A fascination with the mindset of cybercriminals gives Vivek Ramachandran the knowledge needed for cybersecurity.
What’s your story?
I’ve always had a fascination with the possibilities that computers and technology would hold for us.
What I saw early on was that even though it could be the best of tools, it could be abused and misappropriated.
When I found SecurityTube.net which is a free video based computer security education portal, I could see that questions about cybersecurity would become more prominent as more of our services and lives have a presence in the digital space.
I believe it is important for everyone to have a base understanding on how to best protect themselves online, and the better educated the public is, the better it is to stop cyber criminals before it is too late.
What excites you most about your industry?
How it evolves. Being able to put on my hat as a trainer for security professionals, and to dive into the mindset of a cyber criminal and to bridge that gap and awareness for the uninitiated.
Each time any kind of technology is adopted by the global population, we see new exploits that are based on technology exploits, though much of them still stem on the attitude of the user.
I’ve seen a shift in that concensus and it excites me to know that in the near future, cybersecurity will be taught as a curriculum like language or math.
What is your connection to Asia?
India and Singapore are the roots that take me to the rest of the world.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore for the foresight that the government has, and the melting pot of MNCs that wish to enter Asia, and the different nationalities and cultures that follow.
There are many professional standards that Singapore holds as a forerunner to the rest of the region.
I know it has been said many times, but from my experience, Singapore is truly the gateway to Asia and the rest of the world.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”
Who inspires you?
Bill Gates for the work he has done for the industry, and then taking a step back to do what he’s doing now at his foundation to help make the world a better place.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
How everyone is up in arms with what the different social networking services are doing with their data when they’ve agreed to everything in the end-user license agreement.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Start Pentester Academy earlier.
How do you unwind?
Documentaries on Netflix, anything with David Attenborough.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
India – there’s no place like home.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle by Steven Pressfield
Shameless plug for your business:
Cybersecurity is everyone’s business. Organisations are only as strong as their weakest link. Let Pentester Academy get you to the level that you want to, and then some.
How can people connect with you?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekramachandran/
https://www.PentesterAcademy.com
Social Media Links?
https://www.facebook.com/ST.Trainings/