"The world of cybersecurity is changing faster than ever before, and we must adjust our tactics to keep up and stay one step ahead," says cybersecurity professional Chahak Mittal, who is leading a new wave of cybersecurity risk management.

Chahak Mittal is energized by the perpetual evolution of threats and defences, spurring her to spearhead innovative advancements in cybersecurity risk management methodologies.

As a cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) manager at Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc. and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Chahak Mittal has proven expertise in developing strategies that combat cyber threats. She was recognized and received a 2023 global award for her outstanding contributions to the technology community by Women in Tech Network.  Her proficiency in creating and deploying secure systems and networks is crucial for navigating the complex world of cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance. Chahak holds dual master's degrees in Information Security and Cybersecurity from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, India, and Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA, respectively.

The Escalating Challenge of Cyber Threats

Chahak Mittal's work assumes paramount importance against the backdrop of escalating cybercrime costs, as highlighted in a 2023 report by Cybersecurity Ventures. Projections indicate a staggering increase to $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015. This exponential rise underscores the pressing necessity for robust cybersecurity measures and innovative risk management strategies.

At the forefront of this battle, Chahak's pioneering approach to cybersecurity risk management emerges as a beacon of hope. Focused on proactive threat detection and the implementation of bespoke security protocols, her methodology effectively tackles both existing and emerging cyber threats.

Chahak's strategy not only enables organizations to react swiftly but also equips them with preemptive fortification against potential risks. By tailoring security measures to suit the specific requirements of each entity, Chahak ensures that even those with limited resources can implement effective cybersecurity protocols.

A New Angle on Cybersecurity Risk Management

Chahak has been re-evaluating traditional cybersecurity risk management strategies in the face of the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks. "We can no longer rely on outdated methods to protect our digital assets," she asserts.

During Chahak's keynote speech in ISC2 Los Angeles in September 2023, she emphasized the importance of Cybersecurity professionals' role as risk advisors and the need for a proactive and dynamic approach to cybersecurity risk management. This includes adopting advanced technologies and practices such as continuous monitoring, threat intelligence, and predictive analytics to anticipate and mitigate potential breaches. By integrating these modern techniques, Chahak aims to enhance the organization's resilience against increasingly complex cyber threats and guarantee robust protection for sensitive data and systems.

Chahak's proposal of a global cybersecurity rating system for supply chain risk management was widely recognized by the cybersecurity community and was published in SecureWorld on October 25, 2023.  The global cybersecurity rating system is a promising idea that will make a significant impact on the global cybersecurity landscape. It would help businesses to protect themselves and their supply chains from cyberattacks and encourage them to invest in cybersecurity. This system will overhaul how the suppliers are screened, onboarded, and monitored. 

"Global cybersecurity rating system would be a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes to improve their supply chain security. It would help businesses to identify and mitigate risks, encourage them to invest in cybersecurity, and raise awareness of cybersecurity among suppliers," says Chahak.

Beyond safeguarding systems, her extensive experience enables her to guide organizations through intricate global compliance mandates, ensuring they exceed the stringent requirements set by regulatory bodies.

Balancing Innovation and Accessibility in Cybersecurity

Although Chahak's innovative approach to supply chain cybersecurity risk management has been widely praised, some critics have also argued that, while comprehensive, a global cybersecurity rating system for supply risk management may be too complex for smaller organizations with limited resources. They contend that a more streamlined approach may suit these entities more effectively.

Chahak acknowledges this but maintains that her strategies are adaptable to different organizational contexts. "The risks and potential losses we face by doing nothing are much greater than the investment needed for effective cybersecurity," she asserts. "It's a smart move for making our cybersecurity systems and organizations more robust to cyber threats."

As cybersecurity threats keep evolving, experts like Chahak are crafting inventive cybersecurity risk management solutions to tackle emerging challenges that come with them. By turning to pre-emptive threat detection and tailored security policies, Chahak is protecting against current threats and neutralizing future ones.

Her unique perspective, informed by her extensive contributions to the industry and her commitment to mentoring and education, distinguishes her as a leader and a catalyst for change in the field.

"The cybersecurity scene is always shifting, and we need to shift with it to keep up," Chahak reflects. "By keeping ahead of the game and tweaking our strategies to face the challenges of the digital era, we can ensure everyone enjoys a safer and more secure future."