The battle against digital threats means tech defenses, education, and empowerment to those on the front lines.
Because yes – it’s a digital battleground. Cybersecurity has become more and more key as our reliance on technology has grown exponentially. Virtually every aspect of our lives is intertwined with technology. And we’re faced with the need to safeguard our personal and financial information – and to protect our way of life.
Cybersecurity has to be multifaceted, combining robust technological defenses, comprehensive education to understand and mitigate risks, and the empowerment of professionals who are on the front lines of this battle. This is more than just a fight against malicious actors; it’s a proactive stance to maintain trust, integrity, and safety in our digital world.
One of the toughest warriors in this realm is Hashnee Subbusundaram. She has the credentials – education, experience, expertise – and as a woman in STEM, she’s already leading the way for other women to rise to the top in fields that are currently male-dominated. And that makes her a key figure in the cybersecurity battle – a general in the war against cybercrime and discrimination.
Hashnee has earned herself a pivotal role in shaping a more secure future. She is known for her disruptive contributions, which stretch across the corporate sphere and dive into academia, public speaking, and mentorship, all aimed at nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
“Triumphant women in the realm of technology don’t simply rupture barriers; they architect the future, pioneering innovations that propel us towards a more inclusive and equitable tomorrow,” says Hashnee.
And this is one of the reasons why she engages with those who are still learning. Hashnee’s own educational background is rich – she holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Computer Science from Anna University, a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Marketing from Bharathiar University, and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Information System and Audit Control from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. During her tenure there, she actively participated in ISACA and was a distinguished member of Beta Alpha Psi.
“We need to enhance cybersecurity education,” Hashnee affirms. “There’s a critical need for a robust pipeline of skilled professionals.”
She has partnered with universities and educational institutions to develop curricula that cover the theoretical underpinnings of cybersecurity and provide hands-on experience with the latest technologies and practices. Hashnee integrates real-world case studies from her work at leading companies like Cisco, Lending Club, and Qualcomm to bring academic study and practical application together. Her goal is to equip students with the skills they need to tackle contemporary cyber challenges.
Hashnee is also a natural orator and advocate for cybersecurity awareness. She utilizes public speaking engagements as a platform to disseminate knowledge and stimulate dialogue on critical cybersecurity issues. She has delivered keynote speeches at industry conferences, participated in panels, and led webinars. Her presentations examine the challenges of securing digital infrastructures, the importance of proactive risk management, and the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Through these engagements, Hashnee has reached a diverse audience, ranging from industry professionals to policymakers, always emphasizing the collective responsibility in creating a secure digital environment.
It’s natural that, as a leader who believes in continual education, Hashnee prioritizes mentorship and diversity. “Women and other underrepresented groups face innumerable obstacles in tech industries,” says Hashnee. “I believe in mentoring emerging talent. I strive to offer guidance, support, and encouragement to anyone looking to get started in cybersecurity or advance their careers.”
Hashnee participates in one-on-one mentorship sessions, workshops, and networking events, sharing her extensive knowledge, experiences, and insights, seeking to inspire a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity workforce.
A prime area where Hashnee has focused her efforts is the digital skills gap that poses a major challenge to the cybersecurity industry. She has initiated and supported programs to upskill professionals and introduce cybersecurity fundamentals to non-technical audiences. She advocates for continuous learning and professional development, and has played a critical role in ensuring that current and future generations of cybersecurity professionals remain adept at responding to and mitigating cyber risks.
“Cybersecurity is not just a concern for professionals,” Hashnee stresses. “It affects anyone who interacts with technology. I extend my educational efforts to the general public, not just those in the industry. Community outreach programs, online resources, and public service announcements – these are all tools I’ve used to raise awareness about common cyber threats, such as phishing, malware, and identity theft.”
Hashnee’s goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves and their digital assets, and she believes that this education can create a much safer online community.
Because the digital landscape is continuously evolving. And with it, cybercrime is growing as well. In 2023, there were 2,365 instances of cyberattacks, affecting 343,338,964 individuals. This marked a 72% surge in data breaches compared to 2021, the year with the previous highest record. On average, a data breach incurred costs of $4.45 million.
This is why Hashnee believes in the importance of forward-thinking in cybersecurity education. Her collaborations with industry leaders and researchers seek to anticipate future trends and threats, and then incorporate these insights into educational content. This proactive approach keeps the next generation of cybersecurity professionals prepared to address current challenges, and helps them innovate and adapt to emerging threats.
“Success is not a fixed endpoint but rather an ongoing voyage characterized by perpetual learning, patience, and the spark of inspiration,” Hashnee shares. “We will only succeed in keeping the digital world secure when we educate ourselves and then others. Those of us who know the industry have a responsibility to share knowledge with emerging talent as well as with the public.”
Hashnee Subbusundaram’s dedication to lifelong learning has tangibly impacted cybersecurity. She believes continuous education is crucial for staying ahead in the tech world, and she inspires others to pursue knowledge and always keep improving. Her efforts in cybersecurity education, through teaching, public speaking, and mentoring, have developed a diverse and skilled workforce. She has contributed to a more secure digital landscape; and her legacy is marked by a commitment to education, empowerment, and setting a solid foundation for future cybersecurity leaders.
Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hashnee/
