Sakshi Vidur is a Senior Director at Thoughtstorm Inc., specializing in cybersecurity services for public sector clients. With 22 years of experience, her career is guided by a growth mindset, emphasizing lifelong learning and leading with passion and purpose. Previously, she served as Director of IT Security and Cybersecurity Regional Leader for Asia Pacific at Yum! Brands, where she drove growth through innovative business models and digital transformations. Originally from New Delhi, India, she is grateful for the opportunity to live and work in four countries across two continents.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Sakshi shared her professional trajectory, insights on diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity and tech, the best piece of advice she has ever received, her favorite quote, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
According to you, how has cybersecurity changed over the last few years?
Let me start with a story, I was having a coffee with an industry peer who is also a CISO for a large organization. He didn’t look too good. When I asked him what was wrong, he sighed and we began to discuss the evolving challenges in cybersecurity.
Attackers are becoming more advanced every day, it’s like a constant game of cat and mouse, but the cat is getting smarter and faster. How sophisticated phishing emails have become, mimicking trusted institutions so well that even experienced users can be fooled. Just last week, his organization dealt with a phishing attack that almost compromised sensitive data because an email appeared to come from the CEO.
Then there’s ransomware, it’s no longer just a concern for big corporations. Small businesses, local governments, and even public organizations across globally are getting hit. I recount a recent incident where a public library in Canada was targeted, leading to a significant disruption in services and a hefty ransom demand.
With everyone moving to the cloud, it’s a whole new ballgame, we have to ensure that data is protected across multiple environments, and that’s not easy employees are now working remotely, accessing cloud services from home networks that might not be as secure as the office environment.
Adopting a zero-trust model is essential now We can’t just trust devices or users by default anymore. Everything needs to be verified continuously.
The regulations are getting stricter, GDPR, CCPA, and other frameworks are forcing us to up our game, which is good but also adds pressure. companies now need to be more transparent about their data practices and ensure they meet compliance standards, which can be a daunting task.
AI and machine learning are helping, though, they’re enhancing threat detection and automating responses, but it’s still a race against time. My team uses AI to filter out spam and phishing attempts more effectively, reducing the risk of human error.
At least awareness is growing, more companies are investing in cybersecurity training and advanced security products. It’s an uphill battle, but we’re getting better equipped to handle it.
As we finished our coffee, I couldn’t help but reflect on how cybersecurity has truly become an integral part of our daily lives, both personally and professionally. The challenges are daunting, but with continuous adaptation and vigilance, we can stay ahead of the threats.
What do you love the most about your current role?
What I love most about my current role in cybersecurity is the constant excitement and fulfillment it brings. This week started with an urgent alert about a potential breach at some client. I quickly got to work with my team, and after a few intense hours, we managed to stop the threat. Knowing we protected sensitive information gave me a deep sense of purpose.
Later, I attended a virtual conference to learn about the latest developments in cybersecurity. This field is always evolving, which keeps my job exciting and intellectually stimulating.
I conducted a training session to educate others about cybersecurity best practices. Empowering people with knowledge and seeing their confidence grow is incredibly gratifying.
As the week ended, I reflected on our work’s impact. Our efforts help prevent breaches and protect assets, which is highly rewarding. The fast-paced nature of cybersecurity means I constantly adapt and innovate, keeping me engaged and motivated.
Each day in this role is unique and fulfilling, driven by my passion for cybersecurity and the difference we make.
What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in your field? How important is it to have authentic conversations with leaders, professionals, and changemakers to create more acceptance across the globe?
Diversity and inclusion are crucial in cybersecurity and technology. They bring varied perspectives and ideas, leading to more innovative solutions.
As the chairperson of the steering committee for Women in Tech at Yum! for international markets outside the US, I’ve seen firsthand how empowering women in technology roles can drive meaningful change. Leading this committee, I work to ensure women have equal opportunities, resources, and support to thrive in their careers. Authentic conversations with global leaders are essential to create more awareness and acceptance.
At Philips, as a member of the EmpowHER mentoring program, I mentored and guided women to develop their skills and confidence. This mentorship is vital for helping women navigate their careers and overcome barriers.
Regularly speaking at global forums such as Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS), Executive Women’s Forum (EWF), Economic Times (ET), Data Security Council of India (DSCI), and NASSCOM allows me to share insights and advocate for greater inclusion. These platforms enable me to connect with other professionals, exchange ideas, and inspire action.
One of my most fulfilling roles has been facilitating the CyberShikshaa Program, a collaborative effort by Microsoft and the Data Security Council of India. This program aims to bridge the cybersecurity skill gap in India by training young women. Since April 2023, I have mentored 50 young women, equipping them with essential soft skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork, vital for success in any professional setting.
These experiences reinforce my belief that diversity and inclusion are not just ideals but necessities for progress in our field. Authentic conversations and dedicated efforts are key to creating a more inclusive and innovative global community in cybersecurity and beyond.
If you could have a one-hour meeting with someone famous who is alive or dead, who would it be and why?
If I could have a one-hour meeting with someone famous, it would be with Malala Yousafzai. Picture this: sitting across from a young woman whose courage and commitment have changed the world. Her journey began with a simple yet powerful belief in the right to education for every girl, a mission she pursued even in the face of unimaginable danger.
Her advocacy for girls’ education, despite the risks, is profoundly inspiring. She didn’t let a life-threatening attack stop her; instead, she used it as a platform to amplify her voice and continue her fight. As the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, Malala has not only influenced global conversations about education but has also inspired countless individuals with her resilience.
What captivates me the most is her approach to empowerment. Malala’s dedication to uplifting young women and advocating for their rights embodies the spirit of true leadership and change. Meeting her would be an incredible opportunity to gain insights from someone whose bravery and vision have made a tangible impact on the world.
What does the term “authentic leadership” mean to you?
To me, “authentic leadership” means leading with honesty, integrity, and being true to yourself. Here’s what it looks like in practice:
Authentic leadership begins with staying true to your values. At Yum!, I worked across diverse cultures in Asia Pacific—Australia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and 23 other countries. By respecting and understanding these diverse cultures, I was able to build strong, cohesive teams. For example, when implementing new strategies, I took local customs and practices into account, which fostered a sense of unity and motivation among team members, despite the geographical and cultural differences.
True success is about nurturing genuine relationships where mutual respect and support thrive. While managing 100 franchisees, I made it a priority to communicate clearly and honestly. When a new operational change faced resistance, I addressed concerns openly and worked collaboratively to find solutions. This transparency helped in strengthening the franchisees’ commitment and trust. Being open and honest fosters trust. Managing 100 franchisees, I communicated clearly and reliably, which strengthened their commitment.
Without “failures”, “successes” would not exist…. Mistakes are purely steps, and progress is made one step at a time. Keep on walking. Acknowledging and learning from errors shows humility. I openly addressed any issues with teams and franchisees and worked on solutions together.
Leading by Example: Actions should match words. I consistently demonstrated the work ethic and behavior I expected from others. Understanding and supporting team members is key. I listened to the unique challenges of teams in different regions and offered tailored support.
Authentic leadership is about being true to yourself and genuinely supporting and inspiring others.
In your academic or work career, were there any mentors who have helped you grow along the way? What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Yes, throughout my academic and work career, I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors who significantly contributed to my growth. One mentor, in particular, provided invaluable advice that has shaped my approach to both work and life.
Here are the key pieces of advice I’ve received:
Embrace a Growth Mindset Early (and Often): Carol Dweck’s research on fixed and growth mindsets taught me that seeing every experience as an opportunity to improve is crucial. This mindset has been a powerful driver of success, helping me continuously adapt and grow in my career.
Life is About How Hard You Can Get Hit and Keep Moving Forward: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable. Success in the long term relies on the ability to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going. This perspective has helped me navigate difficult times and stay resilient.
No Matter How Busy You Get, Always Prioritize Your Health: I didn’t start taking my health seriously until a few years ago. Balancing a busy career with health and wellbeing is vital. Now, I feel better than I did at 20, proving that it’s never too late to prioritize your health. Your health truly is your wealth.
These pieces of advice have been instrumental in my personal and professional development, guiding me to embrace change, stay resilient, and maintain my well-being.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is “Those who keep learning will keep rising in life”- Charlie Munger
What is your secret to striking a work-life balance?
Striking a work-life balance as a working mom of two young children comes down to choosing to “swim” rather than “sink.” Here’s how I manage it:
Be Adaptable and flexible: Change is constant, and adaptability is key. I stay flexible and adjust my plans as needed to handle both work and family responsibilities effectively.
Keep Moving Forward: I take things one step at a time, focusing on progress rather than perfection. By being like water and flowing with the changes, I make the most of every situation and continue to move forward.
Choosing to swim through the challenges helps me balance work and family life while staying resilient and positive.
Where would you like to be in the next 5 years?
I aspire to become a leading advocate for women in technology, inspiring a new generation of female leaders through my role.
On a personal level, I envision having a thriving career where I balance high-impact professional achievements with a fulfilling family life. I’ll be an example of how one can excel in their career while being a dedicated and present parent.
What advice would you offer others looking to build their career in cybersecurity?
My motivation for embracing a lifelong learners mindset is the belief that the best years of growth, learning and impact are always ahead of us. To get there, you need to keep learning (and unlearning).