Hello, my name is
Mathan Kasilingam
CISO(Chief Information Security Officer) at Vodafone Idea
CAREER OVERVIEW: Cybersecurity Strategist & Thought Leader
“Aut inveniam viam aut faciam.” / Either find a way or make one.
As a visionary and dynamic security expert, I am driven by a passion for driving change through engaging effectively with stakeholders at all levels of an organization. A skilled team builder, I am dedicated to enabling my peers and team members to perform at their best and execute plans with precision, ensuring that security is not merely a cost center but rather a critical differentiator that drives sales and strengthens customer loyalty.
With a wealth of experience garnered from 20+ years of navigating the top verticals and echelons of the cybersecurity industry, I have established myself as an enabler of innovation, an expert in strategy, and an evangelist of security. My journey is that of three parts, starting humbly as a system integrator, picking up my momentum in the OEM industry, and finally entering the customer-facing and public domain as an advisor, innovator, and, most importantly, a leader.
About Me
All my life, I’ve always believed in creating my own path to achieve my goals. And with over 20 years of experience in navigating the top verticals and echelons of the cybersecurity industry, I have carved my way and established myself as an enabler of innovation, an expert in strategy, and an evangelist of security.
My journey in the industry has been that of three parts, starting humbly as a system integrator, picking up my momentum in the OEM industry, and finally entering the customer-facing and public domain as an advisor, innovator, and leader.
As the Chief Technology Security Officer & Data Privacy Officer at Vi Ltd., I provide leadership and vision for enterprise-wide cybersecurity initiatives and manage pan-organizational cybersecurity policies, governance structure, metrics, processes, and results. In addition, I facilitate communication and coordination with government and regulatory bodies to actively develop and implement relevant compliance guidelines.
Throughout my career, I’ve been recognized for my contributions to the industry, receiving awards such as the CSO 100 Award, Security Leader of the Year – Critical Infrastructure, and the Champion CISO for Excellence in Cybersecurity Leadership and Technology Roadmap Dynamic CISO Summit & Excellence Awards.
Driving Cybersecurity Excellence
I am proud to have coined ESSB, now referred to as SOAR by Gartner, and have also been a guest faculty at some of India’s top institutions like IIT Mumbai, IISC Bangalore, National Forensic Sciences University, and Sardar Patel University.
With diverse experience in safeguarding Banks, Payment Systems, and Telcos, I have worked with some of the top organizations in these verticals and navigated complex security challenges successfully, along with bringing innovative solutions to the fold that enhanced efficiency and productivity and boosted customer confidence and satisfaction.
As a skilled team builder, I am dedicated to enabling my peers and team members to perform at their best and execute plans with precision. Ultimately, I aim to ensure that security is not merely a cost center but a critical differentiator that drives sales and strengthens customer loyalty.
My journey has been one of growth and learning, and I continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the cybersecurity industry. I believe that by embracing change, fostering innovation, and working collaboratively, we can create a safer and more secure world for all.
My Experience
Ongoing
Vi Ltd
Chief Technology Security Officer & Data Privacy Officer
Providing leadership and vision for enterprise-wide cybersecurity initiatives
2017 - 2021
NPC of India
Chief – Information Security & Data Privacy
Framed robust security requirements and mandates for UPI, IMPS, and other online payment services for Regulated Entities (REs), including 1100 member banks, online payment apps like Google Pay and WhatsApp pay, and Tag issuers.
2014 - 2017
HDFC Bank Ltd
Vice President (Head – IT Security Solutions & Operations)
Developed and implemented enterprise security frameworks and programs that spanned multiple verticals and departments.
2013 - 2014
British Telecom Global Services
Principal Solution Architect
Led Security Sales and Presales Team and was accountable for driving sales for Supporting Security Technologies and Managed Services Business for the company in India.
2012 - 2013
Symantec Software Solutions
Solution Architect – Systems Engineering
Drove advancements in Enterprise Mobility for Indian & South-Asian markets and provided enablement and training to Solution Partners and MSP providers on Enterprise Mobility technology.
2008 - 2012
Symantec Software Solutions
Regional Manager – Systems Engineering
Assumed responsibility for overseeing South India and Sri Lanka Systems Engineering Team in a presales capacity, as a result of this effort, received Best SE in India for 2013, 2010 & 2009.
Technical Skills
Key Achievements
CSO 100 Award - 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017
Chief Security Officer
Security Leader of the Year - Critical Infrastructure
DSCI Excellence Awards 2021
The Disruptors Award: UPI
Indian Business Leader Awards 2020
Champion CISO for Excellence in Cybersecurity Leadership and Technology Roadmap
Dynamic CISO Summit & Excellence Awards 2019
Coined ESSB - Enterprise Security Service Bus
Referred by Gartner as SOAR
Guest Faculty
IIT Mumbai, IISC Bangalore, National Forensic Sciences University, Sardar Patel University
Projects
ESSB - Enterprise Security Service Bus
Formulated a concept of a middleware designed to enable intertalkability between two disassociated security platforms, covered in the detailed literature devised and derived for HDFC. The term ‘ESSB’ was coined by me in the strategy document, which was reused by Gartner as SOA – Service Oriented Architecture. It was primarily conceived as a medium to realize security orchestration, automation, and assist in the response.
In-House Solution Suite for NPCI
Engineered a retinue of 14 home-grown technologies cultivated to service the incumbent security needs at NPCI and the industry as a whole. The indigenously-built solution suite encompassed firewalls, multi-factor authentication (MFA), SIEM, SOAR, vulnerability management, and a rule-based analyser for firewalls, among many others.
Productivity Training
Designing and formulating processes to onboard, train, and retain employees, while simultaneously ensuring optimum work-life balance for all. These methodologies have helped me maintain a low employee attrition rate, which is imperative in an industry such as cybersecurity where there’s a paucity of talent.