In an exclusive interview, I had a one on one Conversation with Gaurav Singh, a leading figure in the world of cybersecurity, to discuss his upcoming book on Cybersecurity for SAP, a much-anticipated publication by SAP Press. Singh shares insights into his enriching journey in cybersecurity, the content of his book, and what readers can expect from this pioneering work.
Q. Thank you for joining us, Gaurav. It’s a pleasure to have you. Let's start with what inspired you to write a book on Cybersecurity in SAP?
A: My Pleasure. Thank You for having me here. The Cyber Security Book for SAP has been years in the making. Digital Transformations for Enterprises using Enterprise Resource Planning(ERP) systems, especially SAP (System, Application, and Product),have been happening across Fortune 500 Enterprises and International Organizations Worldwide; there has been a false sense of security in these implementations as ERP and SAP, in particular, is Compliance focused as its Core Finance and Accounting system for these organizations and there is heavy focus on Governance, Risk And Compliance (GRC) around Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), specially for Public Companies doing business in United States.
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These Digital transformations for Finance and Supply chain are still a black box for CISOs and Information Security teams. In short, the cyber team responsible for protecting Digital transformations using ERP/SAP focus is limited to GRC/SOX Compliance around financial reporting accuracy. In contrast, Infosec, under CISO, assumes ERP/SAP is protected from all aspects of cyber, which is not valid.
This book is the logical next chapter of my work of 18+ Years in Cyber Security for Digital Transformation, which includes multiple research papers published all these years and speaking engagements at Global conferences like Gartner and ISC2, etc.
Q: SAP Press is known for its high standards in selecting authors. How does it feel to be recognized by such a prestigious publisher?
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A: Yes, it is a humbling experience. Being recognized for my work by SAP Press to write a book about a topic I am passionate about is a dream come true. SAP Press Books has been gold-standard, offering cutting-edgeknowledge and expertise from renowned experts worldwide for decades.
Q: Can you give us a sneak peek into the topics your book will cover?
A: The Cyber Security for SAPis an honest effort to break silos between the cyber and SAP worlds, Though ERP/SAP holds the most critical/sensitive data across industries, even including federal and international organizations. Do you know the United Nations uses SAP as its core financial and enterprise resource planning and transformation system, which impactsthe entire world or our own, The United States Customs and Border Protection Agencyuses SAP for its Financial and accounting, and compliance system?
In the Private world, whether it is Apple, Google, Coke, Shell, DuPont, 3M and the list is endless. Almost every critical and renowned Organization in the world, whether from the public or private sector, uses SAP as an Enterprise Resource Planning System. Even while SAP holds the most critical business data and processes for these organizations, there is still a mindset gap within the SAP community with a false sense of security, thinking what we are doing is enough from a cyber perspective.
The Book is an effort to change that mindset and share in-depth the step-by-step process and perspective to bring Cyber in the SAP/ERP space so that CISO’s org and SAP can work hand in hand and help us protect our crown jewels.
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As you talked about Federal US agencies, that reminds me of another feat of your work, so let me change gears for now. Please talk to us more about your contributions to the United States National Cyber Workforce strategy, including but not limited to invite from The White House, Office of National Cyber Director (ONCD), and being part of the Launch of NIST|NICE Cyber Ambassador program in Capitol Hill.
Mr. Singh; I am not sure how you found out about these. You seem to have done quite a lot of research on my profile. I feel very humbled and grateful for both. Whether It was the NIST|NICE Cyber Ambassador program launch in October during Cyber Awareness month, where I had the privilege to be part of the core team that worked for months to launch the program in Capitol Hill,or the Invite from The Office of National Cyber Director(ONCD) | Executive off of the President | The White House to highlight my work in advancing The Cyber workforce in support of the National Cyber Workforce & Education Strategy, Well these are things you Live for in your life and be able to have impact on national level, I don’t think I can ask from more in Life. I would say I feel humbled and grateful. Thank You for asking these questions and making me feel good about me.
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That was great to know, Thanks for sharing with us. You are an Inspiration for people all over the world and for anyone who wants to make a mark in cyberspace while also impacting societies and communities.
Q. Let’s jump back to our Cybersecurity, book, when can readers expect your book to be available, and where can they find it?
A: The book is slated to be available in 2024 and will exclusively be available on https://www.sap-press.com/ and will be available in both Print and eBook format.
Q: Finally, what advice would you gives SAP users and professionals to enhance their cyber security measures?
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A: Never Stops Learning and focus on collaboration as we need everyone's help to make our world cyber safe.
To learn more about Gaurav Singh's work and projects please follow him on his Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravsingh14 or visit his website https://www.singhgaurav.com/
