that allowed me to take on more responsibilities and showcase my leadership abilities, whether through managing teams, leading projects, or driving strategic initiatives.

What challenges you faced in your career path and how did you overcome them?

One of the primary challenges I faced was keeping pace with the rapid technological advancements while maintaining a robust security posture. To overcome this, I committed to continuous learning and encouraged my teams to do the same. Another challenge was navigating the complex regulatory environment in the banking and insurance sectors. I addressed this by developing strong relationships with compliance teams and staying informed about regulatory changes. Additionally, building a culture of security within organizations where security was often seen as a roadblock rather than an enabler required strong communication skills and persistence. By demonstrating how security could be integrated seamlessly into business processes and contribute to overall business goals, I was able to shift perspectives and garner support from executive leadership.

What are the challenges faced by Technology Leaders today while implementing digital technologies?

Technology leaders today face several challenges, including:

1. Cybersecurity Threats: The increasing sophistication of cyberattacks necessitates advanced and proactive security measures.
2. Legacy Systems: Integrating new digital technologies with existing legacy systems can be complex and costly.
3. Talent Shortage: There is a significant shortage of skilled professionals in the cybersecurity field.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to a myriad of regulatory requirements across different regions and sectors adds complexity.
5. Change Management: Ensuring organizational buy-in and managing the cultural shift towards digital transformation can be challenging.

How can Technology Leaders overcome the challenges faced?

To overcome these challenges, technology leaders can:

1. Invest in continuous learning: Keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies through ongoing education and training.
2. Foster Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between IT, security, and business teams to ensure alignment of goals and seamless integration of new technologies.
3. Develop a Robust Security Strategy: Implementing a proactive cybersecurity strategy that includes regular assessments, monitoring, and incident response plans.
4. Focus on Talent Development: Investing in training programs, offering internships, and partnering with educational institutions to develop a pipeline of skilled professionals.
5. Embrace Agile Methodologies: Using agile methodologies to manage digital transformation projects can help adapt to changes quickly and efficiently.
6. Enhance Communication: Clear communication about the benefits and impact of digital technologies to all stakeholders is needed to foster a supportive culture.

Any best practices/industry trends/advice you would like to suggest to fellow Technology Leaders for their successful professional journeys?

1. Embrace Automation: Leverage automation tools to improve efficiency and reduce human error, particularly in security operations.
2. Prioritize Data Privacy: With increasing regulations around data privacy, ensure that your organization has robust data protection policies and practices in place.
3. Adopt a Zero Trust Model: Implementing a Zero Trust security framework can help minimize risks associated with internal and external threats.
4. Cultivate a Security-First Culture: Educate and engage employees at all levels about the importance of security and their role in maintaining it.
5. Stay Ahead of Trends: Be proactive in researching and adopting emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and quantum computing, which can provide significant competitive advantages.
6. Leverage Cloud Services: Utilize cloud services for scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness while ensuring proper security measures are in place.

Any other points which you would like to highlight?

I would emphasize the importance of ethical leadership and decision-making in technology roles. As technology leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that the technologies we implement and the strategies we develop are used ethically and contribute positively to society. Additionally, fostering diversity and inclusion within our teams can drive innovation and improve problem-solving capabilities. Finally, maintaining a balance between work and personal life is crucial for sustained success and well-being in a demanding field like ours.

Also read: The future of retail is all about tech-driven personalization and convenience, says Amit Kriplani, CTO at ace turtle

Do Follow: CIO News LinkedIn Account | CIO News Facebook | CIO News Youtube | CIO News Twitter 

About us:

CIO News is the premier platform dedicated to delivering the latest news, updates, and insights from the CIO industry. As a trusted source in the technology and IT sector, we provide a comprehensive resource for executives and professionals seeking to stay informed and ahead of the curve. With a focus on cutting-edge developments and trends, CIO News serves as your go-to destination for staying abreast of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and IT. Founded in June 2020, CIO News has rapidly evolved with ambitious growth plans to expand globally, targeting markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, USA, and the UK.

CIO News is a proprietary of Mercadeo Multiventures Pvt Ltd.