admin Cybersecurity threats loom large across the digital landscape, with escalating challenges such as phishing, ransomware attacks, and data breaches becoming increasingly sophisticated. These vulnerabilities present significant risks, yet they are often underestimated by small to medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Due to budget constraints and a lack of specialised knowledge, MSMEs are particularly susceptible to cyber threats, which can result in severe financial and reputational damages. Addressing this oversight, Arulselvar Thomas founded Briskinfosec to provide tailored cybersecurity solutions that meet the specific needs of MSMEs, effectively filling a critical gap in the market.
Under the leadership of Arulselvar Thomas, Briskinfosec has marked significant milestones, showcasing its dedication and expertise in the cybersecurity domain. Starting with a core team, the company has expanded to include 60+ dedicated professionals, operating globally from its delivery centre in Chennai. Briskinfosec has established strong partnerships with eight steadfast collaborators, enhancing its capabilities and extending its reach. The company serves a diverse client base of 380 customers across 17 countries, each entrusting Briskinfosec with their cybersecurity needs. Impressively, Briskinfosec has successfully completed 4,500 cybersecurity assignments, each reflecting the company’s commitment to quality, precision, and client satisfaction. These achievements underscore Briskinfosec’s growth, influence, and the trust it has built within the international cybersecurity landscape.
Mapping the Inspirational Journey
“cybersecurity, it’s not just about offering a service; it’s about crafting a shared understanding between seller and buyer. Alignment matters more than you think!”
– Arulselvar Thomas
Arulselvar Thomas embarked on his professional journey as a cybersecurity specialist, accumulating multiple years of experience with prominent organisations such as Dragon Labs, Sterling, Test and Verifications, and GSI Health. This formative period not only sharpened his technical acumen but also provided him with a comprehensive view of the sector’s challenges, especially in different industries. Noticing a critical gap in cybersecurity defences, particularly for MSMEs in Chennai, he saw that these smaller enterprises were disproportionately underserved by larger firms.
In response to this disparity, Arulselvar Thomas founded Briskinfosec in 2017. With a clear and purposeful vision, he aimed to establish a company that would extend beyond servicing large corporations to become a supportive ally for MSMEs. Briskinfosec was conceived to offer top-tier, cost-effective cybersecurity solutions tailored to address the unique vulnerabilities and financial limitations faced by small businesses.
Briskinfosec is dedicated to crafting precise and sustainable offensive cybersecurity solutions that cater to organisations of all sizes.
The company strives to provide stellar experiences and steadfast support, setting a global standard for cyber trust and assurance. Its mission is to equip businesses with dynamic, future-proof cybersecurity, fostering an environment where growth and cybersecurity are intertwined, ensuring secure and confident advancement in an increasingly digital landscape. Under his leadership as Founder, the company has not only filled a crucial niche but has also been instrumental in elevating the cybersecurity posture of numerous enterprises in the region, reflecting Thomas’s deep commitment to inclusive and accessible cybersecurity services.
Foundational Tenets Central to Briskinfosec
Arulselvar Thomas believes that Innovation, Quality of service, and Building Trust are the three core tenets that underscore Briskinfosec’s commitment to excellence in cybersecurity.
Innovation and continuous learning are central, embodied by the Bint Lab, which ensures that staying ahead in the rapidly evolving industry is a constant priority. The company fosters this culture by funding team certifications, integrating the latest cybersecurity practices into their solutions.
Quality of service is paramount, with Briskinfosec focusing on delivering customer-centric solutions that not only meet but exceed client expectations, supported by a philosophy of continuous improvement in every project.
Building trust is essential; the company achieves this through educating clients and maintaining a friendly internal environment, which fosters long-term relationships. Additionally, by prioritising employee well-being and professional growth, Briskinfosec ensures a skilled, dedicated workforce, essential for consistent, trustworthy service delivery.
A Comprehensive Basket of Cybersecurity Solutions
- Cybersecurity as a Service: Briskinfosec protects digital assets using advanced technologies and proactive strategies. Services include Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VA/PT) across various platforms such as web applications, mobile apps, cloud environments, and IoT devices. The focus is on identifying vulnerabilities and simulating attacks to understand and rectify system weaknesses efficiently.
- Cybersecurity Solutions: Tailored to strengthen security postures, this vertical offers CSIRT Services for quick incident response, Security Operation Centers for ongoing monitoring, Third-Party Risk Assessment, Virtual CISO for strategic cybersecurity leadership, Ransomware Audits, and Cyber Forensic Investigations.
- Cybersecurity Awareness: This service empowers organisations through customised training programs designed for different organisational levels, focusing on enhancing skills to proactively identify and mitigate potential cyber threats.
- Cybersecurity as Compliance: Briskinfosec helps organisations comply with international and domestic regulations such as ISO 27001:2022, PCI-DSS 4.0, HIPAA, CCPA, GDPR, and others. This includes comprehensive audits and continuous monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance and minimise legal risks.
- MSSP Support: As a Managed Security Service Provider, Briskinfosec offers extensive protection plans that are customisable for 1, 3, or 5-year commitments, allowing organisations to effectively budget their cybersecurity expenses and safeguard against all types of cyber threats.
Overcoming Systemic Challenges
Arulselvar Thomas confronted significant challenges as he sought to raise cybersecurity awareness among MSMEs, a sector that in 2017 largely dismissed cybersecurity as a non-essential luxury. This misperception left many small businesses dangerously exposed to cyber threats. To address this, Briskinfosec spearheaded educational initiatives, including workshops and seminars, and even offered free consulting sessions. His efforts focused on demonstrating the financial wisdom of proactive cybersecurity investments over the potential ruinous costs of cyber incidents.
“At the time, the market was flooded with individuals and small firms offering subpar cybersecurity services at minimal costs,”. These firms, often equipped with minimal qualifications and basic tools, provided inadequate security assessments that compromised client safety. In contrast, Arulselvar Thomas strategically established Briskinfosec as a pure view of comprehensive, tailored, and technologically advanced cybersecurity solutions. By doing so, he effectively debunked the myth that quality cybersecurity must be prohibitively expensive, positioning Briskinfosec as a credible and essential partner in the cybersecurity landscape.
Encouraging Constant Learning and Steady Support
Under Arulselvar Thomas, Briskinfosec’s management philosophy is anchored in an integrated approach that harmonises employee development with strategic organisational processes, embodied through a focus on continuous learning and proactive support. Central to this strategy is the Bint Lab, the company’s dedicated R&D facility, where cybersecurity engineers are immersed in ongoing research and development. This commitment to staying ahead in the cybersecurity domain is integral to the company, with engineers’ outputs, including over 200+ blogs and 250+ open-source tools, directly tied to their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This ensures that personal advancement is aligned with Briskinfosec’s broader goals.
Additionally, Briskinfosec proactively supports its team by covering costs associated with obtaining high-level cybersecurity certifications from esteemed organisations like Offsec, ISACA, and (ISC)². This approach removes financial barriers, enabling employees to focus on their professional growth. By integrating certification achievements with individual KPIs, the company not only motivates its staff but also enhances accountability and drives collective success. Clients ultimately benefit from a team that is not only knowledgeable about the latest trends and technologies but is also certified by leading industry authorities, ensuring they receive innovative and reliable cybersecurity solutions.
From a Unique Approach to a Secured Market Edge
“We prioritise educating our clients over simply selling services. This patient approach has helped us build credibility and trust, showing that we value our customers’ understanding and security over quick profits”
– Arulselvar Thomas
Briskinfosec sets itself apart from competitors with a strategic and sustainable approach to cybersecurity, prioritising deep understanding and long-term solutions. Unlike companies that might opt for quick fixes, Briskinfosec delves into the root causes of cybersecurity challenges. By comprehensively evaluating the scope and gaps within existing security frameworks, the company ensures solutions are not just effective but enduring.
The firm advocates for proactive, offensive strategies over mere defensive postures. This approach helps anticipate and mitigate potential future vulnerabilities, keeping clients several steps ahead of attackers. Briskinfosec’s services are tailored to adapt over time, meeting current threats while evolving to address future challenges, thereby ensuring lasting security.
Investments in continuous learning and development, such as the Bint Lab and covering certification costs for team members, ensure Briskinfosec is at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. With over 200 blogs and 250 open-source tools contributed to the global cybersecurity knowledge base, Briskinfosec not only enhances its own capabilities but also supports the broader community. This commitment to excellence goes beyond transactions to build enduring client relationships and exceed industry standards.
Recognising the Relentless Team Behind Briskinfosec
Acknowledging the critical role played by his valuable team of experts, Arulselvar Thomas believes that his team is the greatest asset at Briskinfosec. In talking about their contributions and abilities, Arulselvar Thomas propounds, “the collective technical prowess of our team is unmatched, serving as the intellectual engine that drives our company forward.” Each member of the team brings unique skills essential for a comprehensive understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. Encouraged to think innovatively, they consistently deliver pioneering solutions that maintain Briskinfosec’s leadership in the industry. This dynamic environment fosters collaboration and mutual support, enhancing their ability to tackle challenges together and celebrate shared successes. Their commitment to client satisfaction is evident as they act as advisors, educators, and allies, adding meaningful value to client operations. Continuous personal and professional development is a priority, as seen in their engagement with the Bint Lab and proactive approach to certifications. This culture of empowerment not only nurtures individual growth but also stabilises high retention rates, ensuring consistency and a deep understanding of client needs. Furthermore, their activities are meticulously aligned with the company’s Process System Structure (PSS) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness, illustrating how deeply integrated the team is within the fabric of Briskinfosec’s operations.
Nurturing ‘Partnerships’ with the Client
For Arulselvar Thomas, his relationship with clients is akin to being a ‘Perfect Cybersecurity Friend as Partner.’ This partnership is built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect, where open and honest communication prevails. As a steadfast ally, Briskinfosec is consistently present for its clients, not just in moments of crisis but as a regular provider of support, guidance, and expertise. Thomas ensures that the services are tailored to meet the specific needs and challenges of each client, fostering an environment where clients feel heard, valued, and understood. This collaborative approach transforms cybersecurity into a strategic advantage, making the client’s success a shared triumph.
Navigating the Compliance Maze
Compliance regulation is a chief concern for Briskinfosec. To this end, Briskinfosec rigorously adheres to relevant security regulations and standards through a comprehensive compliance framework. This framework includes continuous monitoring and regular reviews of their practices against current standards. Briskinfosec’s compliance team stays updated on regulatory changes by engaging with legal experts, attending regulatory seminars, and subscribing to industry publications. Periodic internal and external audits assess adherence to standards such as ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. Moreover, comprehensive training is provided to all staff members to ensure they are well-informed and comply with these regulations. These diligent strategies enable Briskinfosec not just to meet but often exceed regulatory requirements, reinforcing the trust clients have in them as a cybersecurity leader.
Processing Feedback to Grow and Become Better
Every successful leader is capable of processing feedback and criticism to learn and grow. Thomas is no different. “At Briskinfosec, feedback and criticism are pivotal to our growth and excellence. We approach them with an open mind and a commitment to continuous improvement,” highlights Arulselvar Thomas. Positively processing every piece of feedback—whether from clients, partners, or internal team members—Thomas ensures that it is met with active listening and appreciation for the insights provided. Upon receiving feedback, the team acknowledges the points raised and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their operations. Criticism is meticulously analysed to extract actionable insights, followed by a structured response that involves evaluating the validity of the feedback, formulating a plan to address the issues identified, and transparently communicating this plan to all relevant stakeholders. This proactive approach to feedback fosters an environment where every critique is leveraged as a step towards refining services and strengthening Briskinfosec’s reputation as a client-centric cybersecurity firm.
Guiding the Budding Leaders of Tomorrow
Arulselvar offers succinct advice to budding entrepreneurs aiming to carve out their niche in competitive markets. He emphasises the importance of agility, urging startups to adapt swiftly to market changes and customer feedback, and to pivot when necessary. Understanding customer needs is paramount; they should drive product development and service innovations. Thomas highlights the necessity of cultivating a strong team culture, investing in the right people, nurturing their growth, and fostering collaboration and respect.
“Cash flow is the lifeblood of any startup. Be prudent with expenditures, plan for contingencies, and always be prepared for unexpected shifts in funding,”. He advises leveraging technology to automate operations, use data for informed decisions, and invest in scalable solutions. Building a robust network through connections with mentors and industry peers is also vital for support and opportunities.
Credibility should be established through thought leadership and reliable branding. Thomas stresses learning from failures, viewing them as opportunities to refine strategies. Compliance with legal standards is essential, as is perseverance—resilience can define the success trajectory of a startup.
Vision for the Future
As a visionary leader with foresight, Arulselvar Thomas has chalked out both short and long-term goals for Biskinfosec. In the short term, Thomas is focused on expanding the company’s service portfolio to include cutting-edge solutions like advanced AI-based threat detection and blockchain-based response mechanisms, addressing emerging cybersecurity challenges. He also aims to broaden Briskinfosec’s geographical footprint by establishing a presence in additional countries, which will enable the company to offer its expertise to a wider client base. Alongside these expansions, a key short-term goal is the recruitment and development of top-tier cybersecurity talent, enhancing the team’s capabilities through advanced training programs.
For the long term, Arulselvar Thomas envisions Briskinfosec becoming a global leader in cybersecurity innovation, particularly in developing proprietary AI technologies and methodologies that set new industry standards. He is committed to establishing Briskinfosec as a thought leader through significant contributions to the cybersecurity community via research, publications, and open-source projects. “We aim to pioneer sustainable cybersecurity practices that not only protect clients but also promote environmental and social responsibility within the tech industry,” concludes Thomas.
Under the leadership of Arulselvar Thomas, Briskinfosec has emerged as a benchmark in the cybersecurity industry, particularly excelling in ethical hacking, penetration testing, and compliance audits. Arulselvar Thomas’s leadership has not only propelled the company to protect businesses against potential threats but has also ensured adherence to stringent national and international security standards. His relentless efforts have fostered a more secure business environment in Chennai, significantly aiding MSMEs in safeguarding their digital assets and preserving their reputations in a digital-first world.
Arulselvar Thomas’s visionary approach continues to inspire many within the cybersecurity and entrepreneurial communities. His transition from a specialist to the founder of a leading cybersecurity firm provides a powerful blueprint for aspiring professionals, illustrating the impact of dedicated leadership in the tech industry. His influence extends beyond business success, inspiring a new generation to pursue excellence and innovation in cybersecurity.
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