Srihari Subudhi is an enthusiastic champion of both acquiring and sharing knowledge, with considerable expertise in information systems auditing and a distinguished career in cybersecurity. With a solid academic foundation encompassing a Master’s in Computer Applications (MCA) and an MBA specializing in IT & Systems, Srihari stands as a trailblazer in his field. His professional journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to continuous learning, writing, and leveraging technology. Holding prestigious certifications like CISSP, CISA, CISM, and CRISC, Srihari brings a wealth of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to his work. Yet, beyond his credentials, it’s his unwavering belief in the power of a positive mindset that sets him apart, infusing his endeavours with a sense of optimism and possibility. Embark on a journey with Srihari where expertise converges with enthusiasm, weaving a narrative that transcends conventional boundaries through the fusion of technology, knowledge, and positivity.
The Rise Insight: Can you share your journey in the field of information systems auditing and how you became interested in cybersecurity?
Srihari Subudhi: I possess over 23 years of industry experience, with a significant portion of my career dedicated to working within data centres. Throughout my tenure, I’ve been captivated by the increasing significance of IS Audit and cybersecurity, which has sparked a growing interest in these fields for me. I’ve held diverse roles in these domains and have pursued certifications like CISA, CISM, CISSP, among others, to affirm my expertise in these areas.
The Rise Insight: What inspired you to write “Mastering The CISA® Exam: The Ultimate Question Bank” and how do you believe it adds value to CISA exam preparation?
Srihari Subudhi: Throughout my CISA Exam preparation journey, I struggled to find sufficient resources, particularly practice questions, which impeded my readiness for the exam. I firmly believe that aspiring exam candidates deserve access to high-quality resources at affordable rates. After dedicating substantial time to studying the concepts and conducting thorough research in these domains, I identified an opportunity to support CISA Exam candidates by creating a book containing meticulously crafted questions. These questions are designed to enhance conceptual understanding and assess exam readiness levels, thus enabling more effective preparation. My desire to aid exam aspirants in their preparation motivated me to create this book.
The Rise Insight: With your diverse academic background and certifications, how do you integrate continuous learning into your professional development?
Srihari Subudhi: I strongly advocate for lifelong learning, firmly believing that continual learning enriches our lives and enables us to support others in their learning journeys. Embracing a love for learning and the sharing of knowledge, I hold the conviction that “Knowledge Matters”. My academic pursuits and diverse certifications have been instrumental in achieving my aspirations. I am driven by a fervent desire to empower individuals to enhance their lives through the utilization of knowledge and technology.
The Rise Insight: Can you discuss the importance of a positive mindset in the field of cybersecurity, and how has it impacted your own career?
Srihari Subudhi: Maintaining a positive outlook has significantly influenced my life. Recently, I’ve come to recognize the immense power of optimism in achieving greater success. Whether it’s running a marathon or preparing for a challenging cyber security exam like the CISSP, adopting a positive mindset has consistently proven beneficial. Cultivating positivity is essential for overcoming obstacles and attaining success in life’s endeavours.
The Rise Insight: What challenges do you think aspiring professionals face when preparing for the CISA exam, and how does your book address these challenges?
Srihari Subudhi: A common obstacle encountered by aspiring professionals is the difficulty in connecting theoretical concepts with real-world scenarios or experiences. To tackle this issue, I’ve provided comprehensive answer explanations for 300 questions and also incorporated enough scenario-based MCQs. These efforts aim to facilitate a deeper understanding of the material by grounding it in practical contexts, thereby enhancing comprehension and application skills.
The Rise Insight: In your opinion, how has the landscape of information systems auditing evolved, and what skills do you consider crucial for success in this field today?
Srihari Subudhi: Over the past two decades, the landscape of information systems auditing has undergone rapid transformation, especially in India, where digital adoption has surged exponentially. The proliferation of websites, mobile apps, banking applications, and other digital platforms has occurred at a remarkable pace. Consequently, the associated risks have escalated, necessitating regular audits of information systems. Those responsible for managing these digital assets must continually enhance their skills and knowledge. Certification exams such as CISA serve as a means to evaluate and validate their expertise in this evolving field.
The Rise Insight: As someone with multiple certifications, how do you balance theoretical knowledge with practical experience in your approach to information systems auditing?
Srihari Subudhi: I maintain equilibrium between theoretical knowledge and practical experience in information systems auditing by prioritizing continuous learning and staying updated with industry advancements. Actively engaging in hands-on experiences, such as audit engagements and risk assessments, allows me to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings. Collaborating with peers and mentors fosters knowledge exchange and provides diverse perspectives on practical challenges.
The Rise Insight: What advice do you have for individuals considering a career in cybersecurity, and what steps can they take to stand out in a competitive industry?
Srihari Subudhi: Continuous learning is paramount in the field of cybersecurity, where the landscape is constantly evolving. By embracing a mindset of ongoing education, individuals gain a competitive edge in comprehending complex issues swiftly and delivering timely solutions. In cybersecurity, where threats and technologies evolve rapidly, staying abreast of the latest developments ensures adaptability and effectiveness in addressing emerging challenges. The commitment to continuous learning equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate dynamic environments and safeguard digital assets effectively. In essence, in cybersecurity, the journey of learning is perpetual, leading to continuous growth and professional advancement.
The Rise Insight: Could you share a memorable success story or experience from your own career that has shaped your perspective on information systems auditing?
Srihari Subudhi: During my tenure at the data centre, I frequently encountered terms like threats, risks, confidentiality, information security, and compliance, sparking my curiosity about their significance within an organization. This curiosity led me to delve deeper into understanding these concepts and their relevance in organizational contexts. Subsequently, I realized the importance of comprehending the intricacies of the information systems auditing process to effectively address these concerns. This realization significantly shaped my perspective on information systems auditing, highlighting its critical role in safeguarding organizational assets and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
The Rise Insight: Considering the dynamic nature of cybersecurity threats, how do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the field, and what resources do you find most valuable for staying informed?
Srihari Subudhi: I leverage the journals and webinars accessible through the member login portals of ISACA and ISC2 as valuable resources for staying updated in cybersecurity. Additionally, I conduct independent research and publish papers on emerging technology topics, further enhancing my understanding and knowledge base. I have published many research papers on topics of Artificial Intelligence, UPI, Data Analytics, Emerging Technologies etc. in various International journals. This proactive approach not only keeps me informed but also contributes to the broader cybersecurity community by sharing insights and advancements. By engaging in continuous learning through various channels, I ensure that I am well-equipped to address evolving challenges and opportunities in the field.