Gourav's CyberSafe Journal

Thursday, January 29, 2026

QR-code fraud in India after UPI — what’s happening, how it works, and how to protect yourself

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and QR codes have transformed everyday payments — from street vendors to big-brand stores, a quick scan is usually all it takes. But that convenience has also attracted fraudsters. Fake or tampered QR codes, “refund” or “verification” ruses, and QR-phishing attacks have become common ways to trick people into sending money or leaking credentials. Here’s a clear, practical guide to how these scams work and the steps you can take to stay safe.

Why QR scams rose with UPI adoption

UPI’s meteoric growth and the ubiquity of QR codes (static and dynamic) created many low-friction payment points — but also many low-friction attack surfaces. Criminals exploit users’ habit of scanning QR codes quickly, combine it with social engineering (fake offers, “refunds”, urgent requests), or physically replace legitimate merchant QR stickers with malicious ones. Regulators and payment networks have flagged rising incidents and pushed advisories, while banks and PSPs work on technical mitigations.

Common QR-code fraud types (how they work)

Tampered / replaced QR codes (physical overlay stickers). Scammers paste a fake QR sticker over a merchant’s legitimate QR. The customer scans and pays the attacker’s account instead. This is simple but effective at busy tills.
Fake dynamic QR links / phishing pages. A QR directs the scanner to a malicious payment page or app which asks for permissions, OTPs, or UPI credentials — enabling theft or remote takeover.
“Scan to receive” / reverse-pin trick. Fraudsters ask victims to scan a QR and enter their UPI PIN to “receive” a refund or win a prize. UPI PIN is only for authorising payments — entering it under these pretences hands control to scammers. NPCI and UPI campaigns warn specifically about this.
Malicious apps and QR generators. Fraudsters create apps that generate QR codes pointing to attacker wallets or capture screen/OTP information when users interact. Installing apps from unofficial sources increases risk.
Social-engineering + “customer care” calls. Scammers combine a QR prompt with a scripted phone call claiming to be from a bank or delivery partner and coax victims into authorising transactions or sharing OTPs.

Real-world impact (quick facts)

Regulators and industry reports show material increases in UPI-related fraud incidents and losses in recent years; many victims do not report frauds, which complicates tracking.
NPCI and banks maintain fraud-awareness pages and have run campaigns reminding users that UPI PIN is never required to receive money.

Best practices — how to safeguard yourself (practical checklist)

Use these every time you pay with a QR:

Before scanning

Verify visually: If the QR is on a printed sticker or board, check it’s securely fixed (not newly pasted over another), and that the merchant name shown by your UPI app matches the shop. If anything looks unusual, pay another way.
Don’t scan unsolicited QR codes: Never scan QR codes in random WhatsApp/Facebook messages, public notices promising large rewards, or SMS links. Treat unsolicited QR images like suspicious links.

While scanning / paying

Confirm payee details in the app: Most UPI apps show the beneficiary name and VPA before you enter your PIN. Read those details and cancel if the name doesn’t match the merchant. This catches many tampered-QR situations.
Never enter your UPI PIN to receive money or to “verify.” UPI PIN authorises payments. If someone asks you to enter it to get money or to confirm a refund, it’s a scam. NPCI/UPI advisories emphasise this repeatedly.
Avoid approving suspicious app permission requests: If a merchant asks you to install an app to process a QR payment, decline and use a well-known UPI app instead.

Device and account hygiene

Install apps only from official stores, and keep your phone’s OS and banking/UPI apps updated. Rogue apps are a major attack vector.
Use device security: Lock your phone, use biometric or PIN unlock, enable app lock for your banking apps if available, and don’t jailbreak/root your device.
Limit UPI and transaction limits where possible. Some apps let you set per-transaction or daily limits — use them for extra protection. (NPCI and banks also introduced controls and rule changes to limit abuse.)

Detecting fraud quickly

Monitor transaction alerts in real time. Immediately report any unauthorised debit to your bank’s fraud number and through the app. Quick action increases chances of recovery.
If asked for OTP or UPI PIN, refuse and call your bank: Never share OTP, CVV, or UPI PIN with anyone, not even someone claiming to be from the bank. Banks will never ask for your PIN.

Reporting and recovery

Report to your bank and file a police complaint. Follow the bank’s fraud reporting process (app/call/email) and lodge an FIR with local police if money is lost. Also report scams to NPCI or RBI channels if advised. Prompt reporting matters.

What payments industry and regulators are doing

NPCI, banks, and the RBI are improving detection rules, issuing advisories, and updating UPI rulebooks and API security guidelines to reduce the scope for abuse (for example, limiting background balance checks, tightening APIs, and pushing merchant onboarding checks). But technology and regulation take time — user vigilance remains the first line of defence.

Quick “cheat-sheet” — what to do if you suspect a fake QR

Don’t enter any PIN/OTP.
Cancel the operation in your app immediately.
Take a photo of the QR and the place where it was displayed (useful when reporting).
Call your bank’s fraud helpline and block/send them transaction details.
File a police complaint and keep the FIR/case number for follow-up.

Final thought

QR codes are a brilliant convenience — but convenience and caution must travel together. Treat every QR like a link: if you wouldn’t click a random link, don’t scan a random QR. A few extra seconds of verification can save you hours of stress and potential financial loss.

Sources and further reading

NPCI — UPI product pages and fraud awareness materials.
RBI / bank advisories and fraud reporting guidance.
Business Standard — reporting on UPI fraud trends and figures.
Razorpay — “Fake QR Code Scams: How They Work & How to Stay Safe.”
Paytm blog — practical advice on staying safe from UPI frauds.
Analysis pieces on QR-phishing trends in India (industry writeups and security blogs).
Recent UPI rulebook and API security guideline updates (NPCI/industry summaries).

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Cybersecurity Leadership in 2026: Challenges, Choices, and the Path Forward

By 2026, cybersecurity will no longer be viewed as a supporting function—it will be a business survival capability. Cybersecurity Leaders will find themselves navigating a perfect storm of advanced threats, regulatory pressure, talent constraints, and accelerating digital transformation.

The good news? With the right mindset and strategy, these challenges can translate into competitive advantage, resilience, and trust.

Here’s a look at the key challenges Cyber Security Leaders are likely to face in 2026, along with practical solutions and the positive outcomes they can unlock—each backed by authoritative sources.

1. AI-Powered Threats vs. AI-Powered Defense

The Challenge

Adversaries will increasingly use AI to:

Automate social engineering, malware generation, and deepfake campaigns
Scale attacks faster than traditional defenses can keep up

Sources like PwC’s Global Digital Trust Insights survey highlight that organizations see AI both as a tool and a risk in cybersecurity planning. PwC

The Solution

Leaders must invest in AI-driven security operations while retaining human oversight—true human + machine collaboration. Research and forecasts stress this duality: AI is both an offensive enabler for attackers and a defensive imperative for defenders. eccuedu+1

The Positive Outcome

Faster threat detection and response
Reduced alert fatigue for security analysts
Stronger strategic positioning in cyber risk management

Key References:

What are the Top Cybersecurity Trends to Expect in 2026? — ECCU University eccuedu
IBM’s Cybersecurity Trends & Predictions for 2026 — IBM Think News IBM

2. Identity Becomes the New Perimeter

The Challenge

With hybrid work, SaaS growth, and machine identities proliferating, traditional network perimeters are obsolete. Identity will increasingly become the primary attack vector.

Experts highlight that identity-focused security—Zero Trust and IAM—is moving to the forefront of cyber initiatives. Nomios Group

The Solution

Adopt Zero Trust Architecture with continuous authentication
Treat machine identities and API identities with equal rigor
Monitor every access decision contextually

The Positive Outcome

Organizations that embrace identity-centric security will see:

Reduced credential abuse
Stronger access governance
Lower breach risk from compromised identities

Key Sources:

Cybersecurity Trends 2026 — Nomios Nomios Group

3. Regulatory Pressure Without Regulatory Clarity

The Challenge

Cybersecurity regulations continue to expand globally but are often inconsistent. Leaders must balance compliance and business agility in complex regulatory ecosystems.

Reports show that compliance burden is growing and can no longer be treated as a checkbox exercise. GovTech

The Solution

Shift to risk-based compliance with clear mappings to core frameworks (like ISO, SOC, and national mandates) and embed compliance early in product and process design.

The Positive Outcome

Faster audit cycles
Better alignment with enterprise risk objectives
Improved stakeholder confidence

4. Talent Shortage and Burnout

The Challenge

Cyber talent shortages are repeatedly cited as a top barrier to resilient security operations. PwC’s 2026 survey finds that knowledge and skills gaps remain central. PwC

The Solution

Automate repetitive tasks with security automation
Invest in upskilling, reskilling, and diverse talent pipelines
Partner with managed services when appropriate

The Positive Outcome

A more resilient, capable, and sustainable cybersecurity workforce aligned to strategic goals.

Support Reference:

Global Digital Trust Insights: 2026 Survey — PwC PwC

5. Board-Level Expectations Without Cyber Literacy

The Challenge

Boards increasingly see cybersecurity as a business risk—but often lack the technical literacy to deeply understand it.

Insights from industry predictions emphasize that cybersecurity must be communicated in business impact terms, not technical reports. eccuedu

The Solution

Translate security risks into business outcomes (e.g., revenue impact, operational resilience, customer trust), and leverage scenario-based reporting to elevate executive understanding.

The Positive Outcome

Stronger executive alignment
Better investment decisions
Enhanced organizational trust

6. Third-Party and Supply Chain Risk Explosion

The Challenge

As businesses deepen reliance on SaaS, cloud, and global suppliers, third-party risk becomes critically strategic. Recent forecasts underscore this complexity. eccuedu

The Solution

Continuous third-party risk monitoring
Zero Trust applied to external connections
Security clauses embedded into contracts

The Positive Outcome

Reduced systemic risk, better vendor performance visibility, and speedier recovery from incidents.

Final Reflection: From Protection to Resilience

2026 will be the year cybersecurity stops being just a technical discipline and becomes a board-level business imperative. Leaders who embrace cutting-edge defense, human-centered governance, and pragmatic risk management will not just survive—but thrive.

Every challenge is a strategic opportunity. The organizations that integrate defense into their business DNA will win not just in security—but in trust, growth, and sustained digital advantage.

Complete Source List

Reports & Trend Analyses

🔗 Cybersecurity Trends to Expect in 2026 — EC-Council University eccuedu
🔗 IBM Cybersecurity Trends & Predictions for 2026 — IBM Think News IBM
🔗 Global Digital Trust Insights: 2026 Survey — PwC PwC
🔗 Cybersecurity Forecast 2026 — Google Cloud Report Google Cloud
🔗 Trends in Cybersecurity 2025/26 — Capgemini Capgemini
🔗 Cybersecurity Predictions 2026 — BlackFog BlackFog
🔗 Cybersecurity Trends 2026 — Nomios Nomios Group
🔗 Top Security Predictions for 2026 — GovTech GovTech

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

“Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast” — Why It Matters in ISMS

Introduction

The phrase “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” has long been associated with Peter Drucker, though its true origin is debated. Regardless of who coined it, the message is crystal clear: no matter how strong your strategy may be, its success ultimately depends on the organization’s culture.

When it comes to Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), this lesson is even more relevant. Technology, policies, and frameworks can only take an organization so far. Without the right culture, even the best security strategy will fail to deliver its intended outcomes.

Why Culture Matters More Than Strategy in ISMS

1. Culture Shapes Security Effectiveness

A culture built on accountability, consistency, and structure provides fertile ground for ISMS to thrive. In such environments, employees naturally align with principles like confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making compliance less of a checkbox and more of a habit.

2. Security-Aware Culture Reduces Risks

Policies alone cannot stop human error or negligence. What truly minimizes risks is a security-aware culture where employees internalize the importance of safeguarding information. This reduces system misuse, strengthens compliance, and makes secure behavior second nature.

3. Training, Visibility & Knowledge Sharing Amplify ISMS

When organizations invest in security training, knowledge sharing, and visible leadership commitment, the culture shifts. Security becomes embedded into daily work routines, improving both trust and overall security posture.

4. ISMS Improves Business Performance — But Culture Unlocks Its Value

Studies show that ISMS adoption directly correlates with improved performance, from operational efficiency to financial growth and brand reputation. However, these benefits are only fully realized when the workforce embraces security as part of their culture.

5. National & Organizational Culture Play a Role

Cultural factors—like hierarchy, collectivism, or openness—can influence how ISMS adoption is perceived and implemented. In supportive cultures, ISMS boosts competitiveness and trust, while in resistant ones, the same system can face pushback or underperformance.

Key Statistics & Insights

A one-unit increase in ISMS adoption has been shown to yield a 0.495 increase in organizational performance.
ISMS implementation positively impacts financial performance (β = 0.663) and corporate reputation (β = 0.934).
Security-aware cultures reduce misuse, improve compliance, and raise awareness significantly.
Training, visible leadership, and knowledge sharing drive measurable improvements in ISMS success.

Conclusion

A great strategy without cultural alignment is destined to fail. For ISMS, culture isn’t just important—it’s the deciding factor. Organizations that nurture a security-first culture not only comply with regulations but also gain efficiency, resilience, and trust.

To make ISMS a true enabler of business success:

Align culture with security goals.
Invest in awareness, training, and leadership visibility.
Measure cultural maturity, not just technical controls.
Remember: technology protects, but culture sustains.

Sources

Research on organizational culture traits impacting ISMS pillars (ResearchGate).
Study on security-aware cultures reducing misuse and boosting compliance (University of Richmond).
Role of training, visibility, and knowledge sharing in ISMS success (MDPI).
Correlation between ISMS adoption and organizational performance (ResearchGate).
ISMS influence on financial performance, reputation, and brand (SCIRP).
National/organizational culture moderating ISMS outcomes (MDPI).
Background on the “culture eats strategy for breakfast” quote (Medium, The Corporate Governance Institute, IAWF, Interaction Associates).

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Zen Mindset for a Stoic Information Security Manager

In an industry shaped by constant change, relentless compliance requirements, and high-stakes incidents, the mental fortitude of an Information Security Manager is as crucial as the firewalls they configure. As the gatekeeper of digital trust, you're expected to stay calm in crisis, think clearly under pressure, and lead teams with confidence. How do you cultivate such resilience?

Two timeless philosophies—Zen and Stoicism—offer surprisingly powerful answers.

1. Stillness in Motion: The Zen of Incident Response

Zen teaches us to be fully present. In moments of high stress—such as a suspected data breach or audit finding—our mind races, fears escalate, and clarity becomes elusive. A Zen mindset calls for stillness amidst motion.

“Move and the way will open.” — Zen Proverb

In practice, this means not overreacting to initial alerts or rumors. Take a breath. Acknowledge the alert. Then, apply structured triage. Allowing space between the trigger and your response fosters objective judgment—a cornerstone of a successful ISMS.

2. Amor Fati: Loving the Risk

Stoicism embraces the concept of Amor Fati—love of fate. For the security leader, this means embracing risk not as an enemy, but as a constant companion and teacher. Risk assessments, threat modeling, and gap analyses aren't chores—they’re pathways to improvement.

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Instead of fearing vulnerabilities or regulatory scrutiny, a Stoic Information Security Manager sees them as opportunities to strengthen the system, educate stakeholders, and evolve security maturity.

3. Wabi-Sabi in Security Architecture

Zen’s concept of Wabi-Sabi—the beauty of imperfection—reminds us that no system is flawless. Despite our best efforts, perfect security doesn’t exist. Instead of striving for a utopia, aim for continuous improvement.

This mindset aligns beautifully with ISO 27001's PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. Your ISMS is not a static monument—it’s a living, breathing framework that matures over time. Accept imperfection, but never stop refining.

4. Control the Controllables

Stoicism teaches us to separate what we can control from what we cannot. You cannot control when a regulator will drop in for a surprise audit. But you can control your documentation hygiene, your team’s preparedness, and the clarity of your processes.

“Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.” — Epictetus, Discourses

This dichotomy helps reduce anxiety, enabling focused, rational decision-making—essential traits for a leader managing security across diverse landscapes.

5. Non-Attachment to Tools, Deep Attachment to Principles

Zen values non-attachment, urging practitioners to avoid becoming overly fixated on forms or tools. The Stoic echoes this with the call to focus on virtue over vanity.

Security managers often fall into the trap of tool obsession—believing the next SIEM, CASB, or GRC platform will solve everything. But true strength lies in the principles of governance, integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Tools change. Regulations evolve. But your ethical compass and methodical processes—those must remain anchored.

6. Kaizen: The Zen of Continual Refinement

While not strictly Zen, Kaizen (continuous improvement) shares the spirit of mindful evolution. A Zen-Stoic ISMS doesn’t chase perfection; it focuses on daily marginal gains—tightening controls, simplifying policies, improving awareness, automating reports.

Security is not a project. It’s a practice.

In Closing: Become the Calm in the Storm

The fusion of Zen and Stoicism isn’t just poetic—it’s practical. It gives today’s Information Security Manager the mental tools to:

Lead during crises with clarity
Embrace risk as growth
Stay grounded in principle over panic
Build a security culture rooted in resilience and reflection

Adopting a Zen mindset and Stoic resolve will not only make you a better ISMS practitioner—it will make you a wiser leader.

“He who is brave is free.” — Seneca
“When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” — Lao Tzu

Be brave. Be still. And let your ISMS reflect not just compliance—but character.

Sources and Further Reading

Marcus Aurelius – Meditations
Insights into Stoic thinking and leadership mindset.
Public Domain Translation – Project Gutenberg
Epictetus – Discourses & Enchiridion
Teachings on self-discipline, control, and ethics.
Internet Classics Archive
Ryan Holiday – The Obstacle Is the Way
Modern interpretation of Stoicism applied to life and leadership.
Shunryu Suzuki – Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
A foundational text on Zen philosophy and mindfulness.
Leonard Koren – Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers
Exploration of the aesthetic and philosophical principles behind imperfection and transience.
ISO/IEC 27001 Standard
For reference on the PDCA cycle and ISMS continuous improvement.
James Clear – Kaizen & Continuous Improvement (Blog)
https://jamesclear.com/continuous-improvement

Sunday, May 25, 2025

How SOC 1 & SOC 2 Certifications Drive Stronger Security Posture and Business Growth Across Industries

In an increasingly digital-first economy, trust is currency. For organizations that handle sensitive customer data or provide outsourced services, maintaining rigorous security and operational standards is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. SOC 1 and SOC 2 certifications, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), have emerged as crucial frameworks not only for enhancing a company’s security posture but also for unlocking new revenue streams, increasing client confidence, and gaining competitive advantage.

What Are SOC 1 and SOC 2 Certifications?

SOC 1 focuses on internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). It is especially relevant for service providers who impact their clients' financial reporting.
SOC 2 evaluates how a company manages data based on five trust service criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

Both certifications are verified through rigorous independent audits, helping organizations demonstrate compliance, transparency, and control maturity.

Industry-Wide Benefits: Security and Revenue Growth

1. SaaS Companies: Shorter Sales Cycles and Greater Customer Trust

A 2023 survey by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) found that 87% of enterprise buyers prefer working with SaaS vendors that have SOC 2 reports. Having this certification often eliminates the need for repetitive security questionnaires, accelerating procurement processes and increasing conversion rates.

Case in point: Segment, a leading customer data platform, reported that achieving SOC 2 certification cut down their enterprise sales cycles by 25–30%, while also boosting their top-tier client base. (Source: Secureframe)

2. Fintech and Financial Services: Gaining Investor and Client Confidence

For fintech firms, where trust and security are paramount, SOC 1/SOC 2 reports are frequently required by partners, regulators, and investors.

Example: Plaid, a company that connects consumer bank accounts to fintech apps, attributed part of its early-stage growth to having SOC 2 Type II in place, which enabled integrations with tier-1 banks and compliance with their rigorous due diligence processes.

A study by Coalfire and CyberRisk Alliance (2022) revealed that companies with SOC 2 Type II certification are 30% more likely to close deals with financial institutions and Fortune 500 clients.

3. Healthcare: Ensuring HIPAA Compliance with SOC 2

In the healthcare industry, where HIPAA regulations are non-negotiable, SOC 2 compliance provides a complementary assurance framework. It helps healthcare SaaS vendors demonstrate that they are managing PHI responsibly, reducing risk exposure.

Example: Healthtech startup Redox used SOC 2 as a foundational layer to scale HIPAA-compliant integrations across hundreds of healthcare systems, which directly contributed to its revenue growth and Series C funding success. (Source: Vanta)

4. E-commerce and Retail: Reducing Third-Party Risk

As retail and e-commerce ecosystems become more reliant on external service providers for data analytics, payments, and cloud hosting, SOC 2 has become a requirement to assure customers that sensitive transactional data is being managed securely.

Example: A leading e-commerce analytics platform achieved SOC 2 compliance and reported a 40% increase in enterprise partnerships within the first year post-certification. This was largely due to improved trust in data handling and privacy controls.

5. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and BPOs: Staying Competitive

SOC 1 certification is especially critical for BPOs and MSPs that manage critical business operations, such as payroll processing, claims management, or customer service. It proves that controls over financial reporting data are robust and auditable.

Example: ADP, a payroll and HR services leader, leverages its SOC 1 reports to support its credibility with clients’ auditors. This has helped it win large enterprise contracts, including government and Fortune 100 clients.

The Multiplier Effect: Security + Revenue = Strategic Growth

The strategic benefits of SOC certifications extend beyond compliance:

Enhanced internal discipline: Organizations adopt standardized processes and better documentation.
Incident prevention: Stronger internal controls lead to fewer breaches and data leaks.
Investor readiness: VCs and acquirers increasingly view SOC 2 as a benchmark for operational maturity.
Cross-border expansion: SOC certifications are recognized globally and often satisfy international regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

SOC 1 and SOC 2 certifications are no longer just about compliance—they're a growth catalyst. Whether you're a fast-scaling startup or an enterprise provider, these reports enable you to enter new markets, reduce risk exposure, and build long-term trust with customers and stakeholders. Investing in these certifications is not just a cost of doing business—it’s a strategic lever for sustainable growth.

Sources

Cloud Security Alliance – State of Cloud Security Survey, 2023
Secureframe – How SOC 2 Helped Segment Scale Sales
Coalfire & CyberRisk Alliance – SOC 2 Impact Study, 2022
Vanta – Redox Case Study on SOC 2 Compliance
AICPA – SOC Reports Guide
ADP Annual Report and Compliance Overview

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Navigating Vendor Risk Assessments: Best Practices from the Frontlines of TPRM

In today’s interconnected business environment, vendors are often an extension of our own organization. As someone who has spent nearly two decades leading information security and risk assurance initiatives, I’ve seen firsthand how a well-executed Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) program can safeguard a company’s data, reputation, and customer trust.

Whether onboarding a new vendor or renewing an existing relationship, risk assessments are critical. However, not all assessments are created equal. Through my journey across regulated industries and global compliance landscapes, I’ve gathered a set of best practices that blend regulatory expectations with practical experience.

1. Start with a Risk-Based Segmentation

One of the early mistakes I used to see — and admittedly made myself early on — was applying a one-size-fits-all risk assessment. This not only wastes resources but also creates fatigue across teams.

Best Practice:
Classify vendors based on their risk profile: Critical, High, Medium, Low. Factors include data access (PII, PHI, PCI), system integration, regulatory exposure, and business impact. Only critical/high-risk vendors should go through extensive due diligence.

2. Align Assessment Depth with Business Impact

While working with a cloud service provider for a sensitive healthcare client, I learned how essential it is to align assessment scope with potential business disruption.

Best Practice:
Use tiered questionnaires and leverage industry frameworks like:

ISO/IEC 27001
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
SIG-Lite / SIG-Core by Shared Assessments
CSA CAIQ for cloud vendors
This ensures proportional effort and deeper focus where it matters most.

3. Involve Cross-Functional Stakeholders Early

A successful TPRM program is not just an InfoSec initiative — it's a collaborative effort.

Best Practice:
Loop in Procurement, Legal, Privacy, and Business Owners right from the risk assessment phase. Their inputs can highlight hidden dependencies, legal exposures, and operational nuances that security alone might overlook.

4. Verify, Don’t Just Trust Artifacts

I’ve come across vendors proudly waving their ISO27001 or SOC 2 Type II reports. While these are valuable, they’re not bulletproof.

Best Practice:

Review reports critically. Look for scope, carve-outs, and noted exceptions.
If possible, request evidence samples (e.g., redacted policies, screenshots, or audit logs).
Conduct interviews or virtual assessments for high-risk vendors, especially if they impact regulated data.

5. Don’t Underestimate Renewal Assessments

One of the biggest gaps I’ve noticed — especially in mature organizations — is the complacency during vendor renewals.

Best Practice:
Treat renewals as a checkpoint, not a rubber stamp. Reassess:

Changes in services or integrations
Breach history since the last review
Compliance with evolving regulations (e.g., DORA, GDPR updates, AI governance)

Pro tip from experience: Maintain a trigger-based reassessment model — any material change in the vendor’s environment should prompt a risk review outside the renewal cycle.

6. Automate Where Possible, but Humanize the Review

I’ve implemented automation through platforms like Archer, OneTrust, and ProcessUnity — and it’s saved countless hours. But, don’t automate judgment.

Best Practice:
Use tools to manage workflows, scoring, and document storage. But retain manual reviews for free-text responses, risk ratings, and red flags. Always involve a risk analyst or SME in final decisions.

7. Document Everything – It’s Your Audit Trail

During an audit for a large banking client, I once had to dig through email chains and chat logs to recreate a vendor decision. Not fun.

Best Practice:
Maintain a central repository for:

Completed questionnaires
Risk ratings and justification
Mitigation plans
Approval sign-offs
This not only simplifies audits but also provides continuity if personnel change.

8. Monitor Post-Onboarding

Risk doesn’t end with onboarding — it evolves.

Best Practice:
Set up ongoing monitoring mechanisms:

Cybersecurity rating tools (e.g., BitSight, SecurityScorecard)
News and breach alerts
Annual reassessments or trigger-based reassessments
Incorporate these insights into a Vendor Risk Register and regularly update senior stakeholders.

Closing Thoughts

Over the years, I’ve learned that TPRM is as much about relationships and risk culture as it is about checklists. The real value of a risk assessment lies in what you do with it — not just the fact that you did it.

By embedding context, collaboration, and continuous improvement into your risk assessment process, you don’t just check a compliance box — you protect your organization in a tangible, measurable way.

Sources and Frameworks Referenced:

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 – Information Security Management
NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 – Security and Privacy Controls
Shared Assessments SIG – Standardized Information Gathering
CSA CAIQ – Cloud Security Alliance’s Consensus Assessment Initiative Questionnaire
BitSight, SecurityScorecard – Vendor cyber risk monitoring platforms
DORA – Digital Operational Resilience Act (EU, 2025 compliance)
Personal experiences across banking, cloud, and healthcare sectors

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Kafka in Cybersecurity: Turning Bugs into Existential Threats

Imagine this: You wake up one morning and find yourself transformed into a legacy firewall rule that nobody understands but nobody dares delete. Congratulations—you’re living in a Kafkaesque cybersecurity program.

Welcome to Kafka in Cybersecurity, where we take inspiration from Franz Kafka, the patron saint of absurd bureaucracy, inexplicable decisions, and silent suffering, and explore how his worldview is alarmingly relevant to the infosec world today.

1. The Trial: Why Audit Logs Feel Like Interrogations

In Kafka’s The Trial, Josef K. is arrested for a crime he doesn’t understand, prosecuted by a faceless authority, and never told what he’s guilty of.

Sound familiar?

Welcome to the compliance audit.

You’re pulled into a meeting. “We found a violation,” the auditor says.
You ask, “Of what exactly?”
They respond with a knowing look, a clipboard, and a vague reference to Annex A.12.4.1.

Kafka would’ve called it art. We call it ISO 27001.

2. The Castle: When Access Control Gets Too Real

Kafka’s The Castle is about a man trying to gain access to a mysterious authority that may or may not exist. He’s stuck in an endless loop of permissions, denials, and "please contact the access owner."

Welcome to role-based access control in a global enterprise.

You raise a ticket to get access to a dashboard.
The dashboard needs you to have a different role.
That role requires a training course.
The course link is broken.
The admin left in 2019.

Kafka didn’t write about Active Directory, but he might as well have.

3. Metamorphosis: Becoming a Vulnerability

In The Metamorphosis, Gregor Samsa wakes up as a giant bug. Replace “bug” with “zero-day” and you’ve got every CISO’s worst morning.

You patch. You pray. You issue a press release.
But like Gregor, your reputation is never quite the same.
Kafka in cybersecurity is realizing that transformation isn't evolution—it’s escalation.

4. Kafkaesque Ticketing Systems

Franz Kafka might not have written JIRA, but his spirit lives in it.

Ticket opened: Please investigate data leak.
Comment from Legal: This needs to go through DPO.
Comment from DPO: Escalate to Engineering.
Comment from Engineering: Assign to SOC.
Comment from SOC: Was this ticket meant for Facilities?

Kafka called it “labyrinthine bureaucracy.” We call it risk acceptance workflow.

5. Surveillance and The Trial of Trust

Kafka’s world was full of invisible watchers and unknown observers. In cybersecurity, this manifests as monitoring, logging, and user behavior analytics.

Everyone’s watched.
No one’s informed.
Even the AI can’t explain what it’s flagging.
Congratulations, your SOC is now Kafka’s The Trial, but automated.

6. Embracing the Absurd: Security Policy Writing

“Passwords must be at least 16 characters, contain uppercase, lowercase, a haiku, and the blood of a virgin.”
“Users must read and acknowledge the Acceptable Use Policy which is 74 pages long and written in legal Old English.”

Kafka would’ve admired the commitment to making the understandable unknowable.

So, What’s the Lesson Here?

In Kafka’s world, meaning is elusive, authority is faceless, and resolution is impossible.
In cybersecurity, that’s called Monday.

But seriously: Kafka reminds us that if we don’t intentionally design clear, human-centric, and rational security practices, we risk building systems that feel like The Castle, enforce like The Trial, and transform users into compliance bugs.

Let’s do better. Let’s fight Kafka with clarity.

📚 Sources of (Existential) Inspiration

Franz Kafka, The Trial
Franz Kafka, The Castle
Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis
“Kafkaesque: A Word You Should Know” – Merriam-Webster
OWASP Top 10 – because bureaucracy loves vague risk matrices
Your internal audit team's SharePoint site (of course)
Conversations with auditors, access managers, and frustrated SOC analysts