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Abhijit Chakravarty, Executive Vice President at Kotak Bank, is a multifaceted individual who excels not only as a cybersecurity expert but also as a strategist, innovator, and visionary leader. His career trajectory is characterized by an insatiable curiosity, a deep-seated problem-solving mindset, and an unwavering dedication to securing the digital landscape. Chakravarty’s accomplishments extend beyond a successful career, as he has established a reputation for bridging the complex realms of IT and OT security, pioneering practical and forward-thinking solutions.
The foundation of a cybersecurity trailblazer
Chakravarty’s early career was shaped during a time when internet access was a luxury, and information was scarce. “We had to rely heavily on books, manuals, and, most importantly, asking the right questions to the right people,” he reminisces. This self-driven learning approach and hands-on problem-solving laid the groundwork for his expertise in cybersecurity.
One defining moment in his career was a challenging project involving voice networks for a major mobile service provider in India. Despite following standard procedures, an issue with voice stability persisted across base stations. Through meticulous examination, Chakravarty discovered a conflict between three-digit and four-digit internal dialing codes—an oversight so subtle it could have been easily dismissed. His unorthodox approach—questioning the basics and testing a three-digit code setup—ultimately resolved the issue.
Sometimes, logic may not work, but you need to trust your instincts, gather data, and make an informed attemptAbhijit Chakravarty
This incident exemplifies his core philosophy: never take a problem at face value, always challenge assumptions, and be fearless in experimenting with new solutions.
Leadership rooted in curiosity and empathy
For Chakravarty, leadership extends beyond technical expertise—it is deeply rooted in empathy and active listening. One of his guiding principles is to take every customer complaint seriously. “If a customer says there’s a problem, you have to believe them. They have better things to do than fabricate issues,” he emphasizes.
His leadership style fosters a culture of inquiry and innovation. He encourages his team to question, explore, and push the boundaries of conventional thinking. “Education is not about answering questions; it’s about questioning answers, which we seldom do,” he reflects. This mindset enables his team to develop creative solutions and drive meaningful innovation in cybersecurity.
The IT-OT convergence: A critical shift Chakravarty witnessed
One of Chakravarty’s biggest passions is bridging the gap between IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology). Unlike IT, which has matured significantly over the years, OT security is still evolving. He highlights a crucial difference:
In IT, the security framework follows Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA). But in OT, the priority flips—Availability comes first. If a machine doesn’t work, everything else is secondary.Abhijit Chakravarty
For Chakravarty, the future of cybersecurity lies in this delicate balance—ensuring that IT and OT systems work seamlessly while protecting both digital and physical assets. With the rise of smart infrastructure, industrial automation, and connected devices, this convergence will define the next era of cybersecurity strategies. He believes that organizations must rethink their security frameworks to address these unique challenges effectively.
Advice for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals
When asked about his advice for aspiring cybersecurity leaders, Chakravarty underscores the importance of curiosity, resilience, and adaptability.
Cybersecurity is not a 9-to-5 job. It’s a constant battle against evolving threats. The only way to stay ahead is by learning every day, experimenting without fear, and questioning everything.Abhijit Chakravarty
Beyond technical skills, he emphasizes personal growth and strong ethics. “Learn skills, build character,” he advises, reinforcing that cybersecurity is as much about integrity as it is about expertise.
Abhijit Chakravarty’s journey serves as an inspiration for both established professionals and those entering the field. His ability to merge deep technical acumen with strategic foresight, his passion for IT-OT security, and his commitment to nurturing future leaders make him a transformative force in the cybersecurity landscape. By continuously pushing boundaries and challenging conventional wisdom, he is not just securing systems—he is shaping the future of cybersecurity itself.
(With inputs from Annanya Nayyar)
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