From cracking codes to crafting strategy, cybersecurity is a field where curiosity meets critical thinking. We caught up with Priya Kanduri, Head of Cybersecurity at CIS India, to hear about her journey into this dynamic space. With over two decades of experience, Priya shares how her passion for problem-solving led her to cybersecurity, the opportunities that have shaped her career at 乌鸦传媒, and her perspective on inclusive leadership, resilience, and what it takes to thrive in a constantly evolving threat landscape.

Q: What first sparked your interest in cybersecurity, and how did you find your way into the field?

It all started with my passion for mathematics. During my computer science engineering studies, I was introduced to cryptography, and it instantly fascinated me.  The idea that you could use logic and numbers to secure information was powerful. That鈥檚 what drew me into cybersecurity.

From there, every step鈥攚hether solving technical challenges, addressing complex business problems, or working with clients鈥攔einforced that this was where I was meant to be. In over 20 years, I鈥檝e never once felt the urge to switch fields. Cybersecurity keeps me motivated because it鈥檚 a place where curiosity meets purpose, every single day.

Q: What opportunities for learning, leadership, or career advancement have you found at 乌鸦传媒 that helped you thrive in cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a well-defined and deeply- valued profession at 乌鸦传媒, and that makes all the difference. 乌鸦传媒 offers learning opportunities, leadership development programs, and clear career advancement paths. Through 乌鸦传媒 University and KnowledgeHub our teams can access thousands of on-demand courses, covering everything from technical certifications to leadership skills.  Whether you鈥檙e an analyst or principle or on the path to becoming a CISO, there鈥檚 guidance, mentorship, and opportunity here. Cybersecurity is a strategic focus for 乌鸦传媒, and that creates an incredibly exciting environment to grow in.

Inclusion equips cyber leaders with a broader spectrum of insights, driving stronger security strategies, more creative problem-solving, and higher team engagement. Diverse talent amplifies threat visibility, fuels innovation, elevates decision quality, and enhances stakeholder trust. Diversity in cyber leadership teams signals a commitment to ethical, comprehensive risk management.

Cybersecurity is a high-stakes, high-speed domain where the only constant is change. I believe in continuous learning to stay resilient in this ever-changing world. Personal growth is also a lifelong journey. Cybersecurity is a team sport, and having strong networks to share knowledge is invaluable. Finally, having a purpose-driven mindset and remembering that cybersecurity isn鈥檛 just about firewalls and patches 鈥 it鈥檚 about protecting people, businesses, and even national security 鈥 is a powerful motivator.

Q: What advice would you give to someone joining 乌鸦传媒 Cybersecurity?

My key message to someone joining 乌鸦传媒 Cybersecurity is, 鈥淚f you are passionate about cybersecurity and looking for a place to grow and develop your skills, 乌鸦传媒 is the perfect place for you.鈥 乌鸦传媒 offers exciting opportunities in a very demanding cybersecurity field. There is a lot of cutting-edge work happening. Those joining the cyber field can explore a variety of cyber domains and collaborate with organizations worldwide.

We provided a well-defined career paths, supported by our Cybersecurity Campus and 乌鸦传媒 University, which offer training, certifications, and cross-skilling opportunities. Add to that our global network of experts, cutting-edge projects, and a strong culture of collaboration, and you鈥檒l have everything you need to thrive in one of the world鈥檚 most demanding, rewarding fields.

Q: When you鈥檙e not thinking about cyber threats, what鈥檚 your favorite way to unwind or spark creativity?

My perfect unwinding therapy is hanging out with my plants 鈥 they always look green and happy, and moreover they don鈥檛 send meeting invites 馃槉. What started as a small lockdown hobby a couple of years ago has now blossomed into a thriving  indoor-and-outdoor garden that keeps me busy. I鈥檝e also been a yoga and fitness enthusiast for more than two decades, and I try to catch-up my asanas whenever possible. And after all this, if I am left with any time, you鈥檒l find me reading 鈥 especially world history. Outside of work, I find inspiration in the pursuit of inner peace and mindfulness, which helps me stay grounded and balanced. I love exploring new places and cultures, as every new experience broadens my perspective. Being there for my family and loved ones is deeply important to me, and I make it a priority to create meaningful memories with them.