Russia’s Kaspersky seeks cybersecurity collaboration with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Genie Sugene Gan, a cybersecurity expert at Russian multinational cybersecurity Kaspersky, has said that Kaspersky is open to exploring collaboration opportunities with the Pakistani government and eagerly awaits invitations for constructive dialogue.

In a recent exclusive interview with HUM News English, Genie Sugene Gan said that in the cyber security realm, the discussion will unfold around the intricate dynamics of government relations, women empowerment in tech, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, particularly in Pakistan.

Genie believes uncertainty can present obstacles to fruitful collaboration, and it is essential to ensure a conducive environment for productive discussions.

While talking about women’s role in the technology sector, Genie said that women’s representation in the technology sector, particularly in fields such as cybersecurity, remains disproportionately low.

“While Kaspersky boasts a female workforce that surpasses industry averages, with one in five employees being women, there is still progress to be made. I often find that women tend to self-disqualify from pursuing careers in tech,” she said.

“Drawing from my background as a diplomat advocating for women’s rights at the UN, promoting gender diversity in technology is a personal passion of mine. However, despite transitioning from government to the tech industry, navigating the male-dominated landscape remains a challenge,” she said.

Genie further explained that women play a crucial role in cybersecurity, yet cultural perceptions and societal norms often discourage them from pursuing technical fields. Only a small percentage of universities globally offer bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity.

There is a growing recognition of the importance of empowering women to pursue technical education and careers.

On a question about partnership opportunities with the Pakistani government, Genie said that Kaspersky is open to exploring collaboration opportunities with the Pakistani government and eagerly awaits invitations for constructive dialogue.

“If the government is interested in pursuing the conversation around consultation on key policy matters, we will be interested in discussing them for sure. We never say no. To be honest, the Pakistani government is one of the most proactive ones that I have met already. The conversations actually started with the previous government, and then the caretaker government came. The conversations have paused, but we have a plan to continue the conversations once the permanent political government is in place.”

She said that sanctions, regulations, and policies are not the answer to every problem. “What we should do when cyber security is concerned and technology is concerned is that, where it’s moving so fast, we should not be waiting for the legislation and policies to catch up. It never will unless we live in a perfect world, which we do not. So instead of being curative, look at it from a preventive point of view. Education, awareness, partnerships, relying on the private sector, working together—that may be faster than waiting for legislation,” she said.

“Pakistan’s growing economy and youthful population present significant opportunities for Kaspersky. While bureaucratic hurdles exist, they are not unique to Pakistan and can be overcome through strategic initiatives. Our focus lies on capacity-building initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent. Collaborating with government ministries and universities to provide training and education can help equip individuals with the necessary skills to address cybersecurity challenges. We envision Kaspersky playing a prominent role in Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape in the coming years.”

Genie Gan said that Kaspersky anticipates cybersecurity becoming even more integral to organisations across all sectors as digital transformation accelerates. This will necessitate a shift towards more proactive and adaptive cybersecurity strategies that leverage advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and automation.

“Additionally, we expect to see increased collaboration and information sharing among industry stakeholders to address emerging threats collectively. Ultimately, the future of cybersecurity will require continuous innovation and collaboration to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats,” she added.

She said that a collaborative approach among different regions is essential to effectively addressing global cybersecurity challenges.

“Cyber threats are not constrained by geographical boundaries and often require coordinated efforts across multiple jurisdictions to mitigate. By sharing threat intelligence, best practices, and resources, countries can collectively strengthen their cybersecurity posture and respond more effectively to cyber threats. Collaboration also fosters trust and cooperation among nations, which is crucial in combating cybercrime and safeguarding the digital economy.”