Chandra Sekhar Dash, an established expert in cybersecurity and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), brings over 20 years of dedicated experience across diverse sectors, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, government, telecommunications, banking, and research. Renowned for his strategic approach to cybersecurity, Chandra’s expertise encompasses IT/OT security, cloud security, data privacy, risk management, and emerging technologies such as AI governance and quantum computing.
Career Journey and Expertise in Cybersecurity
Chandra’s career began in 2001 at Singapore’s government research organization, A*Star (Agency for Science, Technology and Research). Over nearly a decade, he rose to the role of Assistant Head of IT, honing his skills in cybersecurity operations and infrastructure management. His commitment to operational excellence and data security laid the foundation for his future roles, which have consistently centered on strategic risk management and cybersecurity innovation.
In 2010, Chandra transitioned to Novartis, where he was instrumental in driving IT Infrastructure Management and Security Operations across multiple sites in Singapore. During his seven-year tenure, he implemented robust IT strategies aligned with regulatory requirements, including GxP and 21 CFR Part 11, ensuring the security of critical infrastructure and optimizing IT investments to advance the company’s goals. His regular security metrics updates informed senior management decisions, establishing him as a trusted leader in cybersecurity strategy.
Strengthening Security and Compliance at Accenture, Ensign InfoSecurity, and Xtremax
In 2017, Chandra joined Accenture SG Pte Ltd as an Infrastructure Delivery Associate Manager, where he managed IT services for healthcare and public sectors. His efforts to deploy tools like QRadar SIEM and Symantec DLP exemplify his dedication to securing sensitive data. His use of ITIL frameworks ensured high service availability and operational performance, creating a robust security posture for his clients.
Chandra’s role at Ensign InfoSecurity in 2019 marked a pivotal focus on Cyber Security Maturity Assessments (CSMA), grounded in the NIST cybersecurity framework. His expertise was sought for high-stakes security assessments across telecommunications and chemical facilities in Asia, providing detailed analyses and recommendations that significantly enhanced their cybersecurity defenses.
As a Security Operations Manager at Xtremax Pte Ltd, Chandra managed security operations across complex multi-cloud environments, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Under his leadership, Xtremax maintained compliance with SOC2 and ISO 27001 standards, reinforcing its reputation as a cybersecurity leader. His dedication to maintaining rigorous security protocols through annual assessments further solidified the trust of Xtremax’s clients and stakeholders.
Driving Cybersecurity and Compliance Initiatives at Ushur Inc.
In 2022, Chandra took on the role of Senior Director of Cybersecurity, Governance, Risk, and Compliance at Ushur Inc., where he leads a team focused on data protection, regulatory compliance, and certifications, including HITRUST and PCI-DSS. His strategic alignment with GDPR and HIPAA standards exemplifies his approach to proactive risk management. Chandra is also at the forefront of innovation in cybersecurity, developing an AI governance program to address the unique challenges posed by emerging technologies.
Leadership, Mentorship, and Industry Contributions
Throughout his career, Chandra has shown unwavering dedication to professional growth, holding prestigious certifications such as CISSP, CISA, PMP, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and several specialized certifications in network security, IT service management, and Lean IT. His passion for mentorship and knowledge-sharing is reflected in his active participation in industry forums, where he advises on best practices and guides emerging cybersecurity professionals.
Key Areas of Expertise:
- Cybersecurity Operations: Proven experience in securing IT/OT environments and critical infrastructure
- Risk Management & Compliance: Skilled in data privacy and regulatory compliance, including NIST, GDPR, HITRUST, and PCI-DSS
- Cloud Security: Extensive experience managing security operations across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms
- AI Governance & Quantum Computing: Developing frameworks to address risks associated with cutting-edge technology
- Leadership & Mentorship: Strong team management and commitment to industry knowledge-sharing
A Vision for the Future of Cybersecurity
Chandra Sekhar Dash’s commitment to cybersecurity excellence and his strategic, forward-thinking approach continue to make him a respected leader in the industry. His journey from Singapore’s government research labs to his leadership role at Ushur Inc. is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a dedication to safeguarding digital assets. With a focus on continuous learning, emerging technology, and proactive risk management, Chandra is poised to shape the future of cybersecurity and GRC, ensuring resilient and secure infrastructures across all sectors.