‘The CISO has Evolved from a Technical Guardian to a Strategic Enabler’: Dr Jagannath Sahoo, CISO, Gujarat Fluorochemicals

Manufacturing CISOs are strengthening IT-OT security integration and advancing threat detection through AI-driven analytics. Dr Jagannath Sahoo, CISO, Gujarat Fluorochemicals, explains to Bhavya Bagga, Business Reporter – Corporate & Leadership, CXO Media, the key cybersecurity priorities and how these initiatives can be aligned with the broader business goals.

What are the key cybersecurity priorities and risk management strategies currently being implemented at Gujarat Fluorochemicals? How do they support the organisation’s overall digital resilience?

To strengthen digital resilience, leading manufacturing organisations like Gujarat Fluorochemicals are prioritising multi-layered cybersecurity strategies, integrating threat intelligence, endpoint protection, and regulatory compliance. By aligning risk management frameworks with strategic goals, they ensure proactive threat mitigation, operational continuity, and secure digital transformation.

How is your team leveraging tools like threat intelligence platforms, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), and endpoint protection to mitigate evolving cyber risks?

The Gujarat Fluorochemicals cybersecurity teams leverage advanced threat intelligence platforms, SIEM systems, and endpoint protection tools to proactively detect, analyse, and respond to evolving cyber risks, ensuring real-time visibility, rapid incident containment, and continuous protection across our digital ecosystem.

With increasing cyber threats targeting industrial and manufacturing sectors, how do you ensure robust security across IT-OT (Information Technology–Operational Technology) integration?

To safeguard against escalating cyber threats, we at Gujarat Fluorochemicals ensure robust IT-OT integration by implementing network segmentation, real-time threat monitoring, and asset-specific access controls, enabling secure, resilient operations across both digital and physical environments.

How do you ensure that cybersecurity initiatives remain aligned with broader business goals while maintaining compliance with national and global regulatory frameworks?

At Gujarat Fluorochemicals, we align cybersecurity initiatives with broader business objectives by embedding risk management into strategic planning, ensuring every security investment supports operational resilience and growth. 

Simultaneously, we maintain compliance with national and global regulations through continuous monitoring, policy enforcement, and adaptive governance frameworks.

What approach do you follow to assess, select, and collaborate with cybersecurity vendors and solution providers? Are there any key partnerships that have proven especially valuable?

At Gujarat Fluorochemicals, we follow a strategic, risk-based approach to assess and select cybersecurity vendors, prioritising solutions that align with our operational needs, scalability, and compliance requirements. 

Collaboration is built on transparency, performance metrics, and shared threat intelligence. Key partnerships have proven invaluable in enhancing detection capabilities, accelerating incident response, and supporting our long-term security roadmap.

Can you share how Gujarat Fluorochemicals builds a culture of cybersecurity awareness across departments? Are there ongoing training or simulation programs for employees?

Our Cyber Security Team fosters a culture of cybersecurity awareness through continuous, role-based training programs, real-world phishing simulations, and regular communication campaigns. 

By embedding security into daily operations and empowering employees across departments, we at Gujarat Fluorochemicals ensure that cybersecurity becomes a shared responsibility—strengthening our overall digital resilience.

What are your top strategic priorities as CISO for the upcoming year? How do you foresee the evolving role of a CISO in the context of digital transformation and growing cyber complexity?

Manufacturing CISO’s top strategic priorities for the coming year include strengthening IT-OT security integration, advancing threat detection through AI-driven analytics, and embedding cybersecurity into every layer of digital transformation. 

As the cyber landscape grows more complex, the CISO’s role is evolving from a technical guardian to a strategic enabler, bridging security, business innovation, and resilience to drive sustainable growth.

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