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Exclusive Interview with Sharat Sinha, CEO, Airtel Business: A Visionary Perspective on Cybersecurity and Innovation
As the digital landscape evolves, so does the need for robust cybersecurity solutions. On Data Privacy Day 2025, Faiz Askari, Founder Editor of SMEStreet, sat down with Sharat Sinha, CEO of Airtel Business, to discuss how enterprises can navigate a hyperconnected world by leveraging advanced technologies like AI and 5G. Here are the key highlights of their conversation.
AI and 5G: Revolutionizing Enterprise Operations
Faiz Askari, SMEStreet: You’ve highlighted the potential of 5G integrated with AI for enterprise solutions. Could you share specific examples of how Airtel Business is leveraging AI to transform enterprise operations?
Sharat Sinha, Airtel:
India is at the forefront of digital transformation, and the integration of 5G with AI represents a monumental shift in enterprise operations. At Airtel Business, we are driving this revolution by merging 5G’s low latency and high-speed capabilities with AI’s transformative abilities, including data analysis, predictive maintenance, and language comprehension.
Our recent partnership with Google exemplifies this vision, where we combine our connectivity expertise with their AI prowess to deliver industry-leading AI/ML solutions. This partnership is accelerating generative AI deployments across the country.
For instance, our AI/ML platform, Airtel IQ Spam Protection, ensures customer safety by detecting and suspending fraudulent messages. Similarly, we’ve deployed AI in data centers to enable predictive maintenance, enhance energy efficiency, and automate operations. The convergence of AI and 5G is unlocking innovations across industries, streamlining operations, and bolstering security.
AI-Powered Cybersecurity: Defending Against Evolving Threats
SMEStreet: How is Airtel Business leveraging advanced AI algorithms to counteract cyber threats and offer real-time protection for enterprises?
Sharat Sinha:
Cyber threats are growing exponentially, making proactive defense imperative. At Airtel Business, we deploy advanced AI algorithms to monitor networks in real time, detect irregular activities, and mitigate cyber threats.
Our Intelligent Security Operations Center (iSOC) operates 24/7, using AI-driven threat intelligence and machine learning to automate detection and response processes. These capabilities minimize response times and reduce reliance on manual interventions.
Additionally, solutions like Airtel Secure Internet and Airtel Secure Digital Internet integrate cutting-edge technologies like Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) to protect enterprises. By continuously validating users and devices, these solutions simplify security management while reducing attack surfaces.
Balancing Innovation with Security
SMEStreet: CIOs and CISOs face the challenge of balancing innovation with security. How is Airtel Business addressing their concerns?
Sharat Sinha:
CIOs and CISOs must drive innovation without compromising security. At Airtel Business, our solutions empower enterprises to innovate securely. Our iSOC ensures proactive threat detection and 24/7 monitoring, enabling businesses to stay ahead of emerging risks.
We also offer customizable, industry-specific solutions that simplify security management while fostering a culture of innovation. Our commitment is to enable businesses to thrive securely in today’s complex digital landscape.
Airtel Secure Digital Internet: Redefining Cybersecurity Standards
SMEStreet: With Airtel Secure Digital Internet, how does Airtel aim to redefine cybersecurity standards?
Sharat Sinha:
Airtel Secure Digital Internet addresses the growing need for comprehensive cybersecurity in a hyperconnected world. Built on Zero Trust Architecture, it ensures that every interaction is rigorously verified and authenticated.
With features like secure web gateways, cloud firewalls, and intrusion prevention, this solution provides real-time threat protection tailored to enterprise needs. By transitioning from traditional hardware to a cloud-based framework, Airtel Secure Digital Internet simplifies security and offers businesses confidence in their digital operations.
Airtel IQ Business Connect: Revolutionizing Communication Strategies
SMEStreet: How does Airtel IQ Business Connect redefine communication strategies for businesses in India?
Sharat Sinha:
Airtel IQ Business Connect integrates multiple communication channels like calling, SMS, and WhatsApp into a unified cloud platform. This eliminates silos, ensures continuity in customer interactions, and enhances engagement.
By centralizing communication within a secure ecosystem, businesses reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. The positive response from enterprises highlights the platform’s ability to streamline communication and drive growth, particularly for SMEs.
Looking Ahead: Trends Shaping 2025
SMEStreet: What emerging trends are you excited about for 2025?
Sharat Sinha:
The convergence of AI, 5G, and cloud computing will drive transformative innovations in 2025. Smarter network management, real-time analytics, and IoT expansion will redefine enterprise operations.
In cybersecurity, AI-powered solutions will proactively identify vulnerabilities and automate threat responses, ensuring robust defenses against evolving threats.
Above all, customer-centric advancements will drive deeper connections and foster growth across industries. At Airtel Business, we remain committed to leveraging these trends to empower enterprises in their digital transformation journeys.
Conclusion
As enterprises navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Airtel Business, under Sharat Sinha’s leadership, is at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge solutions that balance innovation with security. On Data Privacy Day 2025, this commitment to enabling secure, AI-driven digital transformations stands as a testament to Airtel’s role as a trusted partner for businesses.