Cybersecurity emerges as business catalyst in digital-first economy

For years, cybersecurity was seen merely as an operational expense  a defensive wall meant to prevent data breaches and keep IT systems running. But in today’s hyperconnected, AI-driven world, that perception has dramatically changed. Cybersecurity is no longer confined to the back office; it has become a core business function — a trust builder, revenue enabler, and differentiator in competitive markets.In the digital economy, customers don’t just buy products or services — they buy confidence. Whether in enterprise deals or consumer subscriptions, assurance that data is protected and uptime guaranteed has become integral to conversion, retention, and recurring revenue. Robust security credentials, transparent breach management, and zero-trust frameworks are now directly influencing deal velocity and customer loyalty.
From cost centre to strategic advantage
For decades, cybersecurity was treated as a cost centre a technical shield managed by IT teams. But as businesses scale through cloud, adopt AI, and manage vast digital ecosystems, the role of cybersecurity has evolved into a strategic driver of growth. The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) now has a seat in the boardroom, influencing not just technology strategy but also business outcomes.Venkat Thoutam, Business Unit Security Officer – Dell IT and Regional Security Lead – APJC, observes that the challenge isn’t just about investment levels but investment strategy. “It’s not just about how much you invest; it’s about where and how you invest,” he says. Thoutam warns that adding more tools without a cohesive, risk-based framework leads to fragmentation. “Security cannot operate in silos; it must be aligned with business priorities and integrated across IT, legal, and compliance functions,” he notes, adding that human awareness remains the missing piece. “Technology can mitigate risk, but without a culture of shared vigilance, even the best tools fall short.”
Human awareness and resilience take centre stage
Vinod V. Jayaprakash, Consulting Cybersecurity Leader, EY GDS, agrees that the “human layer” remains underappreciated. “Ransomware, AI-driven social engineering, supply chain vulnerabilities, and executive-targeted phishing are among the most pressing threats today,” he says. Jayaprakash sees a shift toward cyber resilience, combining recovery, continuity, and AI-enhanced detection. “Yet many enterprises overinvest in tools while underestimating governance, training, and vendor oversight — the gaps that attackers exploit,” he noted.
Security now defines commercial outcomes
According to Sharda Tickoo, Country Manager – India & SAARC, Trend Micro, cybersecurity now directly impacts commercial success. “The biggest risks today stem from rapid technological shifts — AI, quantum computing, IoT, and deepfakes — that are redefining threat landscapes,” she explains. As adversaries increasingly weaponise AI, Tickoo warns that businesses must focus on securing the data, models, and infrastructure powering these systems.“Rising budgets alone won’t protect revenue pipelines,” she says. “Organisations that embed security as a business enabler will thrive — turning IT threats into measurable operational and financial risks. Spending more without evolving strategically only leads to expensive losses instead of cheap ones.”
The rise of AI-driven attacks
Kartik Shahani, Vice President – India and SAARC, CrowdStrike, highlights how identity misuse, AI-powered intrusions, and cloud vulnerabilities are redefining the threat landscape. “Attackers no longer break in — they log in,” he says, noting that cloud intrusions surged 136% in the first half of 2025.For Shahani, defenders must also leverage AI. “Unlike copilots that only respond to prompts, AI agents can reason, decide, and act across identity, endpoint, and cloud data in real time.” He believes the future lies in unified architectures where intelligence is shared seamlessly — the key to compressing response time as attackers move faster than ever.
Building security into innovation cyclesGautam Kapoor, Managing Director and Lead – Cybersecurity, Accenture India, points out that insider threats, hybrid work vulnerabilities, and AI misuse are top concerns. “Cybercriminals now use generative AI for deepfake-based phishing and impersonation attacks,” he says. He stresses that resilience begins with foresight — designing secure systems from the start, embedding AI defensively, and automating response workflows. “Security is not overhead — it’s the infrastructure of trust,” Kapoor asserts.
Trust is now a buying criterion
Sudhakar Singh, Head of Responsible AI at SAP, says the public’s understanding of security has matured. “Security has moved from a non-functional requirement to a primary buying criterion. Before checking the feature list, people ask, ‘Is it safe?’” he says. Singh adds that cybersecurity is now seen as a collective responsibility, not confined to IT teams. “Every person and every link in the chain matters to keep systems and the nation safe.”
A mindset shift for the future
Amrish Kumar Jain, CIO at Tally Solutions, notes that many organisations still view cybersecurity through a compliance lens rather than as a business enabler. But the shift is underway. “The move from reactive protection to proactive exposure management is what will define tomorrow’s resilient enterprises,” says Tickoo.As global threats grow more sophisticated, cybersecurity has transcended its traditional role. It no longer just protects business value — it creates it. In an era where trust drives transactions, security has become the ultimate currency of business success,noted experts.

(Business Correspondent)