Ashutosh Bahuguna

Industry Representative

Having experience of 2 decades in the field of cyber security, his area of work is focused on Cyber Security assurance, Benchmarking, International & National cyber security exercises, National Cyber Crisis Management Framework, Behavioural aspects of cyber security, ICS/OT security, application of data science in cyber security, and Security assessments.

He leads the team of Cybersecurity Assurance at CERT-In. He authored various research papers, frameworks & articles. He is an invited speaker at domestic & international platforms.

Actively contributing to regional & global initiatives such as the Counter Ransomware Coalition, the Quad Cyber Working Group – Aligning Software Security Standards, the Forum for Incident Response Security Teams (FIRST), the Asia Pacific CERT(APCERT), the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise(GFCE), and bilateral exercises with partner nations.

Academic and Professional Education: Master of Technology (Computer Science & Engineering), International Program on cyber security studies – George C. Marshall European Centre for Security Studies, Insider Threats Program Manager – CERT/CC, USA, AI in Cyber Security – CMU, USA, Post Graduate Diploma in Information Security, Information Security Management System – Lead Auditor, Post Graduate Diploma in Disaster Management.

Balu Swaminathan

President, Cyber Society of India

Former Additional Superintendent of Police (Cybercrime)

Mr. Balu Swaminathan is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 34 years of distinguished service, including 6 years of specialization in cybercrime investigations. Recognized as an expert in handling complex cases such as hacking, phishing, online frauds, and crimes against women, he has played a pivotal role in shaping cybercrime awareness and prevention in India.

Key Highlights

• Holds a PG Diploma in Cybercrime & Information Security from Madras
  University; well-versed in Cyber Law and IPC.
• Spearheaded high-profile investigations, including landmark cases like Suhaas Katti,
  BPO Credit Card Fraud, Online Cheating, and Cyber Stalking.
• Served as Additional Superintendent of Police (Cybercrime Cell), Tamil Nadu.
• Former President of the Cyber Society of India (2018–2021), and currently leading its outreach and awareness initiatives.
• Delivered lectures and training sessions at prestigious institutions such as Tamil Nadu Police Academy, ISACA, FICCI, and others.
• Life member of leading criminology and policing forums, including South Asian Societies of Criminology, Senior Citizens Support Forum, and The Indian Society of Criminology. Indian Officers’ Association

Important Trainings & Conferences

• Cybercrime Training – National Institute of Financial Management System, Haryana
• Conference on New Technologies, Opportunities & Risk Management – Singapore
• Best Practices in Cybercrime Investigation – Hong Kong Police, Mumbai
• Credit/Debit Card Fraud Discussions – VISA, Singapore
• Email Investigation and Digital Forensics – GEQD, Hyderabad
• International Conference on Cybercrime – Interpol, New Delhi
• Computer Forensics: Seizing & Imaging of Digital Evidence – CERT-IN, New Delhi
• Computer Enterprise Investigation Conference (CEIC) – USA (Post-Retirement)
• National Conference on Cyber Security – Kerala
• Investigation of Cyber Crimes – Mysore
• National Seminar on Visual Crime
• Analysis Techniques – Gujarat
• Cybercrime Training – Police Training College, Chennai

Awards & Recognitions

• India Cyber Cop Award (Runner-up) – NASSCOM
• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation
• President of India Police Medal for Meritorious Service
• Lifetime Achievement Award (2022) – Conferred by Hon’ble Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy
• …and many more prestigious recognitions.

Current Engagements

• Promoting cyber awareness through educational and professional platforms.
• Serving in advisory roles on public relations and crime prevention initiatives.
• Active contributor to national and international cybersecurity discussions, conferences, and policy dialogues. Working as Consultant in an NGO Hand in Hand India

Harsh A. Thakar

CMAI – Association of India Communication Multimedia & Infrastructure

Harsh A. Thakar is the Director of the Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association of India (TEMA) and an Advisory Council  Board Member at the Cybersecurity Association of India. He is a recognised cybersecurity specialist with experience in cyber risk research, offensive security, malware analysis and emerging threat intelligence. Harsh has trained and mentored over 5000 individuals across India, contributing to strengthening the country’s cyber defence capabilities. He has delivered expert talks at platforms such as The Hackers Meetup and ISACA, and has received multiple Hall of Fame recognitions for his work as a bug bounty hunter. He also leads innovation at The Lunarsec, focusing on AI-driven cyber defence and deepfake detection technologies.

Links:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/harsh-a-thakar-366b20384
Instagram: h4x_9199

KM. Vijayakumar

Secretary, Cyber Society of India

MBA, D.T.Tech, DCL, PGPCL (Cyber Law)

Mr. Vijayakumar is an Award-winning Cyber Security Leader with over 25+ years of versatile experience in the Information Security realm and work experience spread across IT, Telecom, Consulting and Training. Currently he is a Global Head — Cyber Security Services in leading Telecom Organization, also played other roles including CISO — India Operations managing Infosec Organization, GSOCs in India & USA and Regulatory compliance. Prior to that he worked in various leading IT services & Consulting organizations in India and abroad where he was instrumental in setting up Infosec organization and established Governance, Risk and Compliance activities, consulting various customers on various Infosec standard & assurance initiatives.

He has successfully attained 25+ Globally recognized Cyber Security related certifications and holds SANS Lethal Forensics Coin for demonstrating Forensics skills. He is an eminent speaker in various Cyber security forums in India and International locations and also wrote several articles on Cyber Security topics.

He also holds positions President — ISC2 Chennai (Global InfoSec Forum). Won Top 100 CISOs in India award from CISO platform and regular speaker in leading Satellite TV channels for panel discussions and cybercrime awareness related topics. Currently working as Global Head – Cyber Security Services in a Telecom company

Mayank Bhardwaj

ASIS International

Mayank’s career of over three decades spans physical and operational risk while he was a Major in the Indian Army; Information, IT and Cyber risk as an implementation consultant and auditor covering technology parks, manufacturing, ITES, Financial Institutions and telecom in organizations like ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, Randstad Holdings, Housing Bank for Trade and Finance in Amman, Jordan, Sri Lanka Telecom, Telecom Austria, Foxtel, Dare fintech in Paris. Having worked in diverse cultures across Asia, Australia, Middle East and Europe, Mayank has established and combined frameworks to include ISO, CoBit and NIST through Information Risk, resilience, privacy and now AI. He’s been a trainer, for ISMS implementation; at the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla; executive management and IT in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and has also been a Rowing coach in Amsterdam. With certifications from ISACA, ASIS, Harvard and ISO-based, Mayank is an MBA from Symbiosis Pune.Mayank is the Director of OARSEC a boutique company that simplifies and embeds GRC into corporates.

Nirali Bhatia

Founder Director, Cyber B.A.A.P

Nirali Bhatia is a renowned Cyber Psychologist, TEDx Speaker, and the Founder of Cyber B.A.A.P. She works extensively in the areas of online safety, cybercrime awareness, and digital well-being. Recognised for her contributions to cyber safety initiatives across schools, corporates, and law enforcement agencies, Nirali has been featured in leading media publications and panels for her expertise. Her work uniquely bridges psychology with cyber security, focusing on the human element of the digital world.

Maj Gen Pawan Anand

Director of the Centre for Atma Nibhar Bharat and Emerging Technologies, USI

Maj Gen Pawan Anand is a seasoned leader with distinguished experience in Government and Defence at the strategic level. He has served extensively across infrastructure development, administration, and procurement, overseeing both indigenous and foreign acquisition programmes with deep expertise and strategic oversight.

He is currently a Professor at the prestigious National Defence College, affiliated with the University of Madras, where he mentors senior military and civilian leaders in national security, strategy, and policymaking. He also serves as the Director of the Centre for Atma Nibhar Bharat and Emerging Technologies at the United Service Institution of India (USI), contributing to national capability development and the advancement of strategic thought on self-reliance and emerging technologies.

Maj Gen Anand works closely with industry as a Strategic Advisor to companies across multiple sectors, bringing unparalleled insight into defence, technology, and national security ecosystems. He is also a prolific writer and speaker, contributing to a wide range of national and international forums. Additionally, he is empanelled with the Delhi International Arbitration Council, reflecting his credibility in governance, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

His career is rooted in rich operational experience, key leadership roles, international and industrial negotiations, and strong strategic and analytical competencies. Known for his ability to build effective organisations and high-performing teams, he is widely recognised as an impactful lecturer and an accomplished business development professional.

Pawan Desai

ASIS International

An executive with three decades of illustrious career in security risk management which includes a distinguished background as an ex-Indian Navy officer specializing in Submarine operations and a successful track record in setting up and growing new ventures

Alumnus of Stanford GBS, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and IVLP Fellow

Currently Co-founder and CEO of MitKat Advisory Services also spearheaded the establishment and growth of Mahindra Special Services Group

A TEDx speaker, Certified Independent Director from Institute of Directors, Certified Coach felicitated by Dr. Marshall Goldsmith.

He is a big advocate for the convergence of Cyber and Physical security domains.

Regular speaker at prestigious forums such as OSAC, ACSG, ASIS, BCI, Duty of Care, and more.

Holds CISA, CISSP, CBCP, ISO 27001, and 22301 certifications.

Regular visiting faculty at esteemed management institutes, including College of Defence Management, Symbiosis International University, NMIMS, RRU, NFSU, fostering the growth and development of future leaders.

Prof NK Goyal

Founder & Chairman, TEMA – the Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association of India

Prof NK Goyal, commonly called Bhism Pitamaha in the telecom field for last 54 years.

Known as –
Founder & Chairman of TEMA- the Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association of India  established in 1990, the first & oldest Telecom association in India
Founder & President- CMAI association of India–largest ICT Association of Asia
Founder & President- Cyber Security Association of India-the only association of Cyber security in India formed in 2010
Global Director of Cyber Security IHRO-International Human Rights Organisation
Founder & Vice Chairman International Telecom Union APT India-Geneva UN ITU Body
Founder & Member Governing Board Telecom Equipment & Services Export Promotion Council  (Govt. of India body)
Founder of World Electronics Forum USA, Asia Electronics Forum (AEF) Singapore, Asian Telecom  Infrastructure Forum (ATIE) Taiwan

The only person in the world inaugurating and joining Ribbon cutting of world’s largest Electronics Show CES, Las Vegas, USA for last more than 12 years.

CMAI Group has about 27 Associations and 47 websites related to technology, telecom, ICT, education sector. Representing on more than 180 Government Committees, Groups and very deeply involved in Policy Formulations on Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Telecom, Mobile, IT, Education. CMAI connected to about 1, 00,000 educational Institutes.

CMAI having 48,500 members & 74 MOU partners worldwide.

www.cmai.asia   www.tematelecom.in  www.ncsai.in

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Prof. (Dr.) Parag Rughani

School of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics – National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU)

Prof. (Dr.) Parag Rughani is a distinguished academic and specialist in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, currently serving as a Professor in the School of Cyber Security & Digital Forensics at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science, along with an M.Phil. in Computer Science and an MCA, reflecting his strong academic and technical grounding.

With over 20 years of experience in academia, Dr. Rughani has contributed extensively to the advancement of forensic and cybersecurity education. He has published more than 25 research articles at national and international levels, reinforcing his standing as a respected researcher in his field.

He is a lifetime member of several professional bodies, including the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS), the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE), and the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE).

Dr. Rughani is also a sought-after expert speaker and has delivered sessions on a wide range of topics across numerous organisations. His research interests span Digital Forensics, Malware Analysis, Memory Forensics, and IoT Forensics, areas in which he continues to guide research, mentor students, and contribute to capacity building.

Lt General (Dr) Rajesh Pant

Chairman, Cyber Security Association of India (CSAI)

Lt General (Dr) Rajesh Pant is an internationally recognised Cybersecurity mentor, who has till recently tenanted the prestigious appointment of National Cyber Security Coordinator in the National Security Council Secretariat of India under PMO. In this capacity he was responsible for coordinating all activities across multiple sectors to ensure a secure and resilient cyberspace within the nation. Under his stewardship the nation has risen from 47th to 10th position in the Global Cybersecurity Index of the United Nations.

He holds a PhD degree for his research in the field of Information Security metrics. He is also MTech from IIT Kharagpur, MPhil from Madras University and Master of Management Studies from Osmania University, Hyderabad.

He was the head of the Army’s Cyber Training establishment for three years and served in the Army Signals Corps for 41 years wherein he was awarded three times by the President of India for distinguished service of the highest order. As a Fellow of IETE he was awarded the Baliga Memorial Award in 2013. In Dec 2023, IIT Kharagpur has conferred on him the Distinguished Alumni Award. He was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by FSAI in Feb 2024.

He has represented the nation at World Economic Forums Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity, Global Cybersecurity Forum at Riyadh, Bilateral Dialogues with USA and Russia, QUAD Dialogues, Prague 5G Security Conclave, Israel and Singapore Cyber Weeks and led Resilience vertical of Global Counter Ransomware initiative.

With a never-say-die attitude he is presently the Chairman of Cyber Security Association of India, Chairman of India Future Foundation and Global Advisor of CyberPeace Organisation, besides some Advisory roles.

General Pant brings to the table an interesting mix at the intersection of Cyberspace Governance and Security at Global, National, Enterprise and Citizen levels.

Major Sadhna Singh

Industry Representative

Major Sadhna Singh (Retd) is an accomplished professional with over a decade of diverse experience spanning public policy, security and strategic affairs, stakeholder engagement, and cyber and information communication technology (ICT). She currently serves as a Consultant at NITI Aayog, where she contributes to policy research and analysis aimed at advancing India’s development priorities.

At NITI Aayog, Major Sadhna plays a pivotal role in delivering actionable policy insights and facilitating effective stakeholder engagement to address complex national challenges. Her work supports collaborative, innovation-driven approaches to policymaking, with a strong focus on creating systemic impact.

Prior to her policy career, she served in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, where she developed strong competencies in communication systems, network administration, and cybersecurity. Her military tenure strengthened her ability to perform under pressure, build resilient communication frameworks, and safeguard critical digital infrastructure.

Driven by a mission-oriented mindset, Major Sadhna combines her defence background with her policy expertise to navigate multifaceted issues with clarity and purpose. Her strategic planning skills, technical knowledge, and commitment to national development make her a valuable contributor to India’s evolving governance and innovation landscape.

Vijayant Gaur 

Director General, Cyber Security Association of India (CSAI)

Vijayant Gaur is an expert with nearly three decades of experience at the forefront of national security, India’s digital security and innovation landscape. As the current Director General of Cyber Security Association of India (CSAI) and formerly associated with many public sector projects of the Government of India naming few as Head of the Cyber Security Operations for National Health Authority, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission  & Pradhanmantri Jab Aarogya Yojna, and Chief Consultant Cyber Security for Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. and many other state entities, also he brings unparalleled expertise in policy making, advisory, capacity building, Threat Intelligence, a brand Reputation, learning and development of cybersecurity operational excellence, governance, risk and compliance, and strategic initiatives. His insights span critical domains including offensive security, cyber security, artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital payments and quantum technologies.

Santosh Pathak

Publisher and Editor, SecurityLinkIndia (SLI) Magazine and E-portal

Santosh Pathak is the Publisher and Editor of renowned ‘SecurityLinkIndia’ that is a niche monthly print & e-magazine, and e-news portal on Security (Physical, Electronic, Cyber & Homeland Security), and Fire and Safety. SLI is the leading media in this genre in India with global recognitions that aims to enhance public awareness through knowledge sharing and leveraging the strengths of the Security & Fire Safety Industries to create a safe and crime-free environment. They have been presented with Security Media Leadership Awards consecutively for five years by CAPSI, one of the largest security associations in India.

A versatile professional,  ranging from a successful teacher to a successful marketing professional in – Product, Finance, and Advertising and Merchandising, – and  now in writing, publishing, advertising and editing, Santosh has seen the security industry very closely and over the period attained a wide experience and expertise of the field.

Other than the important conferences and exhibitions in India, SLI regularly participates and covers pertinent events across globe including Intersec, Interpol, Milipol, ASIS, etc.

Vineet Kumar

CyberPeace

Vineet Kumar is a distinguished cybersecurity leader, social entrepreneur, educator, and speaker with more than 20 years of experience spanning government, industry, academia, and nonprofit sectors. His career includes founding impactful NGOs/NPOs, establishing state-level IT infrastructure and networks, heading the Jharkhand State Government’s Cyber Defence initiatives, and leading numerous programs focused on public safety, cyber awareness, and digital capacity building.

As CTO of Jharkhand Police, Vineet played a pivotal role in the modernisation of the state’s security apparatus. He was instrumental in setting up India’s first government-led Cyber Defence Research Centre (CDRC), as well as the State’s Cyber Cell and Cyber Wing. He led efforts against emerging digital threats, implemented critical cybersecurity measures, trained senior officials, and contributed to the protection of critical information infrastructure. He also supported the modernisation of the state police through technology-driven interventions.

Beyond policing, Vineet served as Technical Advisor to the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) and as Liaison Officer for the Anti-Corruption & Security Unit (ACSU) of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and BCCI, contributing to integrity and security operations in professional cricket.

A committed social entrepreneur, Vineet is the founder of NAG (National Anti-Hacking Group) and the Cyber Peace Foundation, organisations dedicated to reducing cybercrime, promoting cyber peace, and preventing the misuse of cyber weapons. His mission-driven approach has contributed significantly to strengthening cyber awareness and safety across communities.

Vineet is the recipient of 8 international and 17 national awards, reflecting his exceptional contributions to cybersecurity, public safety, and social impact. He is an active member of several esteemed organisations including the British Computer Society, APWG, CISO Platform, and the CEO Club of India. He has published papers and reports on computer and network security and continues to influence thought leadership in the field.

A sought-after global speaker, Vineet has been invited as Chief Guest, Guest Lecturer, and Keynote Speaker at prestigious international forums such as the Global CyberSecurity Forum (Riyadh), Internet Governance Forum (Geneva), TEDx, ISACA Dubai Chapter, International Cyber Security and Policing Conference, Ground Zero, and many others. He also teaches at leading schools and universities, contributing to the development of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.