A Deep Dive into Cybersecurity Tools: Sandeep Singh on Preparing for 100x Increase in Security Events
Enhancing tools and boosting automation will be essential, as Oracle’s Top 10 Cloud forecast suggests that by 2025, security events will multiply by 100 times.
Automation will become key in threat management, increasing the demand for cybersecurity experts to develop and oversee these systems for strong protection. Sandeep Singh, a Senior Information Security engineer with over 20 years of experience in SailPoint & Oracle Identity and Access Management (IAM), who has been a vital employee of the international company Walmart Inc., USA, serving as a Senior System and Infrastructure Engineer for Information Security, held prominent IT positions in other global companies, including TechDemocracy LLC, USA, where he earned the Star Performance Award for exceptional accomplishments, and HCL Technology, USA & India, will share insights on building a strong IAM system.
Embracing Cloud Integration
Organizations must optimize cloud integration to enhance operations, boost scalability, and manage resources effectively. This integration enables smooth connectivity and easy access to data, enhancing decision-making processes. By integrating Identity and Access Management systems with cloud platforms, organizations can ensure effective identity management across hybrid environments.
Sandeep Singh shares his experience working on a telecommunications project at TechDemocracy LLC, providing to some of the most prominent organizations across various industries including T-Mobile, Kaiser Permanente, etc., where he successfully integrated cloud applications to simplify the provisioning and de-provisioning of user accounts, ensuring 90% client satisfaction rate showcasing its ability to deliver tailored and impactful solutions. At TechDemocracy, Sandeep was involved in the Sprint and T-Mobile merger project with SailPoint IIQ (IAM Project). He successfully integrated millions of customer accounts from both companies, resulting in significant cost savings and enhanced customer service.
This experience underscored the significance of efficient cloud integration, especially as more organizations adopt cloud services. Based on his insights, Sandeep recommends that organizations embrace cloud integration by using tools like Identity and Access Management systems alongside cloud platforms to achieve smooth identity management across hybrid environments. This strategy streamlines account management, improves security, and enhances operational efficiency. Sandeep stresses, “It is essential to have a strategic integration plan that aligns with the organization’s goals and current infrastructure. By doing this, businesses can facilitate a smooth transition and fully harness the benefits of cloud technologies, ultimately enhancing their adaptability and scalability in managing user identities and access.”
Automated Provisioning
Automated provisioning streamlines identity management processes by automating the creation, updating, and deletion of user accounts, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and security within organizations. Sandeep Singh draws on his experience as a Consultant at HCL Technology, recognized as a ‘Top Employer’ in 30+ countries, in implementing Oracle Identity and Access Management (IAM) for a city council in Australia to emphasize the advantages of automated provisioning. In this project, he successfully transitioned their identity management system from Novell Identity Manager to Oracle IAM, as it offers advanced security features and helps organizations comply with various regulatory requirements. By integrating various applications, Sandeep facilitated automated account provisioning, updates, and deletions, greatly improving both efficiency and security.
He recommends utilizing automation features to streamline user provisioning and de-provisioning processes. Sandeep states, “This strategy decreases manual errors while leading to more accurate and reliable work. It streamlines operations, enhancing efficiency and boosts security by ensuring that processes are consistently followed and monitored.” He advises careful planning of application integration to make sure that automation aligns with organizational requirements and technical capabilities. By implementing automated provisioning, organizations can develop a more secure and efficient identity management system, ultimately bolstering their capacity to manage user accounts in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Regular Audits and Compliance Checks
Regular audits and compliance checks are vital for upholding the integrity and security of identity management systems. Sandeep Singh emphasizes their significance based on his experience, as he has been a pivotal figure in enhancing identity management and security across prominent companies. At Walmart Inc., he spearheaded identity management automation, reducing human errors and cyber attack risks while boosting productivity. His efforts streamlined identity governance and audits, significantly cutting operational costs and bolstering security. At TechDemocracy LLC, Sandeep meticulously crafted detailed IAM reports and audit logs, enhancing transparency and supporting compliance audits. At HCL Technology, he played a crucial role in auditing access permissions, ensuring compliance, and strengthening cybersecurity measures across multiple customer projects. His expertise consistently improved operational efficiency and security. Sandeep advises organizations to conduct regular audits using Out-Of-the-Box IAM’s comprehensive reporting tools. This approach not only ensures adherence to industry regulations and internal policies but also strengthens the security and integrity of identity management systems. He notes, “By implementing these audits, organizations can proactively identify and address potential compliance issues, thereby maintaining a high standard of operational accountability and security.” Sandeep’s method underscores the necessity of continuous oversight to guard against compliance risks and ensure efficient identity management.
User Experience Focus
Focusing on user experience is key, especially in simplifying login processes with Single Sign-On (SSO) and self-service password management. Sandeep recommends enhancing user experience using expertise in Oracle IAM and SailPoint IdentityIQ for efficient user onboarding and data synchronization. He has successfully delivered streamlined IAM solutions by concentrating on architecture design, implementation, and resolving critical issues. His dedication has earned him several accolades, including the Star Performance Award, being the Manager of Delivery in Cyber Security at TechDemocracy LLC, and the Mentor Award. Sandeep crafted and implemented custom workflows, rules, and connectors tailored to specific client needs. Sandeep’s experience in addressing critical issues, like identity group deletions during migrations, underscores the importance of collaboration and technical accuracy in ensuring a smooth user experience.
Building Stronger Cybersecurity Teams
Strengthening cybersecurity teams hinges on a dedication to sharing professional experiences and insights, which promotes growth, innovation, and effective project execution in the dynamic field of identity and access management. Sandeep Singh stresses that the value of sharing professional experience is immense. He recommends exchanging insights to drive growth and innovation within the sector. In his role as a Subject Matter Expert in Oracle IDM and SailPoint IIQ at the Center of Excellence, Sandeep provided technical guidance and mentorship, ensuring projects were executed successfully. He has conducted numerous IAM training sessions for over 30 new employees at HCL Technology, creating modules to improve skills in Oracle IAM and SailPoint IIQ. Sandeep shares, “Helping people improve their knowledge and skills gives me immense satisfaction, knowing that it contributes to both their personal growth and the success of our team. I have crafted specialized training modules designed to boost expertise in Oracle IAM and SailPoint IIQ, empowering employees to significantly impact IAM projects. After the training, I evaluated participants to identify standout performers, strategically integrating them into the Cybersecurity Team, which strengthened our organization’s project execution capabilities. I believe that by sharing our knowledge, we not only uplift our peers but also pave the way for a more secure and innovative future.“
