Amit Basu
Vice President, CIO & CISO
International Seaways
Amit Basu is the VP, CIO & CISO for International Seaways and a Governing Body Member of the New York CISO Community. Amit is a Maritime IT pioneer with extensive experience in digitalization, cloud migration, hybrid work support, and Cyber risk management. He has a strong expertise in cybersecurity risk management strategy, frameworks, processes, controls, and technologies leading to cyber resilience.
Amit is a passionate leader and prominent speaker in technology and security forums globally, an advisor to technology companies and academic programs, as well as has 30+ years of diverse and global experience in leveraging technology to drive organizational growth, performance, and efficiency while managing risks and regulatory compliance.
A few fun facts about Amit: He is a travel buff, food connoisseur and a wine enthusiast.
Learn more about the New York CISO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I have been working in maritime IT for nearly 30 years, having begun my IT career in the financial sector as a database developer and data analyst. My transition to maritime IT in the mid-1990s marked the start of a journey in a niche domain where specialized knowledge is crucial for successful digital transformation.
Early in my maritime IT career, I pioneered significant technological advancements, such as the computerization of ships through satellite-based data replication, which enabled real-time data sharing and enhanced communication across maritime operations. In the 2000s, I led various Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations and other digitalization projects, each contributing to greater operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. In the 2010s, I developed a Cloud-Only IT strategy, which has been vital in providing scalable, flexible, and cost-effective IT infrastructure. In 2014, I was promoted to CIO, where I continue to oversee and drive the organization's digital initiatives.
With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats in the past decade, managing cyber risks and implementing robust cybersecurity measures have become critical. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach, I was also appointed as CISO and in this dual role, I have been instrumental in designing and implementing a multi-layered cybersecurity framework. This not only protects the organization against various cyber threats but also fosters a culture of cyber resilience, ensuring that security is a fundamental component of all IT projects.
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to continuous improvement and innovation. By staying ahead of industry trends and fostering a knowledgeable IT team, I have ensured that our organization is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the maritime industry and leverage technology for operational excellence while maintaining cyber resiliency.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity and changing threats.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
The most significant challenge CISOs face today is the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), organizations are increasingly at risk of cyberattacks that the traditional protection and detection tools might not be able to cope with. The spread of remote work and digital transformation initiatives has further expanded the attack surface, making it harder to secure critical assets and sensitive data.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
- Develop a strong understanding of the business and align security with business goals
- Build a comprehensive security strategy
- Stay informed and adaptable
- Build a skilled and cohesive team and partner network
- Maintain a detailed and well-rehearsed incident response plan
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
- Peer networking and collaboration
- Knowledge sharing and best practices
- Professional development and growth
- Exclusive events and summits
- Access to resources
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