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B Swaminathan | IMAWS
Chennai based Skylark Information Technologies, an IT infrastructure company with a significant presence in India and internationally is bullish on the next financial year. While the four professional offerings of the organization includes IT Enabled Services, Cloud Computing Services, Datacenter Modernization Services and Network Designing Services, the company is vibing the massive success of their recent center-of-excellence for OT security in Chennai. Other than Chennai, the organization has operations in Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi, Delhi, Coimbatore, USA, Singapore, UAE and Netherlands. Besides his busy schedule, Jose Prakash, Executive Director & Co-Owner of Skylark speaks in detail on the next financial year and how they are focussed on the same.
How Skylark has evolved to be the most trusted advisors for enterprises?
To evolve from traditional vendors to trusted advisors, Skylark focuses on developing deep technical expertise to provide expert guidance, understanding customer business objectives to tailor our services, and offering holistic security assessments through a consultative approach. We stay updated on emerging threats and technologies to ensure cutting-edge solutions, foster strategic partnerships with leading Cybersecurity OEMs, and provide Managed Security Services to establish a robust cybersecurity framework. By doing so, Skylark empowers enterprises to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape, achieve their desired outcomes/Goals, and stay protected in an ever-evolving threat environment
What is your roadmap for OT Security?
Customers are emerging in terms of technology. I see not many OEMs in this technology yet. Skylark has set up SAARC’s first COE / Lab for OT Security. With an OT-specific lab that reduces logistical complexities and enables accessible, frequent demonstrations, Skylark can now provide an optimal environment for customers to explore how an integrated cybersecurity platform can mitigate operational risks and support industrial digital transformation effectively.
How they are leveraging OT soc to showcase to customer used cases of OT security
Many Manufacturing / OT customers are already reaching out to us to test use cases of in our COE/Lab. The CoE showcases an integrated portfolio of cybersecurity products tailored specifically for industrial networks and powered by real-time OT threat intelligence, combined with Skylark’s OT security service offerings.
What key skills and expertise Skylark has developed to be seen as trusted advisors by enterprise clients?
At Skylark, we Prioritize Developing a Comprehensive set of Skills to deliver Exceptional Cybersecurity Services. Our internal Technical Skills encompass a Deep Understanding of Cybersecurity Solutions, including IT/OT Security, Cloud Security, Emerging technologies, and Security Frameworks. Additionally, we possess strong Business and Consulting Skills, including Business Acumen, Communication, Consulting, and Project Management Expertise. Our Industry and Domain Expertise enables us to cater to specific Industries, Domains, and Regulatory Requirements. With a commitment to continuous learning, we stay at the forefront of cybersecurity advancements. By combining these skills, we provide expert guidance and support to Enterprise Clients, Empowering them to navigate complex cybersecurity challenges with confidence.
In what ways you had built stronger, more strategic relationships with enterprise customers to drive long-term value?
To build stronger relationships with enterprise customers and drive long-term value, we have developed a deep understanding of customer needs through regular business reviews, provide proactive consultative support, and foster open communication and collaboration. Skylark delivers tailored outcome-based solutions, invests in customer education and awareness, and develops a customer success program to ensure customers achieve their desired outcomes. By leveraging data analytics and insights, we can help customers make informed decisions about their cybersecurity strategies, ultimately building trust in Skylark and establishing ourselves as trusted advisors to our Enterprise Customers.
How can your team helps enterprises anticipate and prepare for emerging cyber threats in the forthcoming financial year?
To help enterprises anticipate and prepare for emerging cyber threats, we as their partners, can provide regular threat intelligence briefings, offer advanced threat detection and response, and implement a proactive security posture. We also should stay updated on emerging threats and technologies, provide strategic guidance on cybersecurity, and conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing. Additionally, we can help enterprises develop incident response plans, provide security awareness training, offer managed security services, and foster collaboration and information sharing. By taking these steps, Skylark can help enterprises stay ahead of emerging cyber threats and ensure a secure and resilient cybersecurity posture in the forthcoming financial year.
What role does customer education play in transforming cybersecurity channel partners into trusted advisors, and how can this be implemented effectively?
Customer education is vital for Skylark to become their trusted advisor. It builds trust, establishes thought leadership, differentiates partners from competitors, and increases customer loyalty. To implement customer education effectively, Skylark assesses customer needs, develops a content strategy, leverages multiple formats, makes education interactive and engaging, measures and evaluates efforts, encourages ongoing learning, and involves subject matter experts. A few of our initiatives include hosting workshops and webinar series, publishing newsletters, and creating online resource centres. By implementing effective customer education, Skylark establishes itself as a trusted advisor, driving customer loyalty, retention, and business growth.
What are the main challenges that cybersecurity channel partners might face in becoming trusted advisors, and how can they overcome them in the upcoming year?
A few challenges we face include lack of expertise, competition, building trust, staying updated on emerging threats, and communicating complex technical concepts. To overcome these challenges, Skylark invests in cybersecurity training and certification, develops strategic partnerships, focuses on customer education and awareness, stays current with industry developments, and develops effective communication skills. Additional strategies include developing a specialization, building a strong online presence, leveraging customer testimonials, developing a customer advisory board, and investing in account management and customer success. By addressing these challenges and implementing these strategies, Skylark today is a trusted advisor to our customers.
How can cybersecurity channel partners integrate new technologies (e.g., AI, automation) into their advisory role to enhance the security posture of enterprise clients in the next financial year?
To integrate new technologies like AI and automation, Skylark plans to leverage AI-powered threat intelligence, vulnerability management, and incident response. We can also implement automation-driven security efficiency through security orchestration, automated compliance management, and automated security monitoring. Additionally, Skylark offers enhanced advisory services, including AI-driven risk assessments, customized security roadmaps, and ongoing security monitoring and guidance. To effectively integrate these technologies, Skylark has planned to invest in AI and automation training and stay current with emerging technologies, enabling them to enhance the security posture of enterprise clients, improve efficiency, and drive business growth.
What are your organization’s expansion plans in the coming year for cybersecurity?
To drive business growth and enhance cybersecurity capabilities, Skylark’s expansion plans for the coming year are focused on:
1. Developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that aligns with our overall goals and objectives.
2. Investing in emerging technologies, such as AI, ML & OT security, to stay ahead of evolving threats.
3. Enhancing incident response capabilities through regular testing and updates to our incident response plans.
4. Develop strategic partnerships with Leading OEMs and cybersecurity providers to expand our offerings and improve our security posture.
5. Attracting and retaining top cybersecurity talent to enhance our capabilities and drive business growth.
6. Expanding into new markets, such as OT Cybersecurity, IoT security, or cybersecurity consulting, to diversify our offerings and drive revenue growth.
7. Developing a managed security services offering to provide ongoing monitoring and management of cybersecurity systems for our customers across the globe.
By executing these expansion plans, Skylark can establish itself as a leader in the cybersecurity industry, drive business growth, and deliver exceptional value to our clients.
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