In a exclusive conversation with CXO News – APAC News Network, Virander Singh, AGM & CISO, Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) highlights the cybersecurity initiatives at IGL along with the benefits of video analytics for improving customer experience.
What are the initiatives undertaken at IGL to make the organization more cyber resilient?
Cyber resilience is an organization’s ability to prevent, withstand and recover from cybersecurity incidents. Cyber security is game of thief and police and as part of an organization it is always desired to be ahead of thief to run the show. In this direction, at IGL we are using multiple solutions as part of our preventive and defensive approach.
We are using several latest information security tools, technologies, solutions and services, like EDR, WSG, Firewalls, Email security and SOC services, which help us to maintain security at different layers. Apart from this security policy, frameworks and processes are in place which are tested time to time like DR drills, backup strategies, and table top exercise as part of our crises management process.
The Cyber security assessments and policy review help to mitigate risks identified and up-to date documentations as per compliance and new regulations are introduced by respective authorities time to time. Also, we follow guidelines and advisories issued by authorities like CERT-In etc.
The background check of resources at the time of hiring is very important. The HR is very important part of this ecosystem, and its cyber security awareness, training and certifications as well as needs to upskill knowledge are taken care of at IGL.
How can organizations leverage AI to fortify their digital defences?
AI has helped in a new era of innovation and efficiency. Businesses that embrace AI gain acompetitive edge by leveraging data-driven insights, automation, and intelligent decision-making. It is not merely a technology but it is a game-changer.
It can monitor network activity, identify anomalies and prioritize alerts. It can analyze large volumes of data, identify fraudulent or suspicious content and isolate threats. It can be a very useful tool for Cyber Security professionals. AI can automate repetitive tasks, improving efficiency and productivity in various industries.
However, it does face challenges like increased regulation, data privacy concerns and worries over job losses. AI for security and Security for AI is therefore a new point of discussion today. There must be regulations to avoid misuse of this futuristic technology which can be used for mankind to improve their standard of life, better utilization of valuable time and resources.
How does the workforce management, data center Management and GIS mapping for pipelines work in energy utilities?
Energy utility companies, mostly deal B2C segment with large customer base and the impact of service unavailability on the society at large is significant. Utility companies use modern workforce management solutions like mobile workforce management solutions which enable them to respond quickly to incidents and requests. Applications such as scheduling, time tracking, attendance, and alerts, ensure teams maintain high productivity levels.
GIS plays a vital role in pipeline management by providing a comprehensive view of the pipeline network, including its location, condition, and associated data. It empowers operators with pipeline mapping tools for better decision-making and activity and asset management. Laying pipelines is a difficult undertaking that requires extensive data collection before even determining the route. GIS data is brought to use to plan the best route for pipeline route which would be the most cost effective, easy to maintain in future, less human interaction etc.
A well- managed data center is key to ensuring the availability, reliability, security, and performance of your critical data and systems. The volume of data generated is larges in energy utility sector due to digitalization, and process automation & OT systems. The data protection is one of the key responsibilities of companies from cyber threats and breaches.
How is video analytics being leveraged at the CNG stations for queue management by IGL?
The ‘CNG Queue Management’ app is the key ingredient of a basket of digital initiatives launched by the IGL to enhancement of customer experience. You need not wait in a long queue for tank up at CNG stations.
The app divides CNG consumers into three broad categories like bus, car and autos and help disperse demand in a particular area to ease the queues. With the help of CCTV feed and video analytics in real time, average waiting time is calculated and automatically updated in the queue management app. A few clicks on app on your phone will tell you the average waiting time at CNG stations within a radius of 5 km and beyond to help you chose the one where you can get the quickest refill.
This not only helps to enhance customer experience, reduce waiting time and better utilization of resources. This is possible due to use of available video analytics capability in technology, seamless integration and easily accessible mobile application platform for end customers.
What are going to be the key technology focus areas in IGL’s roadmap for the next 12-18 months?
IGL has started its digital journey with the implementation of one of the industry leading ERP Solution “SAP”. In this journey of digitalization IGL implemented several leading state of art technologies and solution to enhance customer experience, improved operational efficiency and better uptime with cloud technologies and SAAS based services.
The IT department works as business enabler and it implemented several solutions time to time as per business demand and need of time to be future ready with the use of latest technologies and solutions. At IGL we are open to use latest technologies and solutions for benefit of our valuable customers, employees and stakeholders with improved user experience, operational efficiency, and uptime.
( Neha Pal & Rajneesh De, APAC News Network )
