“AI is reshaping security, but resilience still depends on people and process”
A conversation with Zubair Chowgale, Sales Engineering Leader (EMEA & APJ), Securonix
In an exclusive conversation with The Mainstream, Zubair Chowgale reflects on his journey across global cybersecurity markets, the realities of AI adoption in enterprises and how Security Operations Centers are evolving into more intelligent, business-aware systems.
A journey shaped by changing threat landscapes
You’ve worked across multiple regions over your career. How has that shaped your view of cybersecurity today?
I started my journey in cybersecurity around 2006- 07, after beginning in systems and network engineering. A mentor guided me toward security, and that changed the direction of my career entirely. My first role was in Botswana, and over the years I’ve worked across Africa, the Middle East, APJ and Europe. What you quickly realise is that while technologies differ, the intent is the same everywhere, everyone is trying to build resilience.
The maturity levels differ by region, and so do the challenges, but the goal remains consistent: improve security posture in the face of continuously evolving threats.
“Across every geography, the objective is the same — resilience. Only the starting point changes.”
AI is now part of the system, not the experiment
When you look at enterprises today, where do they really stand, especially with AI and security transformation?
AI has clearly moved from being a concept to something embedded in enterprise strategy. Most organisations today are either building AI capabilities in-house or consuming them through platforms, including in cybersecurity. What’s important is that this is no longer experimental. It is becoming foundational.
At Securonix, we’ve seen this shift very closely. We started as a UEBA-focused company and have evolved into a next-generation SIEM platform with AI at the core. But the key point is this: AI is not replacing humans in security operations. It is augmenting them.
“AI in cybersecurity is not about removing the analyst, it’s about empowering them to operate at a higher level.”
AI, automation, and the changing role of analysts
What are enterprises getting wrong when modernising security operations?
A common misconception is that buying a tool equals transformation. That is rarely true. Technology is only one part of the equation. The real challenge lies in how people and processes adapt around it. We often see organisations adopt advanced tools but continue running legacy workflows. That creates friction, and limits the value of the investment.
Modernisation only works when three things evolve together: technology, processes and people.
“A tool can modernise your stack. It cannot modernise your organisation.”
From alert systems to business-aware security
There’s a lot of debate around AI replacing security roles. What’s your view?
We will see more automation, especially in investigation and response workflows. But full automation of SOCs is still far away. The bigger shift is conceptual. SOCs will no longer operate purely as technical units. They will need to understand the business context behind security events, not just the alerts themselves.
That means thinking in terms of –
- business impact
- operational disruption
- real-world risk
Secrity teams will become more aligned with the business, not just the infrastructure.
“The future SOC doesn’t just detect threats, it understands what those threats mean to the business.”
India as a key innovation hub
What’s next for Securonix and any thoughts on UNSUMMIT ’26?
For Securonix, India remains a key growth and innovation market, supported by large-scale engineering and research teams based in Bengaluru and Pune. Events like Unsummit are designed not just as conferences, but as hands-on showcases of the company’s evolving capabilities.
The focus is on demonstrating technology in action, including AI-driven capabilities and security agents, allowing customers and partners to experience the platform firsthand through interactive demo stations. This approach reflects a broader shift away from presentation-led engagement toward experience-led adoption.
Rapid Fire
1. What’s one thing about cybersecurity people often get wrong?
People often think attackers use highly advanced techniques. In reality, most breaches are caused by compromised credentials rather than complex hacking.
2. One trend getting too much attention right now?
AI is getting a lot of attention. It is important, but sometimes overshadows more fundamental security challenges that still need attention.
3. One skill that has stayed useful through your career?
Understanding customer problems and simplifying them.
4. How do you switch off outside of work?
Spending time with family and following football as a Manchester United fan.
Closing perspective
Cybersecurity today is about understanding risk in business context, not just preventing attacks.
The most successful organisations will combine automation with human judgment and clarity.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
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