The President of Industry Professor Association takes pride in presenting this citation to Industry Professor – Krishna Rajagopal
Extensive Industry Experience (Duration & Scope)
Krishna Rajagopal has amassed over two decades of experience in the information security industry, tackling some of the most complex cyber threats across multiple sectors[1]. He began his career contributing to major IT initiatives in the Malaysian civil service, designing training for government office systems and business process re-engineering projects – efforts that propelled him to found his own cybersecurity consultancy[2]. In 2007, he established AKATI Sekurity and has since grown it into a global enterprise with a presence on five continents, serving over 400 clients worldwide[3]. As Group CEO, Rajagopal has led this firm to become recognised among the world’s top managed security service providers[4].
Rajagopal’s industry experience is both deep and broad in scope. He is an expert practitioner across the spectrum of cybersecurity, from penetration testing and digital forensics to security incident management and defensive strategy. Notably, he focuses on “Defence in Depth” strategies for organizations, covering areas such as ethical hacking, computer forensics, SIEM, and data loss prevention[5]. He has consulted for numerous governments and global banks, helping them adapt to the digital era; for example, he advised a major bank in Aruba on launching online banking security frameworks – standards later adopted by all banks in that country[6]. As a lead forensic investigator, Rajagopal has been on the front lines of cyber incident response across critical infrastructures – from power plants and nuclear facilities to casinos, banks, and even an underwater aquarium – pinpointing and neutralising sophisticated cyber-attacks[7]. His hands-on technical leadership includes overseeing more than 500 successful penetration testing and red-team engagements with a 100% success rate in identifying vulnerabilities[8]. This extensive, globe-trotting experience demonstrates both long-term dedication (spanning ~20 years) and wide-ranging impact across industries and geographies.
Recognition by Industry Authorities, Associations & Peers
Rajagopal’s expertise has earned international acclaim and peer recognition. He holds over 50 professional certifications from leading bodies (Microsoft, EC-Council, Adobe, Cisco, and others), and is regarded worldwide as one of the top specialists in IT forensics and computer security[9][10]. This reputation is reflected in the trust placed in him by authorities: he has been accredited as a specialist in the investigation and prosecution of cybercriminals, after training and assisting police forces around the globe in combating cybercrime[11]. Law enforcement and security agencies have sought his counsel – for instance, Interpol appointed him as an expert witness to support cybercrime investigations[8], and the United States Pacific Command invited him to lead cybersecurity training for its personnel[12].
Rajagopal has also received numerous awards and honours from industry organisations. He was recognized as the Chief Executive Officer of the Year (2025) in the prestigious Cybersecurity Excellence Awards[13], underscoring his leadership and innovation in the field. Earlier, in 2017, he was honoured by the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) as an outstanding achiever in the IT/Internet & Telecommunication industry[14]. His accolades further include a Lifetime Honorary Award in Computer Forensics and Security, the title of “Distinguished Engineer” from Rocheston (New York), and the Power Icon 2024 award for Forensic Investigator of the Year[15] – all testament to his standing as a luminary in cybersecurity. He is an active member of professional communities as well; for example, he serves on the Forbes Technology Council, where his inclusion signals peer recognition of his thought leadership[16]. Whether through awards, titles or positions, industry authorities and colleagues consistently acknowledge Rajagopal’s expertise and contributions as being at the pinnacle of the cybersecurity profession.
Commitment to Knowledge Sharing and Education
Krishna Rajagopal has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sharing his practical knowledge and uplifting others through education, training and public outreach. He is a seasoned and passionate trainer who has personally conducted over 300 cybersecurity training sessions to date for professionals around the world[17]. In fact, since as early as 2012 he has been traveling to deliver trainings on five continents, building capacity in topics like ethical hacking, digital forensics, and incident response[12]. He has mentored and empowered countless IT security practitioners, often tailoring complex technical content into accessible lessons. Notably, Rajagopal has trained multiple police and law enforcement agencies internationally on cyber defence techniques, helping investigators build skills to prosecute hackers and fraudsters effectively[18]. This highlights his willingness to extend his expertise beyond the corporate realm to public institutions that protect society.
As a sought-after public speaker, Rajagopal frequently appears at conferences, forums and media outlets to share insights and raise awareness on cybersecurity issues. He has headlined sessions at major industry events – for example, delivering talks to audiences of over 1,000 attendees at a South American security conference[19] – and has been a keynote speaker at global gatherings (including an IEEE conference and the MSP Summit 2025) where he makes complex cyber risks understandable to diverse audiences. He is known as a dynamic presenter with a “rare talent for making cybersecurity not just accessible but thrilling” to listeners[20]. Beyond live events, Rajagopal contributes thought leadership in print and online. He has given interviews on international media (such as BFM 89.9 radio in Malaysia, TV3, and NET2 in Africa) to educate the public on topics like computer forensics and IT governance[19]. He also writes articles sharing his expertise – for instance, as a member of Forbes Technology Council he has published guidance on cloud migration and cost optimization for tech leaders[21][22]. In 2025, Rajagopal further cemented his educator role by authoring “The Cybersecurity Power Play: A Boardroom Guide to Digital Defence”. This book is aimed at bridging the knowledge gap between technical cybersecurity teams and business executives, empowering corporate leaders to treat cybersecurity as a strategic business advantage rather than a mere IT issue[23]. All these efforts reflect his personal passion for mentorship and knowledge transfer – he continually invests time to teach, speak, write and guide others, thereby advancing the broader community’s understanding of cybersecurity.
Relevant Industry Fields
Cybersecurity and Information Technology (IT) Security are the primary industry fields underpinning Krishna Rajagopal’s candidacy. Within cybersecurity, his work spans several specialised domains, notably Digital Forensics, Penetration Testing (Ethical Hacking), and Cyber Defence Strategy. He also operates in the realm of IT Governance and Risk Management, given his contributions to security standards and policy development for organisations. These fields collectively define his professional focus and are the areas in which he has demonstrated distinguished expertise. His achievements and recognition – from global cybercrime investigations to training programs and security framework development – all lie firmly in the cybersecurity industry, particularly in the sub-fields of forensic investigation and cyber threat management. This strong alignment with the cybersecurity field (an increasingly vital industry sector) powerfully supports his application for Industry Professor, as it highlights his authority in an area of great importance and wide impact.
Key Quantitative Data on Rajagopal’s Experience & Influence
- Years of Experience: Over 20 years in the IT security industry (active since the early 2000s)[5].
- Global Reach: Professional engagements across 5 continents, serving clients and audiences worldwide[3][19].
- Leadership Tenure: 18 years as Founder & CEO of AKATI Sekurity (est. 2007), growing it into a top-ranked global cybersecurity firm[3][4].
- Clients Served: Over 400 organisations secured globally under his company’s services (including banks, governments, and enterprises)[3].
- Certifications: Holds 50+ professional certifications in IT and cybersecurity domains[9].
- Training Sessions Delivered: Conducted 300+ cybersecurity trainings and workshops for professionals, students, and law enforcement personnel worldwide[17].
- Conference Speaking: Presented at dozens of conferences internationally, with audience sizes over 1,000 in at least one event[19].
- Penetration Tests Led: Oversaw 500+ penetration testing and red team engagements (100% success rate in identifying vulnerabilities)[8].
- Publications: Author of 1 major cybersecurity strategy book (2025) and contributor to industry publications (e.g., Forbes Council articles)[23][21].
- Awards & Honours: Recipient of at least 3 significant awards in recent years – including CEO of the Year 2025, Forensic Investigator of the Year 2024, and a lifetime achievement honour in security – in addition to earlier accolades[13][15].
These quantitative indicators underscore Krishna Rajagopal’s extensive influence and accomplishments in the cybersecurity industry, reinforcing the strength of his case for the title of Industry Professor.
[1] [7] [15] [20] Krishna Rajagopal | Speakers 2025 | MSP Summit
[2] [4] [8] [12] [17] [19] Krishna Rajagopal | AKATI Sekurity Cybersecurity Mentor – Cybersecurity Excellence Awards
[3] AKATI Sekurity | CREST
[5] [6] [9] [11] [18] Krishna Rajagopal | CIAG 2024
https://www.isaca.org.my/krishna
[10] [16] [21] [22] Krishna Rajagopal | CEO – AKATI Sekurity | Forbes Technology Council
[13] Chief Executive Officer of the Year (CEO) Archives – Cybersecurity Excellence Awards
[14] Hall of Fame 2017 | APEA – Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards
https://apea.asia/malaysia/hall-of-fame-my-2017
[23] Interview with Krishna Rajagopal, Author of The Cybersecurity Power Play
- About the Author
- More info
As CEO of Industry Professor Association, I have a passion for education and learning that leads towards a productive outcome for Industry. The Industry Professor Association is a non-profit organisation that recognises industry expertise and experience and helps members gain the ultimate recognition of their Industry career. We also help organise their industry expertise by converting it into digital learning products and sharing it with a learner hungry world.
As a previous Head of School – Southbank Institute of Technology, it gave me great insight into educational design, corporate client learning needs, government policy and strategies. My goal was to meet the needs of industry in regards to providing graduates who were highly trained in practical skills and employability skills. Whilst meeting the learning style of a generation that is highly engaging with communication channels, and immersed in collaboration to gain learning at their time, place and pace.