Surinder Singh Rait
Global Head of IT Security Assurance
Ericsson
Surinder Singh Rait is a cyber security professional with more than 2 decades of experience working and leading various aspects of Information/Cyber security. This includes implementing regulatory and leading industry frameworks, establishing security operations centers (Red/Blue Team), third party risk management operations, business continuity, risk management and stakeholder management including reporting to CEO/board/senior management.
Currently, he is heading the Global IT Security Assurance function in Ericsson and has worked in fortune listed companies such as Dell, Oracle, Genpact (GE), Deloitte, and Birlasoft.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I started my career in Ericsson as Corporate Auditor where the unit was reporting to the board of Ericsson. After conducting due diligence for 5 years, I was asked to establish the first line of defense heading the global IT Security Assurance unit within Ericsson to measure the effectiveness and enforce cyber security controls across Ericsson's IT landscape.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
One of the key principles I always try to practice is “embrace change”. I always try to challenge myself and the team to find better ways of doing the same things to simplify everyone’s lives so people can do things they enjoy.
With disruption being a key theme of recent years, where do you see the CISO role going in the next 1-2 years?
CISOs are increasingly important in the face of growing cyber threats and the need to secure sensitive information and digital assets. Our role will evolve in various aspects, such as regulatory compliance, advanced visibility on control effectiveness, third party risk management, zero trust and cloud security.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a CISO?
My first suggestion would be to focus more on communication skills. We focus too much on technical jargon rather than explaining the context to business. Second, stick to the basics.
Tell us a few fun facts about yourself.
I try to make my environment full of fun. I enjoy photography, love traveling and very recently, I started kayaking and skiing (one for the summer and winter).
What is the value of joining an Evanta community?
This group has individuals with great knowledge and experience. I am glad to be part of this group to gain knowledge from all the experienced peers in the industry.
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