In2IT yesterday hosted their second Annual Cybersecurity Roundtable event, bringing together industry experts, panelists, and thought leaders to explore the critical role of cybersecurity in today’s highly connected world. The event, themed “Secure the World,” addressed the gray areas of cybersecurity and demonstrated how private and public partnerships must adopt a holistic approach to address vulnerabilities if businesses are to continue thriving. Today, cybersecurity is not merely a technical function or cost center; it is a strategic foundation that underpins digital infrastructure, drives business growth, and strengthens societal resilience.
Given the $12 trillion in projected damages by 2030 and a glaring 4 million cybersecurity skills gap, it is clear that the status quo will not suffice. As C. G. Selva Ganesh, Vice President of In2IT, remarked: “As we gather for the second annual Cybersecurity on the Roundtable, we’re not just discussing cybersecurity—we’re charting a course for a safer, more resilient digital future. With thought leaders from industry, government, and regulation, we’re poised to tackle the toughest questions: How do we bridge the skills gap? How do we ensure connectivity doesn’t become a conduit for vulnerability? And how do we protect not just networks, but people and their data? Join us as we explore the intersection of cybersecurity, innovation, and collective action, and discover how together, we can secure the world, one connection at a time.”
The Rising Cost of Cyber Threats
Building on this, discussions at the roundtable explored the growing financial impact of cyber incidents worldwide. Experts reported that damages could reach $12 trillion by 2030, nearly double the losses recorded five years ago. Meanwhile, the cybersecurity industry is projected to generate $350 billion in revenue by 2027, reflecting the increasing demand for effective solutions. Consequently, leaders across both public and private sectors now view cybersecurity as a strategic investment, recognizing it as a key driver of organizational performance and long-term stability.
Collaboration and Collective Action
Participants further noted that cybersecurity challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. Collett Clements, Regional Manager at Forescout, pointed out that most vulnerabilities arise from human behavior rather than technology alone, highlighting the importance of skilled professionals, ethical practices, and workforce training. With a global skills gap of 4 million cybersecurity experts, developing talent pipelines and investing in professional growth are essential to securing networks, systems, and sensitive data in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Connectivity and Inclusivity
The roundtable also connected cybersecurity with broader issues of connectivity. By 2030, nearly 9.8 billion mobile connections are expected globally, creating a hyper-connected environment where everyone is potentially exposed to cyber risks. Mothibi Glenview Ramusi, Chairman and CEO of In2IT, stressed that connectivity is a human right, essential for access to education, healthcare, financial services, and governance. He urged the expansion of cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy programs to underserved and rural communities, ensuring that all citizens can safely participate in the digital economy.
Education and Ethical Practices
Beyond technology, cybersecurity is about protecting people and information. The discussions outlined the need for initiatives such as digital literacy programs, ethical AI governance, and PCI compliance in finance to reduce risks including phishing, social engineering, insider threats, and data breaches. Providing individuals with exposure to real-world scenarios was presented as a key strategy for empowering both organizations and citizens to navigate the digital landscape safely.
The roundtable concluded with a clear message: invest in cybersecurity skills, foster collaboration between public and private sectors, secure connectivity, and prioritize digital education. As Clements noted, cybersecurity is about protecting people, not just networks, while Ramusi reinforced the importance of inclusion and ethical standards. Together, these insights illustrate that collective action is essential to building a safe, resilient, and digitally inclusive world.
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