The increasing incidents of data breaches and threats such as ransomware have triggered a frantic search for information security assistance. Companies are urgently trying to fill positions and vie for top talent, leaving many roles vacant for extended periods. According to the 2024 ISACA State of Cybersecurity Report, over 50% of organizations have unfilled cybersecurity positions.[1] Therefore, having a strong team is crucial, as relying on a single individual is insufficient to address the complex challenges in cybersecurity effectively. Renowned for leading successful IAM projects and developing innovative security solutions, Cyber Security Lead at leading companies such as Walmart, TechDemoCracy LLC, HCL Technology, a senior member of IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization, Sandeep Singh will speak on the necessity of teamwork, highlighting how collaborative efforts are essential for overcoming cybersecurity challenges.
Sandeep Singh exemplifies expertise and leadership in the ever-changing field of Identity and Access Management (IAM). His progression from a key developer with Java 2 Enterprise Edition development background to a Subject Matter Expert (SME) reflects his extensive experience with various IAM products, including Sun IDM, Sun Access Manager, Oracle Identity Governance, Novell Identity Manager, CA Identity Manager, and IdentityIQ. This journey highlights not only his technical skills but also his commitment to fostering teamwork and mentoring new talents in the industry.
Understanding Digital Safety
Understanding digital safety involves protecting personal information and maintaining online privacy. It requires awareness of cyber threats like phishing and malware and using strong passwords and two-factor authentication. As technology integrates into life and business, proactive strategies and teamwork are essential. Sandeep Singh emphasizes digital safety as a collective effort, noting its necessity across industries. Sandeep Singh emphasizes digital safety as a collective effort and highlights IAM (Identity and Access Management) as an effective solution. "For example, as a Senior System and Infrastructure Engineer in Information Security at Wal mart Inc., one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, my main goal is to securely and efficiently manage the organization's identities, access, and privileges in line with regulatory standards. I view identity management as a vital pillar of cybersecurity, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the appropriate resources at the right times for legitimate reasons. Over my 20-year career in the IAM domain, I have developed a profound understanding of various IAM products and their implementation. I have provided IAM solutions for high-profile clients across sectors such as finance, automotive, telecommunications, and healthcare, gaining valuable insights into the diverse organizational needs for digital security."
The Role of Education and Training
Continuous education and training are vital for individuals and organizations to recognize and respond to digital threats effectively. A strong educational foundation is crucial for those aiming to excel in Identity and Access Management (IAM), providing essential technical skills. Pursuing relevant studies and hands-on experience enables professionals to contribute effectively to IAM teams and tackle complex security challenges. Sandeep Singh underscores the importance of continuous learning and professionalism to ensure robust IAM solutions and security standards, drawing on his Master's in Computer Applications and certifications in IDM engineering and Identity Security. Sandeep Singh concludes, "In the rapidly evolving field of IAM, training is vital for staying ahead of digital threats. A solid educational background is key to developing the technical skills required to implement robust IAM solutions and maintain security standards. It's also important to join professional organizations for career growth and development. For instance, I considered it crucial to join IEEE as it connects you with the world's largest technical professional community, fostering collaboration and innovation. Participating in various competitions with fellow professionals can also be essential." Sandeep Singh, for instance, served as a jury member in the Globee Awards and Cases and Faces, which signifies recognition of his expertise and standing in the industry, as he is entrusted with evaluating and honoring peers' achievements.
Sandeep considers, "Research and knowledge sharing is vital for professional growth and innovation." He has contributed significantly by authoring several scientific articles, such as "Building Resilient Security Systems with Identity Access Management" and "Redefining the High-Level Framework for Identity and Access Management in Cybersecurity." His work enhances understanding and fosters collaboration among colleagues in the field.
Collaboration Across Sectors
Achieving digital safety necessitates collaboration across technology, government, and education sectors to create comprehensive strategies for evolving cyber risks. Sandeep Singh emphasizes the importance of effective cooperation with stakeholders for successful IAM solutions. Sandeep Singh states, "To achieve digital safety, collaboration across technology, and government sectors is essential, as it fosters comprehensive strategies to tackle evolving cyber risks, for instance, it was demonstrated by our seamless teamwork in migrating from Novell Identity Manager to Oracle IDAM for an Australian Brisbane city council at HCL Technology, which provides cybersecurity solutions to over 300+ Fortune 500 companies." Sandeep Singh spent around two years in Brisbane, Australia, working on the BCC (Brisbane City Council) IAM project. He adds, "Internal communication is also important. I collaborated closely with sales teams to prepare Request for Proposal (RFP) documents for international IAM projects. I assisted in managing Requests for Evaluation (RFE) by developing questionnaires and providing technical insights. Furthermore, I traveled across multiple HCL regional offices to provide hands-on support for projects facing critical obstacles or delays, took part in resolving escalated issues, ensuring project progress, and maintaining customer satisfaction. This cooperation ensured our proposals were comprehensive and tailored to the specific needs of prospective clients." This was also proven by Sandeep's experience at HCL Technology, where he provided a solution to the Singapore Exchange (SGX) during his visit to Singapore, delivering a presentation to senior management on enhancing Oracle Identity and Access Management. Additionally, he provided exceptional support to the Bank of Montreal (BMO Canada) during his visit to Canada, contributing significantly to the success of the secure IBM Identity and Access Management project.
Mentoring and Training: Building a Cohesive Team
Mentoring and training are essential for building cohesive teams and promoting continuous learning and growth. Investing in these practices enhances team dynamics, improves skills, and aligns members with company goals. Effective mentoring boosts confidence and strengthens team capabilities, leading to increased productivity and innovation. "Mentoring and training are the backbone of effective team building. I can say based on my experience as a Manager Delivery in Cyber Security at Tech DemoCracy LLC, a company that delivers advanced identity security solutions to leading organizations across various industries, with top clients including T-Mobile, Kaiser Permanente, that education and training play a pivotal role. As a strategic SME in Identity Management, I provided comprehensive guidance, training, and mentorship to my team members. This involved nurturing skill development and sharing best practices to empower the team to deliver exceptional results across IAM projects. By focusing on education and training, I aimed to drive innovation and operational efficiency, ensuring that our team remains at the forefront of the industry and consistently achieves high-quality outcomes," states Sandeep Singh, who has been recognized with several awards, including the Star Performance Award and the Mentor Award, for his excellence in IAM skills and mentorship within the organization. Throughout his two-decade career, Sandeep Singh has championed teamwork, combining his technical skills with a dedication to mentoring. As a Subject Matter Expert in the Center of Excellence Cyber Security team at HCL Technology, Sandeep has led training programs to enhance IAM skills, preparing over 30 recruits for effective project contributions. By designing tailored modules in Oracle IAM and IdentityIQ, he ensured top performers joined the Cybersecurity Team, boosting organizational capabilities.
Overcoming Challenges through Teamwork
Overcoming challenges through teamwork is a vital component of success in any industry, especially in the dynamic field of Identity and Access Management (IAM). By consistently prioritizing collaboration, Sandeep has led his team to innovate in critical areas such as migration, which included understanding and redesigning the Oracle IDM architecture to align with IdentityIQ's framework, user lifecycle management, and application integration, demonstrating the power of teamwork in overcoming obstacles and achieving a substantial impact in the IAM industry. Sandeep emphasizes, "Tackling challenges requires collective teamwork more than anything else." He adds, "For instance, as a member of the Center of Excellence in the Cyber Security team at HCL Technology, we tackled errors and deficiencies in IAM projects for international clients by providing on-site support and targeted guidance. We provided technical guidance to project teams, enhancing IAM skills and ensuring knowledge transfer, delivered Proof of Concept demos to large clients and collaborated with sales on Requests for Evaluation, and conducted requirement gathering and designed tailored solutions using Oracle IDM and IdentityIQ." Looking ahead, only teamwork can effectively address the complex and evolving threats in cybersecurity, ensuring robust defenses and sustainable progress.
