In this exclusive conversation, we explore the remarkable journey of Dr. Lalit Gupta, widely known in the cybersecurity community as “The Cyber Doctor.” With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Dr. Gupta is a global cybersecurity and AI governance leader who has shaped policies, fortified enterprise security across continents, and empowered the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. As President of the Cyber Security Council for India, founder of several international cybersecurity ventures, and Group Head of IT GRC & Cybersecurity at Al Gihaz Holding, his mission blends strategy, education, and execution into a powerful formula for digital resilience.
1. Dr. Gupta, what drives your passion for cybersecurity and AI governance?
Dr. Lalit Gupta: My journey began in the late ’90s when I founded iWeb Technology Solutions. Since then, I have been driven by a vision to transform cybersecurity from a reactive necessity to a strategic enabler of business growth and national resilience. Today, I focus on integrating AI-driven security, IT GRC, and risk management into organizations, empowering them to innovate securely.
As both an ISO 42001 Lead Auditor and a practitioner in AI risk management, I ensure that AI is implemented ethically, securely, and in compliance with global governance standards. Cybersecurity is no longer siloed—it must be fused with digital transformation, compliance, and public trust.
2. You’ve had a significant impact on the industry. Could you highlight some of your key milestones?
Over the past 30 years, I’ve led and contributed to a wide range of transformative initiatives:
- CERT-In (India): I was honoured to be a founding member of the Indian Government’s national incident response team, shaping the foundation of the nation’s cybersecurity response.
- BT Group (Asia-Pacific): Led multi-million-dollar cybersecurity and business continuity programs across 18 countries.
- GUS Global (UK/India): Directed global cybersecurity initiatives across 10+ universities and 90+ educational institutions.
- Jaguar Land Rover (via Tata Technologies): Architected a Centre of Excellence for Automotive Cybersecurity, securing next-gen vehicles.
- Al Gihaz Holding: Currently leading cyber resilience for 64 subsidiaries across 19 countries, aligning security with business growth and digital M&A integration.
These experiences have shaped my deep understanding of cross-industry security challenges, compliance mandates, and AI-centric risk landscapes.
3. What role does the Cybersecurity Council for India play in national cybersecurity?
The Cybersecurity Council for India is a national think tank dedicated to strengthening India’s cybersecurity posture. Under my leadership, the Council has:
- Bridged cybersecurity skills gaps through training and workforce development.
- Influenced policy and regulatory frameworks aligned with global standards.
- Promoted ethical AI governance and responsible data practices.
- Facilitated collaboration between government, industry, and academia.
Through advisory, advocacy, and action, our mission is to position India as a global cybersecurity and digital trust leader.
4. The Cyber Patriot Program is one of your signature initiatives. What inspired it?
Cyber Patriot is a pro bono CSR initiative I founded to educate and empower students, parents, and educators on the risks and responsibilities of the digital world. It covers:
- Cyberbullying, digital hygiene, and fraud prevention for students (Grades 5-12).
- Specialized training for educators to promote cybersecurity awareness.
- Parental guidance on safeguarding children online.
- Mentorship for students to explore careers in cybersecurity.
This initiative is shaping India’s future digital citizens and building a cyber-aware culture from the ground up.
5. You’ve launched multiple cybersecurity ventures. What do they offer?
Each venture reflects a distinct need in the cybersecurity ecosystem:
- Skillusions (India): Cyber risk advisory and enterprise GRC consulting.
- Zen360 Consult (Bahrain): Specializing in AI governance and security strategy.
- CyResMan (Dubai): Delivering scalable, AI-enabled cybersecurity automation platforms.
These firms have worked with Fortune 500 companies, governments, and high-growth startups, supporting secure digital transformation across domains.
6. Why is ISO 42001 a critical milestone for you?
The cybersecurity community is one of its greatest strengths. It’s a field where knowledge-sharing and collaboration are essential. I’ve learned so much from interacting with other professionals, participating in events, and mentoring aspiring cybersecurity specialists. The sense of support, shared learning, and mutual growth is what makes this industry unique.
7. What are your academic and professional credentials that support your leadership?
I hold a PhD in Information Security (Nixon University, USA), an MBA in e-Business (CMS Canada), and a bachelor’s in arts. My accreditations include CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CDPO, ISO 27001 LA, ISO 42001 LA, MBCI, CHFI, and multiple cloud security certifications from Microsoft and EC-Council.
As an author, I’ve published:
- “Cybersecurity Chronicles: Navigating the Digital World Safely”
- “Secure Shift: Sailing Through the Seas of Digital Transformation” (Upcoming)
These works encapsulate decades of lived experience and are designed to empower professionals and decision-makers alike.
8. What lies ahead and how can others collaborate with you?
The road ahead is focused on:
- Scaling AI governance programs across sectors.
- Mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.
- Collaborating with enterprises, startups, and regulators to build secure digital ecosystems.
Whether through strategic advisory, executive training, or thought leadership, I remain committed to building a secure and ethical digital future.
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
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