Col Arun Hariharan highlights the soaring data growth and the imperative need for physical security in the digital landscape
Col Arun Hariharan, VP & National Head-Nodal, Security & Safety, Bharti Airtel, discussed the burgeoning challenges of data security in the context of India’s smartphone explosion. Hariharan emphasised, “Data is the new oil, not a tangible asset that can be guarded, but used daily.” The statistics revealed a staggering 129 per cent growth in data from 2015-18, driven by India’s position as one of the largest smartphone markets globally.
India’s smartphone user rate, virtually negligible in 2010, is predicted to soar to 1.2 billion users by 2025, with a current penetration rate of 70 per cent in 2024, expected to reach 100 per cent by 2039-a phenomenon colloquially referred to as the “data tsunami.”
Addressing the intersection of physical and cyber security, Hariharan underscored the prevalence of social engineering in cybercrime. He elaborated, “Threats range from unauthorised intrusion and theft to sabotage.” The pivotal elements for an effective security plan, according to Hariharan, are the “five Ds”-deter, detect, deny, delay and defend.
Discussing active measures, he highlighted the importance of physically protecting data through methods like man-guarding. Passive measures, on the other hand, may include Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). In understanding the structure of a typical data centre, Hariharan outlined seven layers, ranging from the perimeter wall to two-factor access and lockers.
Expounding on CPTED, he explained its strategic approach to reducing the risk of criminal acts by combining natural features, the built environment, and human behaviour. Hariharan stressed the principle focus on creating designs that attract users by ensuring their safety while simultaneously making it unattractive and challenging for criminals and terrorists to exploit the environment. This insightful discourse unfolded as part of the BW Security World’s 40 Under 40 Awards-1st edition, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of data security in India.
Written by: Srabastee Biswas
