Eminent CIO's Of India 2026

Transforming Innovation Into Trust: India's Cyber Safety Champion

 

Dr. Rakshit Tandon
Founder - Gurugram Police Cyber Security Summer Internship (GPCSSI)

 

For most organisations, cybersecurity is a technical function. IT governance goes beyond firewalls and compliance checklists; it focuses on building genuine cyber responsibility across citizens, institutions, and enterprises. Through structured awareness programs, policy advisory engagements, and cyber hygiene initiatives, GPCSSI helps organisations establish measurable frameworks that reduce risk, strengthen compliance, and improve user accountability. Regular simulations, capacity-building exercises, and targeted assessments translate governance from paperwork into living, breathing digital resilience.

 

Aligning Cyber Strategy With India's Digital Ambitions
Digital India is not just a government initiative — it is a national responsibility. My work is deeply aligned with this vision, promoting cyber literacy, digital safety, and cybersecurity workforce development at every level of society. The most tangible expression of this commitment is the Gurugram Police Cyber Security Summer Internship (GPCSSI) — a programme I founded over 13 years ago that has consistently nurtured young cyber enthusiasts into future-ready professionals. Recognised with the prestigious Skoch Gold Award for Governance, GPCSSI has become a benchmark for how public-private collaboration can build a safer, stronger digital ecosystem.

 

Preparing the Next Generation for AI-Driven Threats
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping every sector — but AI adoption without awareness is a vulnerability, not an advantage. I actively train students, professionals, educators, corporate teams, and law enforcement officers on emerging technologies, AI-driven threats, responsible AI usage, and practical cyber defense strategies. My focus extends beyond technical skills to developing critical thinking and digital intelligence — empowering individuals to leverage AI confidently while recognising and mitigating its associated risks. The goal is simple: create professionals who work alongside AI securely and responsibly.

 

People Are the Best Technology Investment
Technology alone never delivers its full promise. I advocate a balanced investment philosophy — every rupee spent on technology must be matched by investment in people, processes, and continuous education. Cybersecurity awareness, incident preparedness, and hands-on training dramatically improve technology ROI by reducing human error, accelerating incident response, and maintaining operational continuity during cyber events. Resilience is ultimately a human capability before it becomes a technical one.

 

Making Digital Safety Accessible to Every Citizen
True digital inclusion demands more than internet access — it requires knowledge, confidence, and safety. My work spans schools, colleges, corporations, government departments, and police agencies, making cybersecurity education accessible to children, parents, senior citizens, and professionals alike. When every citizen can navigate the digital world safely, India's digital economy becomes genuinely inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.