At a Glance
![]() Vaibhav Malik,Global Partner Solutions Architect, CloudflareFocus Areas: Cybersecurity, National Security, Quantum Computing Thinkers360 In-Depth Profile & Portfolio: Vaibhav(VB) Malik Social Media: LinkedIn Highlighted Content:Is Your AI API a Ticking Time Bomb? Navigating the Cybersecurity Minefield, The Disturbing Rise of AI Voice Hacking: How Deepfakes Can Hijack Phone Calls. Thought Leadership: The Year’s Most Popular Articles from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders (1H’24) |
Thought Leader and Influencer Interview
Thinkers360 thought leader interviews profile prominent members of the Thinkers360 community who embody the power of ideas in their work. In this edition, we speak with Vaibhav Malik who is a Global Partner Solution Architect, Cloudflare, where he works with global partners to design and implement effective security solutions for their customers. With over 12 years of experience in networking and security, Vaibhav is a recognized industry thought leader and expert in Zero Trust Security Architecture.
Vaibhav is listed in Thinkers360: The Year’s Most Popular Articles from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders (1H’24).
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Thinkers360: Tell us a bit about your background and areas of expertise.
VM: I’m Vaibhav Malik, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 15 years of experience in network and security architecture. My journey in this field has been driven by a passion for creating robust, secure digital environments and a commitment to staying at the forefront of emerging technologies and threats.
My expertise spans several critical areas of cybersecurity:
- Zero Trust Security Architecture: I’m recognized as a thought leader in this domain, having led initiatives to implement zero trust principles across large-scale enterprise environments. My work in this area has been pivotal in reshaping how organizations approach security in an increasingly distributed and cloud-based world.
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): As a Technical Leader at Cisco, I spearheaded the development of Cisco+ Secure Connect, a groundbreaking SASE solution. This experience has given me deep insights into the convergence of networking and security in cloud-native environments.
- Cloud Security: My work with major cloud service providers like AWS, Azure, and GCP has equipped me with comprehensive knowledge of cloud security architectures and best practices. I’ve led initiatives to secure cloud migrations and optimize hybrid cloud environments for Fortune 500 companies.
- AI and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity: I’m currently writing a book on AI-native LLM Security, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This work reflects my commitment to addressing emerging threats in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-driven technologies.
- Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Development: At Cloudflare, I’ve been instrumental in forging strategic alliances with industry giants developing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that address complex enterprise needs.
Thinkers360: What are your current responsibilities and what is your typical day like?
VM: In my current role as Global Partner Solutions Architect at Cloudflare, my responsibilities are multifaceted and dynamic. A typical day for me involves a blend of strategic planning, technical problem-solving, and thought leadership activities. Here’s a glimpse into my daily routine:
- Strategic Partnership Management: A significant portion of my day is dedicated to nurturing and expanding our strategic partnerships with industry leaders. This involves regular strategy sessions, alignment meetings, and collaborative problem-solving to ensure our joint solutions meet the evolving needs of enterprise clients.
- Technical Architecture and Solution Design: I work closely with our engineering and product teams to design and refine cybersecurity solutions. This often involves deep-dive technical sessions where we architect complex, multi-faceted security solutions that integrate Cloudflare’s capabilities with our partners’ technologies.
- Customer Engagement: As a trusted advisor to C-level executives at our strategic accounts, I regularly participate in high-level meetings to provide guidance on integrating Zero Trust principles and Cloudflare solutions into their enterprise security architecture. These engagements require me to translate complex technical concepts into business value propositions.
- Thought Leadership and Content Creation: I dedicate time each day to staying abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends and contributing to the industry dialogue. This includes writing articles for publications like RSA Conference and Cloud Security Alliance, preparing for speaking engagements at industry events, and working on my upcoming book on AI-native LLM Security.
- Collaborative Innovation: I engage in regular brainstorming and innovation sessions with cross-functional teams to identify new opportunities for product development and service offerings. This involves analyzing market trends, customer feedback, and emerging technologies to drive our strategic roadmap.
- Industry Engagement: As a co-chair of the Zero Trust Working Group within the Cloud Security Alliance, I allocate time for reviewing and contributing to industry standards and best practices. This includes participating in working group meetings, reviewing research papers, and collaborating on whitepapers.
- My day is often interspersed with ad-hoc problem-solving sessions, especially when addressing critical security incidents or emerging threats that require immediate attention. The dynamic nature of cybersecurity means that flexibility and rapid response capabilities are crucial in my role.
- This multifaceted approach to my daily responsibilities allows me to maintain a holistic view of the cybersecurity landscape, drive innovation within Cloudflare and our partner ecosystem, and continue to grow as a thought leader in the industry.
Thinkers360: What is the favorite part of your current role?
VM: The aspect of my current role that I find most rewarding is the opportunity to drive transformative change in the cybersecurity landscape through a combination of strategic innovation, thought leadership, and practical implementation. There are several elements that make this particularly exciting:
- Shaping Industry Direction: As a Global Partner Solutions Architect at Cloudflare and co-lead of the Zero Trust Working Group at Cloud Security Alliance, I have the privilege of being at the forefront of shaping industry standards and best practices. This position allows me to influence the direction of cybersecurity strategies on a global scale, which I find incredibly fulfilling.
- Solving Complex Challenges: Every day presents new and complex cybersecurity challenges that require innovative thinking. Whether it’s architecting a zero trust framework for a multinational corporation or developing strategies to combat emerging AI-driven threats, the intellectual stimulation of problem-solving in this rapidly evolving field is truly invigorating.
- Bridging Technology and Business: My role allows me to serve as a bridge between cutting-edge technology and real-world business needs. I enjoy the challenge of translating complex technical concepts into tangible business value for C-level executives, helping them understand and leverage cybersecurity as a strategic asset.
- Fostering Innovation through Collaboration: The collaborative nature of my work, particularly in developing strategic partnerships with industry leaders is extremely rewarding. These collaborations foster an environment of innovation where we can combine diverse expertise to create groundbreaking cybersecurity solutions.
- Continuous Learning and Growth: The rapid pace of change in cybersecurity means that every day is a learning opportunity. Whether it’s exploring new attack vectors, understanding emerging technologies, or diving into the implications of regulatory changes, the constant need to evolve and adapt keeps me engaged and excited about my work.
The combination of these elements – the intellectual challenge, the opportunity for innovation, the collaborative nature of the work, and the tangible impact on global cybersecurity – makes my current role not just a job, but a passion. It’s this multifaceted nature of my responsibilities that keeps me motivated and excited to tackle each new day in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.
Thinkers360: How do you like to work with brands who wish to engage you as a thought leader?
VM: When engaging with brands as a thought leader in cybersecurity, I prefer a collaborative approach that leverages my expertise to create meaningful impact and value. Here’s how I like to work with brands:
- Strategic Alignment: First and foremost, I seek to understand the brand’s objectives, target audience, and current challenges in the cybersecurity space. This allows me to tailor my expertise and insights to align with their strategic goals and provide the most relevant value.
- Customized Content Creation: I enjoy creating customized, high-quality content that addresses specific needs of the brand and its audience. This could include whitepapers, technical articles, blog posts, or executive briefings on emerging cybersecurity trends, zero trust architecture, AI security, or other relevant topics.
- Speaking Engagements: I’m passionate about sharing knowledge through speaking engagements. This could involve keynote speeches at corporate events, participating in panel discussions, or leading webinars on cutting-edge cybersecurity topics. I focus on delivering actionable insights that attendees can apply to their own organizations.
- Advisory Services: For deeper engagements, I offer advisory services where I can provide strategic guidance on cybersecurity initiatives, help evaluate emerging technologies, or assist in developing robust security architectures. This could involve regular strategy sessions with leadership teams or participation in security steering committees.
- Collaborative Research: I’m always eager to collaborate on research projects that push the boundaries of cybersecurity knowledge. This could involve co-authoring industry reports, conducting joint studies on emerging threats, or developing new frameworks for addressing complex security challenges.
- By working in this collaborative and strategic manner, I aim to provide brands with not just thought leadership, but actionable insights and tangible value that can enhance their position in the cybersecurity market and contribute to the overall advancement of the field.
Thinkers360: How do you utilize Thinkers360?
VM: As a cybersecurity thought leader, I find Thinkers360 to be an invaluable platform for amplifying my voice, connecting with peers, and staying at the forefront of industry trends. Here’s how I utilize Thinkers360:
- Content Sharing: I regularly share my latest articles, research papers, and insights on cybersecurity trends through Thinkers360. This platform allows me to reach a broader audience of professionals and decision-makers interested in cybersecurity topics.
- Thought Leadership Ranking: The Thinkers360 algorithm that ranks thought leaders based on their content and engagement helps validate my expertise in the cybersecurity field. This ranking has been instrumental in enhancing my credibility and visibility within the industry.
- Networking: Thinkers360 provides an excellent opportunity to connect with other thought leaders in cybersecurity and related fields. I actively engage with peers, share ideas, and collaborate on projects, which has led to valuable partnerships and knowledge exchange.
- Speaking Opportunities: Through Thinkers360’s speaker bureau, I’ve been able to secure speaking engagements at industry conferences and corporate events. This has allowed me to share my insights on zero trust architecture, AI in cybersecurity, and other cutting-edge topics with diverse audiences.
- Market Intelligence: The platform’s curated content from other thought leaders serves as a valuable source of market intelligence. It helps me stay informed about emerging trends, diverse perspectives, and new developments in the cybersecurity landscape.
- Brand Collaborations: Thinkers360 has facilitated connections with brands looking for cybersecurity expertise. This has led to consulting opportunities, advisory roles, and collaborative content creation projects that align with my areas of expertise.
By leveraging Thinkers360 in these ways, I’ve been able to significantly expand my reach and impact as a cybersecurity thought leader. The platform has become an integral part of my professional brand and a key tool in my thought leadership strategy.
Editor’s Note: See Vaibhav(VB) Malik’s Thinkers360 profile to contact him directly.
Thinkers360: What is your main advice for upcoming thought leaders?
VM: For aspiring thought leaders in cybersecurity or any technical field, I would offer the following key pieces of advice based on my experience:
- Develop Deep Expertise: True thought leadership stems from profound knowledge and hands-on experience. Focus on developing deep expertise in your chosen niche within cybersecurity. Stay curious, continuously learn, and always strive to understand the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ in your field.
- Stay Current and Forward-Thinking: The cybersecurity landscape evolves rapidly. Make it a habit to stay abreast of the latest trends, emerging threats, and technological advancements. But don’t just follow trends – try to anticipate future developments and their implications.
- Cultivate a Unique Perspective: Don’t just echo what others are saying. Develop your own insights and opinions based on your experiences and analysis. Your unique perspective is what will set you apart as a thought leader.
- Communicate Clearly and Effectively: The ability to explain complex technical concepts in accessible terms is crucial. Practice translating cybersecurity jargon into language that resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Create Consistent, High-Quality Content: Regularly produce and share valuable content – whether it’s articles, blog posts, videos, or podcasts. Consistency is key in building an audience and establishing your voice in the industry.
- Engage with the Community: Actively participate in industry forums, conferences, and online communities. Share your knowledge, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions. Building a network is crucial for growth and opportunities.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop leading. Be open to new ideas, challenge your own assumptions, and never shy away from admitting what you don’t know.
- Develop a Personal Brand: Thoughtfully cultivate your personal brand. This includes your online presence, the topics you focus on, and how you present yourself professionally. Ensure your brand aligns with your values and expertise.
Remember, becoming a thought leader is a journey, not a destination. It requires continuous effort, learning, and adaptation. Stay true to your passion for cybersecurity, focus on adding value to the community, and remain committed to your personal and professional growth. Your unique experiences, insights, and perspective are what will ultimately define your voice as a thought leader in the dynamic and crucial field of cybersecurity.
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