Why SaaS Companies Should Leverage India’s Cybersecurity Talent

If you’re running a SaaS company, you know that protecting your customer data is as critical as your product itself. But cybersecurity is becoming more challenging by the day, and the talent shortage isn’t making things easier. I recently spoke with Meenakshi Chakravarty, a cybersecurity expert, cybersecurity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a battlefield. With everything from cashless payments to IoT devices growing rapidly, the risks are everywhere. 

I had an eye-opening conversation with Meenakshi Chakravarty, a cybersecurity expert who’s worked across India and the UK. We discussed everything from hidden security risks to why Indian talent is uniquely positioned to help SaaS companies thrive in an increasingly connected world. If you are a Product leader in the cybersecurity space this blog is for you.

Even Spotify Has Risks?

“We think of cybersecurity as something hackers do,” Meenakshi said. “But the reality is, threats can come from anywhere—even platforms as harmless as Spotify.” This caught me off guard. She explained how connectivity features on platforms can create vulnerabilities that SaaS companies need to be aware of.

Take IoT and SaaS integrations, for example. By 2025, the global IoT market is expected to hit $1.1 trillion, according to Statista, but with this growth comes increased risks. “Every connected device or API integration is a potential entry point for cybercriminals,” Meenakshi warned. For SaaS businesses, where seamless integrations are often a selling point, this is a serious concern.

The Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Experts

Meenakshi didn’t sugarcoat the reality. “Globally, there’s a pent-up demand for cybersecurity professionals,” she said. “In the UK, US, and India, the gap is glaring. By 2026, there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide.”

India, however, is uniquely positioned to fill this gap. “The startup ecosystem and shift to cashless transactions in India have driven demand for cybersecurity expertise. But we need professionals who can blend technical skills—like endpoint security and cloud management—with softer skills like psychological awareness and risk mitigation,” Meenakshi explained.

Indian Talent: A Growing Strategic Asset

When it comes to Indian professionals, Meenakshi didn’t hold back. “India’s technical prowess speaks for itself. But what’s changing is the perception of Indian talent. We’re no longer just coders or back-office support. Today, Indian professionals are stepping into decision-making roles and redefining leadership in tech,” she said.

Still, old stereotypes linger. “Many Western companies see Indians as purely technical,” she explained. “But we’re so much more than that. We bring leadership skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability to the table.”

She cited leaders like Sundar Pichai (Google) and Satya Nadella (Microsoft) as examples of this shift. A report by NASSCOM supports this, projecting that India’s cybersecurity market will grow to $13.6 billion by 2025.

However, Meenakshi was candid about the challenges. “Culturally, many Indian professionals hesitate to step into client-facing roles or voice their opinions in global teams. It’s something we’re programmed to avoid from a young age—staying behind the scenes. But this is changing as professionals gain more confidence and global exposure.”

Her advice? “Companies need to bridge this gap with cultural sensitivity. Simple things, like not scheduling late-night calls for Indian team members, can make a huge difference. It’s about mutual respect.”

Building Stronger Global Teams for SaaS Companies

When I asked her how Product companies can build strong teams with Indian talent, Meenakshi didn’t hesitate. “Stop seeing Indian talent as just technical experts. They bring so much more to the table—strategy, adaptability, and leadership. By addressing unconscious biases, SaaS companies can unlock their full potential.”

Building a global team that works seamlessly requires cultural awareness. Meenakshi shared a simple yet impactful example. “I always check time zones before scheduling calls with my Indian counterparts. Small gestures like these show respect and build trust,” she said.

She also touched on breaking stereotypes. “Don’t assume every Indian is a math whiz or a tech expert. Let people show their unique strengths.” The message Meenakshi had for Indian talent was on having confidence. “Don’t worry about your accent,” she said. “Everyone has one. Just focus on sharing your ideas. You’re more capable than you think.”

Why Indian Talent Is a Long-Term Win for SaaS Businesses

For companies hiring in India, Meenakshi made one thing clear: the value goes far beyond cost savings. “India’s education system produces skilled professionals year after year,” she said. “When you combine that with a strong work ethic and creativity, you get teams that drive innovation.”

She added, “It’s not just about hiring coders anymore. Indian teams are leading payment systems, cybersecurity operations, and even strategic initiatives. The potential here is massive.”

What I Took Away from This Conversation

1. Stay ahead of hidden risks: Platforms like Spotify remind us that threats can come from unexpected sources. Conduct regular audits to protect your systems.
2. Address the talent gap strategically: With millions of unfilled cybersecurity jobs, leveraging India’s skilled professionals is a smart move.
3. Foster cultural sensitivity: Small actions like respecting time zones or understanding cultural nuances go a long way in building effective global teams.
4. Think beyond technical skills: Indian professionals bring leadership and strategic insights that can drive your SaaS business forward.

Future of Cybersecurity in India

India’s cybersecurity talent is just getting started. With the right support and opportunities, I believe we’ll see even more Indian professionals stepping into global leadership roles. If this conversation taught me anything, it’s that the future of cybersecurity isn’t just technical—it’s personal, cultural, and full of potential.

Reference

https://www.wpp.com/ 

https://open.spotify.com/show/32PuMWxVIW4NQp6CUjeAoX?si=da8ae8472fb7412a