Varun Haran

Managing Director, Asia & Middle East, ISMG

Haran has been a technology journalist in the Indian market for over six years, covering the enterprise technology segment and specializing in information security. He has driven multiple industry events such as the India Computer Security Conferences (ICSC) and the first edition of the Ground Zero Summit 2013 during his stint at UBM. Prior to joining ISMG, Haran was first a reporter with TechTarget writing for SearchSecurity and SearchCIO; and later, correspondent with InformationWeek, where he covered enterprise technology-related topics for the CIO and IT practitioner.

Ransomware Attack on State Govt. Dept. Raises Concerns

Varun Haran • October 3, 2016

News that a state agency in India was the victim of a ransomware attack highlights the need for public and private sector organizations to promptly take appropriate action to mitigate their risks as hackers start going after low-hanging fruit.

Why Is Ransomware So Successful?

Varun Haran • September 20, 2016

Ransomware attacks are surging because attackers have perfected their techniques while enterprises in all sectors have failed to address critical security shortcomings, says Raimund Genes, CTO at Trend Micro.

Security Investments Shifting to Detection and Response

Varun Haran • September 14, 2016

The paradigm shift in security from prevention to detection and response has finally arrived in Asian markets, says Sid Deshpande, Gartner principal analyst, who shares insights on 2016 trends.

Improving Incident Response in the Middle East

Varun Haran • August 29, 2016

To keep up with emerging threats, banks and other organizations in Saudi Arabia and throughout the region must develop much more mature incident response functions, says Mohammed Almozaiyn, who heads incident response for a leading Saudi bank.

Why Choosing a Security Solution Is Getting Tougher

Varun Haran • August 24, 2016

The surge in data breaches and the pervasiveness of malware, especially ransomware, has led to a surge in security technology startup firms, which makes it much tougher for CISOs to choose the right business partners in the overcrowded marketplace, argues Raimund Genes, CTO at Trend Micro.

Extortion Transitions from B2C to B2B

Varun Haran • August 12, 2016

Ransomware and extortion are among the threats that have successfully transitioned from an original B2C business model to targeting enterprises. Trend Mirco's Myla Pilao shares insight on this and other attack trends in Asia.

Ransomware Tips: Fighting the Epidemic

Varun Haran • July 20, 2016

The Asian security landscape continues to change dramatically, and ransomware and cyber extortion are among the emerging trends increasing in frequency and volume. Kaspersky Lab's Vitaly Kamluk shares insights and advice.

There Is No Peacetime in Security: Juniper's Paul

Varun Haran • May 18, 2016

Cyberattacks are increasing in frequency, complexity, nuance and stealth. But human error, business compulsions and increasingly complex environments make it difficult to maintain adequate defenses, says Juniper Network's CTO for India and SAARC

Verizon Breach Report: Lessons for Asia

Varun Haran • April 29, 2016

How can information security professionals set priorities for addressing emerging risks? Verizon's Ashish Thapar shares insights for Asian practitioners from the 2016 Verizon Data Breach Investigation Report.

Insider Threat Remains a Top Concern

Varun Haran • April 18, 2016

Even with the exponential increase in what technology can achieve in fighting security threats and fraud, a recent discussion with practitioners suggests that insider risk remains the biggest issue giving practitioners sleepless nights.

Phishing, Ransomware on the Rise

Varun Haran • March 9, 2016

Mass targeted attacks often need a big event as the pivot to grab the prospective victims' attention. Using the example such of a phishing campaign, Symantec's Narang shares insight on how low awareness impacts the region.

Ransomware: Are We in Denial?

Varun Haran • January 12, 2016

According to sources in the industry and community, organizations are regularly getting breached and held to ransom in India. What's the story, and why are these organizations choosing to remain silent about these attacks?

Hugh Thompson on Simplifying Security

Varun Haran • August 14, 2015

In a security landscape where the frenetic pace of technology has changed paradigms in ways organizations are struggling to cope with, Blue Coat's Hugh Thompson advises adopting a 'Degrees of Freedom' approach.

Targeted Attacks on the Rise in India

Varun Haran • May 13, 2015

Symantec's annual Internet Threat Security Report reveals that Indian businesses are seeing a massive increase in targeted attacks, says Tarun Kaura.

Axis Bank CISO on Security, Compliance

Varun Haran • September 12, 2014

In an exclusive interview, Sameer Ratolikar, CISO at Axis Bank, shares his insights on managing security and complying with RBI guidance and industry standards at India's third largest private bank.