Professor (Captain) S.B. Tyagi, COAS’CC*, FISM, CSC, CSM, CSP, has more than four decades’ experience in the field of industrial security management. He worked in GAIL (India) Limited as Chief of Security in the position of General Manager. He was Corporate Trainer at GAIL’s Corporate Training Institute and also taught MBA students at few leading Management Institutes. He is Co-founder of “International Council of Industrial Security and Safety” (http://onlineicissm.wix.com/iciss) and is presently functioning as its Chief Councillor and devoting himself towards its Certification Program for security and safety professionals. He has been regular faculty in Management Institutes. Various articles are published in related magazines and internet sites. He also has made presentations in more than 37 international seminars on the subjects of homeland security and industrial security.
Interviewed by Adeesh Sharma & Sonali Arora
Please tell us about your professional journey and your role in the current organization.
I joined GAIL India limited maharatna company after leaving Army where as a Short Service Officer I served for 5 years. In GAIL when I joined, I was the first security executive and took the role and responsibility of shaping-up the security department. I was integral part of policy formulation, recruitment, training and development of security personnel. I got the ISO Certification for the Security Department in GAIL and it is the only department in GAIL with the longest continued ISO certification and probably the only Maharatna PSU company in India where security department ISO Certified.
The best part of serving in a forward-looking company with broad minded management is that it provides lot of independence and liberties for professionals to grow. I am thankful to Gail management that it has given me ample opportunities to interact at global level, broaden my vision, mature my understanding and expand my knowledge.
While in service at GAIL, I started International Council for industrial security and Management in 2010 as a forum for working safety and security professionals with the purpose of providing them peer support, networking and professional interactions.
I am happy to share that today ICISSM has representation in almost all major industrial states in India and more than 14 countries all over the world. The total membership of Council is above 8000. As it's Chief Councillor it gives me immense pleasure that we have been acknowledged as globally recognised thorough-bred professional association whose logo visibility and support is sought by many such similar associations all over the world.
Security Challenges in India: Navigating Uncertainty and Emerging Technologies
These are very specific and related to social financial and political uncertainties and upheavals. These do not have quick fix solutions and since have long history, need to be tackled with lots of sincerity and patience.
The emerging technologies also can be seen as threats as well as solutions to many problems in many areas. For example, drones were initially taken as empowering tool and force multiplier for effective situational awareness as well as counter to many threads and vulnerable trees but very soon drones itself became thread to good industrial security plans and counter drone technology are developed. Similarly, the artificial intelligence is emerging area which is considered as boon and also as bane! While AI is very quick to provide reliable input and can also take quick decisions it is also a threat with deep fakes, cyber frauds and sundry cyber-crimes as well as tool for spamming, spoofing and phishing.
India faces a multitude of security challenges that are deeply rooted in social, financial, and political uncertainties. These challenges require sustained efforts, sincerity, and patience to address effectively.
Key Security Challenges:
1. Social and Political Uncertainty: Social unrest, political instability, and communal tensions pose significant security threats.
2. Financial Uncertainty: Economic instability, corruption, and financial crimes undermine national security.
3. Emerging Technologies: While technologies like AI and drones offer opportunities, they also introduce new security risks, such as deepfakes, cybercrimes, and drone-related threats.
The Double-Edged Nature of Emerging Technologies:
Drones: Initially seen as empowering tools for situational awareness, drones have become a security threat, necessitating counter-drone technologies.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI offers benefits like quick decision-making and reliable inputs but also poses risks like deepfakes, cyber frauds, and spamming.
Addressing Security Challenges:
• Sustained Efforts: Security challenges require long-term strategies and sustained efforts.
• Technological Innovation: Leveraging emerging technologies to enhance security while mitigating risks.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Encouraging collaboration among stakeholders to address security challenges.
By acknowledging the complexities of security challenges and the dual nature of emerging technologies, India can develop effective strategies to navigate these issues and ensure national security.
How one foresees Security technologies progressing within India? What are the learnings from global organizations?
India's security technologies are expected to progress significantly, driven by collaborations with global organizations and advancements in critical and emerging technologies.
Here are some key areas to watch:
Key Areas of Progress:
• Telecommunications: India and many advance countries are collaborating on joint research in future telecoms, focusing on Open RAN systems, testbed linkups, telecoms security, spectrum innovation, and software and systems architecture.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): India is working with the UK, USA and many other countries to develop safe, responsible, human-centric, and trustworthy AI. This includes establishing a mechanism for collaboration and policy exchange on AI applications, facilitating trade missions, and equipping AI researchers with skills to detect and mitigate bias in AI algorithms.
• Cybersecurity: India is prioritizing cybersecurity, with a focus on cloud-related threats, attacks on connected devices, hack-and-leak operations, and software supply-chain compromise. The country is also investing in building cyber resilience programs and adopting principle-based regulations.
• Critical Minerals: India is working with the leading countries to develop a roadmap for cooperation on critical minerals, including exploration, processing, and manufacturing. This includes establishing a "critical minerals" community of academics, innovators, and industry.
• Semiconductors: India is exploring a broad semiconductor partnership, leveraging individual strengths and incentives in R&D, supply chain resilience, skills exchanges, and hardware security.
Learnings from Global Organizations:
• India Technology Security Initiative: This initiative aims to elevate the strategic partnership between the select few countries, focusing on critical and emerging technologies.
• Global Digital Trust Insights Survey: PwC's survey highlights the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity, with 99% of Indian respondents stating an increase in cyber budgets and 50% expecting an increase between 6% and 15% in the next 12 months.
• Best Practices: Global organizations are adopting best practices such as using integrated suites of cyber technology, implementing risk mitigation strategies, and prioritizing software-defined perimeter and networking.
Future Directions:
• Increased Collaboration: India is expected to strengthen its collaborations with global organizations, including the UK and USA to drive innovation and progress in security technologies.
• Adoption of Emerging Technologies: India is likely to adopt emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance its security infrastructure.
• Focus on Cybersecurity: India will continue to prioritize cybersecurity, investing in building cyber resilience programs and adopting principle-based regulations to mitigate cyber threats.