CyberFrat Gold Member, Gauri Saple has achieved a significant milestone in her career with her recent promotion to Associate Vice President – Security Engineering at Protectt.ai. Her journey from HR to cybersecurity leadership is a powerful testament to continuous learning, resilience, and a passion for security.
We had the privilege of gaining insights from Gauri about her transition, challenges, and vision for the future of cybersecurity.
1. Your background is in HR—what inspired you to pivot towards cybersecurity?
My interest in cybersecurity started with sheer curiosity. While working in HR, I became fascinated with information security, governance, and risk management. The more I explored, the more I realized that cybersecurity aligned perfectly with my passion for problem-solving and strategy. Despite coming from a different domain, I committed myself to learning the fundamentals, acquiring certifications, and immersing myself in the field.
2. What were the key milestones in your transition to cybersecurity?
The turning point was when I decided to pursue industry-recognized certifications like CISA, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor & Implementor, ISO 27701, HIPAA-HiTrust, and COBIT. These not only strengthened my knowledge but also built credibility in the cybersecurity space. Now, I am further expanding my expertise by pursuing ISO 42001, which focuses on AI governance and risk management—a crucial area in today’s technology-driven world.
3. What advice would you give to professionals looking to switch to cybersecurity?
My journey proves that passion and continuous learning can break any barriers. Regardless of your background, if cybersecurity excites you, start learning, gain certifications, and engage with the community. Cybersecurity is not just about technology—it’s about risk management, governance, and strategic thinking, skills that professionals from various industries can bring to the table.
4. What’s next for you in your cybersecurity journey?
Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving domain, and I believe in staying ahead of the curve. My current focus is on AI governance, regulatory compliance, and strengthening security frameworks in alignment with emerging technologies. The future of security will be AI-driven, proactive, and deeply integrated with business operations, and I am eager to contribute to this transformation.
5. What excites you the most about your new role?
In my role as AVP – Security Engineering at Protectt.ai, I lead initiatives in risk advisory, security compliance, and AI-driven cybersecurity solutions. I am particularly excited about leveraging AI for compliance automation, proactive threat detection, and intelligent risk management. This promotion allows me to drive cybersecurity transformation at a larger scale and contribute to securing businesses against emerging threats.
Final Thoughts -
Gauri’s promotion to Associate Vice President – Security Engineering is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work, expertise, and leadership in cybersecurity. Her journey from HR to cybersecurity leadership is a source of inspiration for professionals looking to make a bold career shift and thrive in the ever-evolving world of security.
As she takes on new challenges at Protectt.ai, we look forward to seeing her continue to make a significant impact in the cybersecurity landscape.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our #CFGOLDWAVE Series. Your Achievements Deserve Recognition!
We love celebrating our Gold Members and their professional milestones. Whether it’s a promotion, a leadership role, a new venture, or a major achievement, we’d love to feature your story!
📢 Want to be featured? Fill out the form and let us showcase your journey!
Final Thoughts –
“Cybersecurity and AI governance are not just about protecting data—they’re about enabling trust, empowering people, and accelerating innovation. With collaboration, vision, and integrity, we can shape a digital world that is both secure and sustainable.”
— Dr. Lalit Gupta
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our #CFGOLDWAVE Series. Your Achievements Deserve Recognition!
We love celebrating our Gold Members and their professional milestones. Whether it’s a promotion, a leadership role, a new venture, or a major achievement, we’d love to feature your story!
📢 Want to be featured? Fill out the form and let us showcase your journey!
