Tushar Vartak is a distinguished cybersecurity and risk management leader with over two decades of experience guiding global banks in cybersecurity, digital fraud prevention, and operational resilience. His expertise spans AI, blockchain, digital assets, and quantum computing. He has received global accolades, including The Asian Banker and ISACA’s CISO of the Year. A contributor to Forbes and the OWASP Penetration Testing Guide, he has written on post-quantum cryptography and cybersecurity best practices. With a proven track record in regulatory compliance and threat mitigation, Tushar continues to shape resilient security strategies in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Tushar shared insights on the role of cybersecurity evolving in the future, his favourite quote, personal hobbies and interests, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
What drives your passion for cybersecurity and risk management, and how do you stay current with the latest threats and trends?
Cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge but a critical pillar of trust in the financial sector. The evolving threat landscape, the sophistication of cyber adversaries, and the responsibility to protect financial systems that impact millions drive my passion. I stay current by engaging with industry peers, participating in threat intelligence communities, following regulatory developments, and continuously researching emerging attack vectors. I also prioritize hands-on testing of new technologies and frameworks to understand their practical implications.
What do you love the most about your current role?
The ability to influence and drive cybersecurity strategies at a systemic level is what I find most fulfilling. In my role, I can shape policies that not only secure our organization but also contribute to the broader financial ecosystem’s resilience. Leading a team of dedicated professionals and mentoring the next generation of security leaders also adds a great sense of purpose to my work.
How do you see the role of cybersecurity evolving in the future, and what skills do you think will be most important?
Cybersecurity is rapidly shifting from a reactive function to a proactive, intelligence-driven discipline. AI and automation will play a larger role in threat detection and response, but human expertise in risk-based decision-making will remain critical. Future cybersecurity leaders will need a blend of technical acumen, regulatory knowledge, and business understanding. Skills in threat intelligence, AI-driven security operations, zero-trust architecture, and cloud security will be indispensable.
Can you describe your experience as a recognized thought leader in cybersecurity, and how you’ve influenced the industry through your work?
I have contributed to the cybersecurity discourse by advocating for practical, risk-based security approaches tailored to the financial sector. I have participated in industry panels, collaborated on regulatory discussions, and published insights on topics such as AI-driven fraud detection, operational resilience, and digital trust.
Additionally, I have authored articles on quantum-resistant cryptography, addressing the urgent need for post-quantum security strategies in financial institutions, and on security challenges posed by AI, exploring both the risks introduced by adversarial AI and the opportunities AI presents in enhancing cybersecurity defenses.
My focus has always been on bridging the gap between security and business objectives, ensuring that cybersecurity is seen as a business enabler rather than just a compliance requirement.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
I have a strong passion for robotics and enjoy building toys out of Lego blocks with my six-year-old. I also spend time teaching him programming using MIT’s Scratch Junior. Additionally, I play badminton regularly to unwind.
What is your favorite quote?
“Security is a process, not a product. – Bruce Schneier
This quote resonates with me because cybersecurity is an ongoing discipline that requires constant adaptation rather than a one-time solution.
Which technology are you investing in now to prepare for the future?
AI-powered threat detection and response, zero-trust architecture, and quantum-resistant cryptography are key focus areas. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, investing in automation-driven security operations and regulatory technology (RegTech) is crucial for ensuring compliance and resilience at scale.
What are your long-term career aspirations, and how do you see yourself evolving as a leader over the next five years?
I aim to further shape the cybersecurity landscape by influencing policy, technology adoption, and workforce development. In the next five years, I see myself deepening my strategic leadership capabilities, driving cybersecurity innovation in the financial sector, and mentoring the next generation of security professionals. Additionally, I aspire to contribute more actively to global cybersecurity frameworks and industry collaborations.
What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the field of cybersecurity?
Start with a strong foundation in networking and operating systems, then build expertise in security fundamentals. Certifications like CISSP or OSCP can help, but practical experience is key. Stay curious, continuously learn from real-world security incidents, and engage with the cybersecurity community through forums, CTFs (Capture The Flag competitions), and open-source contributions. Cybersecurity is as much about mindset as it is about technical skills—be proactive, think like an attacker, and always question assumptions.