By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
In the Hindu mythology, few figures are as revered and influential as Lord Krishna.
He is celebrated not only for his divine playfulness and his profound teachings in the Bhagavad Gita but also for his role as a strategist, diplomat, and protector.
His principles and actions offer timeless wisdom that can be remarkably relevant to the modern world, especially in the context of cybersecurity.
As we navigate an era where data is as valuable as oil, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) can draw profound insights on this occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.
Krishna’s life and teachings can aid CISOs to protect digital assets and uphold their own version of “Dharma” in the corporate world.
The Concept of Dharma in Cybersecurity
In Hindu philosophy, Dharma represents duty, righteousness, and moral order. For Krishna, upholding Dharma was essential, even in challenging times.
This principle mirrors the role of CISOs today. Just as Krishna guided Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra to fulfill his warrior’s duty, CISOs must navigate the digital battlefield, safeguarding their organization’s data and ensuring its ethical use.
For CISOs, Dharma translates into the unwavering duty to protect their organization’s data integrity, confidentiality, and availability.
Confronting the Demons of Cybersecurity
Krishna, even as a child, faced relentless threats, starting with the demoness Putana, who disguised herself as a nurturing figure but harbored deadly intentions. She attempted to kill Krishna with poisoned milk, yet he not only survived but also destroyed her. This ancient tale mirrors the modern challenges faced by CISOs in the digital world.
Just as Putana appeared harmless yet carried lethal danger, phishing emails and malware often disguise themselves as legitimate communications or benign software, luring unsuspecting users into a trap. These cyber threats, much like Putana, prey on trust and innocence, masking their true intentions until it’s too late.
After Putana, Krishna faced more demons like Trnavarta, a whirlwind attempting to kidnap and destroy him, and Aghasura, a giant serpent. Krishna calmly defeated each of these threats, demonstrating his ability to adapt and overcome diverse dangers.
Krishna’s Strategic Mindset: Anticipate and Act
His anticipation was not just about predicting the attack but also about preparing the Pandavas to face the inevitable. He advised them on forming alliances, strengthening their forces, and using unconventional strategies to outmaneuver the Kauravas. This proactive approach ensured that the Pandavas were not only ready to defend themselves but also to win the war.
Similarly, CISOs must adopt a proactive mindset, anticipating potential threats and vulnerabilities before they manifest as security breaches.
Krishna and the CISO: The Story of Muraari
Indra, facing the invincible Naraka, turned to Krishna for help, much like today’s CISOs confronting relentless cyber threats like ransomware. Krishna’s wife Sathyabhama’s urgency in urging Krishna to act underscores the need for rapid, decisive responses in cybersecurity. Delays can be disastrous; proactive action is critical.
Krishna’s battle with Naraka and Mura, Naraka’s chief defender, offers a blueprint for modern CISOs. Just as Krishna strategically dismantled Naraka’s defenses, CISOs must adopt a layered, vigilant approach to protect their organizations. The Sudarshana chakra, Krishna’s weapon, symbolizes the need for advanced tools and partnerships in combating sophisticated threats.
In today’s digital landscape, CISOs are the modern Muraaris, tasked with defending their digital fortresses against ever-evolving adversaries. By drawing inspiration from Krishna’s strategic foresight and preparedness, CISOs can ensure their defenses are strong, their actions timely, and their vigilance unwavering.
Balancing Ethical Imperatives and Business Goals
One of Krishna’s most famous teachings is the importance of balance—whether it’s between action and inaction, detachment and involvement, or ethics and pragmatism.
In the corporate world, CISOs often face the challenge of balancing the need for robust security with the business’s operational goals. This balance is akin to Krishna’s counsel to Arjuna, emphasizing that while actions must be taken to achieve objectives, they should always align with one’s duty and righteousness.
For CISOs, this balance means ensuring that security measures do not hinder business growth but rather enable it by building trust and resilience. They must advocate for security as a fundamental business enabler, ensuring that ethical imperatives do not take a backseat to profit motives.
The Role of Communication and Education
Krishna’s ability to communicate complex ideas in a relatable and understandable manner is one of his greatest strengths, as evidenced by his discourse in the Bhagavad Gita.
For CISOs, communication is equally crucial. It’s not just about protecting data but also educating stakeholders about cybersecurity risks and fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility.
Like Krishna, who empowered Arjuna to make informed decisions on the battlefield, CISOs must empower employees to act as the first line of defense against cyber threats. This involves regular training, clear communication about policies, and creating an environment where security is viewed as a collective responsibility.
Embracing the Unpredictable
Krishna often emphasized the unpredictability of life and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. The digital world is no different, with new threats emerging daily and the ever-evolving nature of cyber risks.
CISOs must embrace this unpredictability, understanding that no system is ever completely secure and that vigilance and adaptability are key.
By maintaining a posture of continuous improvement and readiness, much like Krishna’s readiness to adapt to changing situations on the battlefield, CISOs can better protect their organizations from the unpredictable nature of cyber threats.
