Arun DeSouza: Becoming a Transformation CISO

Arun DeSouza, the Managing Director at Profortis Solutions, brings over two decades of experience as a CISO, having developed and implemented award-winning programs in identity lifecycle management and IoT security. His impressive career includes induction into the CISO Hall of Fame by the Global Cyber Startup Observatory and recognition as a top CISO by Cyber Defense Magazine. Arun’s expertise, combined with his academic background—a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt—offers listeners a unique perspective on navigating today’s complex cybersecurity landscape.

From Chemical Engineering to Cybersecurity Leadership
Arun’s journey into cybersecurity is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Initially trained as a chemical engineer, he transitioned to cybersecurity through hands-on experience and a fearless approach to problem-solving. Faced with the challenge of managing global security for a French company, Arun built a strategic plan that not only upgraded systems but also delivered significant savings. His approach, which he calls the “power of federation,” involved collaborating with partners for discounted pricing and consolidating resources.

Navigating Cybersecurity Threats: IoT, Ransomware, and AI
Arun sheds light on the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape, particularly the rapid proliferation of IoT devices. With an estimated 75 billion IoT devices by 2025, the risks associated with insecure software, vulnerable cloud communications, and expanded attack surfaces are more significant than ever. He highlights specific challenges in manufacturing and OT security, where ransomware and supply chain attacks can cripple operations. Arun also warns of the impending threat of AI-powered supply chain attacks, which could amplify the scale and sophistication of breaches. His insights reinforce the need for robust data governance and the adoption of Zero Trust security models to mitigate these risks effectively.

Critical Role of Identity Management and Leadership
Central to Arun’s security philosophy is the concept of identity access management (IAM) as a strategic cornerstone. He introduces the idea of the “identity coin,” which blends physical security (person, device, location) with logical security (attributes, behavior, context). Arun emphasizes that security is not just about technology but also about strong leadership and communication. He advises CISOs to build relationships with senior leaders, use storytelling to convey risks, and align security initiatives with business objectives. His analogy of the CISO as the “captain of the good ship cyber” encapsulates his forward-thinking approach to navigating cybersecurity challenges.

Technical Acumen and Strategic Vision
Arun’s expertise and leadership offer actionable insights for anyone looking to strengthen their cybersecurity strategy. His forward-thinking approach to risk management, identity governance, and embracing change provides a valuable blueprint for both cybersecurity professionals and business leaders. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arundesouza/

Profotis Solutions: https://profortissolutions.com/ 

Check out video versions of Kitecast episodes at https://www.kiteworks.com/kitecast or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/KiteworksCGCP.