J. P. Dwivedi, CIO, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Rohini

AI’s Expanding Role in Business
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become central to today’s business landscape, transforming how companies operate and compete. It encompasses diverse technologies such as Generative AI, which creates content; Machine Learning, which enables systems to learn from data; Robotic Process Automation (RPA), which automates repetitive tasks; and Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics, which forecast trends and recommend actions. The rapid increase in affordable computing power and cloud infrastructure is accelerating AI adoption across industries. As AI capabilities grow, businesses can harness it to improve decision-making, optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation at unprecedented scales.

Limitations to Cyber Hygiene
Employee is the weakest link in entire security apparatus. Most of the times, breaches happen due inadvertent steps taken by employees due to sheer ignorance. The threat vectors are sharpening day by day and aware workforce is the only key to address the risks posed by hackers. Constant awareness is required and this needs to be reinforced by refresher training. We recently cleared ISO 27001 certification process and are waiting for certificate to arrive. This is an excellent framework to ensure proper training to the employees.

The Evolving Role of the CIO
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) today is far beyond just automating processes. They are true enablers of business transformation, leveraging technology and process improvements to unlock value across the enterprise. A CIO understands the intricacies of organizational workflows and optimizes them—sometimes by deploying new technologies, other times through techniques like value stream mapping, or simply by removing outdated, redundant steps that persist due to legacy thinking. This shift redefines the CIO’s role from a technical executor to a strategic partner who accelerates business growth and innovation.

Distinct Leadership Roles
Leadership roles in technology and security are becoming more specialized: the CIO focuses on business enablement; the CTO manages the technology infrastructure; the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) safeguards the information security posture; and the Data Protection Officer (DPO) ensures compliance with data privacy laws. Unlike the other roles, the DPO is a statutory position with dual reporting lines—to the board and to regulatory authorities—and cannot be assumed by the CIO, CTO, or CISO. This clear division ensures dedicated focus on data privacy and legal compliance, critical in today’s data-driven world.