Rakesh Sharma
Lewisville
Summary
Dynamic cybersecurity leader with a proven track record at Cognizant Technology Solutions, driving a 25% revenue increase through innovative AI-powered solutions. Expert in cybersecurity architecture and client engagement, fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing security measures. Passionate about delivering impactful results while leading high-performing teams in fast-paced environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director – CIS Security
Cognizant Technology Solutions
09.2020 - Current
- Spearheaded the cybersecurity platform engineering and operations team, decreasing incident response time by 60% and boosting overall threat detection effectiveness by 45% through rigorous process optimization
- Directed a team of AI experts to develop Cognizant’s cutting-edge neuro cybersecurity platform, significantly enhancing security measures
- Orchestrated the entire lifecycle management of AI-powered Cyber Defense platforms, including ideation, partner selection, product creation, launch, evangelization, and ongoing management
- Platforms included MDR, SOC-as-a-Service, Workplace Security, Cyber Threat Intelligence, CTEM, and Cyber Risk Quantification
- Spearheaded the development and execution of Cyber Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies in collaboration with industry-leading partners such as Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler, Crowdstrike, Proofpoint, and others
- This initiative drove a 25% increase in revenue and expanded market share by 15%
- Showcased advanced cybersecurity capabilities and partner-powered solutions at sales kick-off events and other industry gatherings, enhancing visibility and credibility
- Managed and improved the sustainable growth amount (SGA) of $5 million, achieving a 15% benefit, demonstrating strong financial acumen
- Developed strategic offerings with industry leaders such as Zscaler, Palo Alto, and Cisco, including Zero Trust SASE (Zscaler), Cloud Security CNAAP (Prisma Cloud), and xMDR (Palo Alto Cortex XSIAM)
- Created comprehensive product documentation, including requirements, design, sales deck, service description, service brochure, playbook, and product launch materials, ensuring clarity and consistency
- Facilitated analyst review discussions with ISG, Avasant, and Everest, successfully positioning Cognizant as a leader and strong contender in the security services industry
- Led partner-driven training and enablement programs for delivery, sales, and pre-sales solution teams, enhancing their capabilities and performance
Principal Consultant (Cyber Security Presales)
Infosys Limited
09.2020 - 09.2020
- Architected security solutions for large IT outsourcing deals exceeding $10 million, significantly boosting client engagement and satisfaction
- Crafted competitive RFI/RFP responses, enhancing the company's edge in cybersecurity service proposals
- Analyzed complex client requirements to design tailored cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring alignment with industry standards and client-specific risk profiles
- Led strategic security architecture consultations for enterprise clients, delivering comprehensive cyber defense solutions and contributing to successful RFP responses
- Presented cybersecurity solutions to clients during orals/read-outs, effectively communicating the value and capabilities of proposed solutions
- Streamlined pre-sales processes by developing standardized security architecture templates, reducing response time and improving proposal quality
- Shaped go-to-market strategies for cybersecurity services, identifying market opportunities and developing compelling value propositions
Sr. Manager (IT Security)
Cognizant Technology Solutions
01.2014 - 10.2018
- Led a global team of cybersecurity architects, fostering collaboration and driving innovative security solutions across diverse regions
- Managed a $20 million service delivery, ensuring adherence to high-quality IT security standards and achieving exceptional client satisfaction
- Designed and implemented secure data center solutions (NGFWs, Proxy, EDR/XDR, WAF, MFA, SIEM, etc.) in partnership with network, infrastructure, and application teams, enhancing overall security posture
- Reviewed and optimized security architecture, implementing strategic improvements to ensure robust protection against emerging threats
- Spearheaded initiatives that drove significant advancements in IT security protocols, elevating the organization's security framework
- Conducted comprehensive security baseline assessments and gap analyses, implementing critical improvements to fortify enterprise security posture
- Streamlined service delivery operations across multiple high-value accounts, ensuring consistent compliance with security protocols and client requirements, resulting in improved efficiency and client trust
Security Consultant (Cyber Security Architect)
Cognizant Technology Solutions
Bangalore
04.2008 - 01.2014
- Designed cloud solutions enhancing security for SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS clients
- Architected multi-tier cloud security solutions across SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS platforms, delivering robust infrastructure protection for global enterprises
- Spearheaded development of secure data center architectures, implementing advanced threat detection systems and network security protocols
- Orchestrated cross-functional security implementations between development teams and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with global compliance standards
Network Test Engineer
Nokia Enterprise through Innominds Solutions Private Ltd.
Hyderabad
01.2007 - 12.2008
- Tested security of Smart Defense module on Nokia IPSO, ensuring robust threat management
- Collaborated with teams to enhance security protocols, achieving measurable improvements
- Conducted comprehensive security assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening defenses
- Conducted comprehensive security testing of Checkpoint UTM Smart Defense module on Nokia IPSO platform, identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing system resilience
Network Test Engineer
Elitecore Technologies Ltd
Ahmedabad
01.2006 - 12.2007
- Assessed security of UTM modules on Cyberoam product, enhanced system reliability and protection
- Collaborated with teams to identify vulnerabilities, improving threat detection capabilities
- Utilized analytical skills to test security measures, ensuring robust network defenses
- Resolved security issues, contributing to a more secure and efficient product
- Delivered measurable improvements in network security, safeguarding client data
- Conducted comprehensive security assessments and vulnerability testing for Unified Threat Management systems, implementing robust testing protocols for network defense modules
System Administrator
IDS InfoTech Ltd
Chandigarh
01.2005 - 12.2006
- Managed network security support, resolving complex issues, enhancing system reliability
- Collaborated on security protocols, achieving improved data protection and compliance
- Diagnosed and addressed network vulnerabilities, reducing downtime and enhancing user experience
- Led network security operations and system hardening initiatives, implementing advanced threat detection protocols and resolving critical infrastructure vulnerabilities
Education
Master of Science - Information Technology
Sikkim Manipal University
India05.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Himachal Pradesh University
India03.2004
Skills
- Cybersecurity Offerings & Alliances
- Cybersecurity Product Management
- Cybersecurity solutions design and architecture
- Cybersecurity assessments and due diligence
- Market Strategy
- Security Consultation
- Partnership Development
- Client Engagement
- AI
- AWS Security Training
- CISA Training
- CISSP
- Cloud Security CNAAP
- Cloud solutions
- Cyber Risk Quantification
- Cyber Threat Intelligence
- Data center networks
- IaaS
- ITIL V3
- IT outsourcing
- IT security
- MDR
- Microsoft Azure Training
- Network security protocols
- Network security support
- Network Test Engineer
- PaaS
- RFI/RFP responses
- SaaS
- Security assessments
- SOC-as-a-Service
- System Administrator
- Vulnerability testing
- Workplace Security
- XMDR
- Zero Trust SASE
Education Certifications Trainings
- Master of Science in Information Technology, Sikkim Manipal University, India, 05/10
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Himachal Pradesh University, India, 03/04
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
- ITIL V3
- CISA Training
- Microsoft Azure Training
- AWS Security Training
- CISSP
Timeline
Associate Director – CIS Security
Cognizant Technology Solutions
09.2020 - Current
Principal Consultant (Cyber Security Presales)
Infosys Limited
09.2020 - 09.2020
Sr. Manager (IT Security)
Cognizant Technology Solutions
01.2014 - 10.2018
Security Consultant (Cyber Security Architect)
Cognizant Technology Solutions
04.2008 - 01.2014
Network Test Engineer
Nokia Enterprise through Innominds Solutions Private Ltd.
01.2007 - 12.2008
Network Test Engineer
Elitecore Technologies Ltd
01.2006 - 12.2007
System Administrator
IDS InfoTech Ltd
01.2005 - 12.2006
Master of Science - Information Technology
Sikkim Manipal University
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Himachal Pradesh University
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