Exclusive: CyberArk's Rahul Dubey discusses the future of identity security

CyberArk is taking bold steps in revolutionising the identity security landscape.

Rahul Dubey, Vice President and GM of Global Public Sector Solutions at CyberArk, has been a key cause of this change since joining the company in October last year.

"It has been a great journey," Dubey told TechDay, during an exclusive interview.

"CyberArk is a rapidly growing company focused on identity security, and we're taking bold steps in this space."

Having transitioned from Cisco, where he led product management for global regulated markets, Dubey's new role reflects CyberArk's commitment to expanding its public sector and regulated markets presence. "The leadership at CyberArk takes this role seriously, and the company's guiding principles are about being humble, bold, and strong in our decision-making," he explained.

In his current position, Dubey's responsibilities span across the Americas, EMEA, and APJ regions. "I focus on ensuring customer voices are heard and incorporated into our solutions," he said. "

We don't just release products; we collaborate with customers throughout their journey."

CyberArk's strategic acquisitions underline this commitment. The purchase of Venafi boosted CyberArk's presence in the machine identity space, while the recent acquisition of Zilla Security enhanced its identity governance and automation capabilities.

"These acquisitions are game-changers," Dubey said. "We're positioning ourselves to deliver a comprehensive platform that combines identity security with automation and governance."

Dubey highlighted the increasing significance of machine identities, which he described as a "cybersecurity blind spot." With the growth of AI agents and automated systems, ensuring that non-human accounts are properly secured has become essential.

"Machine accounts operate much like human users but require proper authentication mechanisms," Dubey explained.

"We must ensure these systems are safeguarded using digital certificates, cryptographic protocols, and robust identity management."

With the global rise of AI-driven technologies and cloud systems, Dubey acknowledged that security gaps are widening.

He stressed the importance of developing a zero-trust architecture to mitigate threats.

"Zero trust is no longer an afterthought," he said. "It requires a strong company culture, starting with leadership. Zero trust is effective only if properly implemented, and it must involve identity security, application security, and robust network protection."

Dubey also addressed concerns regarding post-quantum cryptography, urging government agencies to prepare for future threats now. "Post-quantum computers are incredibly fast, making them capable of exploiting vulnerabilities at a rapid pace," he warned. "Organisations must prioritise security by integrating quantum-resistant cryptographic protocols."

Highlighting the impact of supply chain risks, Dubey explained how agencies must be proactive in protecting third-party interactions. "Supply chain risk management is crucial," he said. "Knowing where your data is stored and how it's safeguarded is fundamental."

Dubey emphasised that developing robust cybersecurity strategies requires more than technology alone.

"Security architects should collaborate with vendors and follow established frameworks like those provided by NIST," he said.

Looking ahead, CyberArk's focus on identity governance automation and expanding its public sector presence excites Dubey. "We're building an end-to-end platform that combines identity security with governance and risk assessment," he said.

"It's a holistic approach that reflects how CyberArk is positioning itself for future growth."

Despite the evolving security landscape, Dubey remains optimistic.

"We're just scratching the surface of what's possible in identity security," he said. "The potential is huge, and we're committed to ensuring our customers are protected."

As CyberArk expands into regulated markets like banking, finance, and healthcare, Dubey is confident in the company's trajectory. "CyberArk is positioned to provide the best-in-class solutions for the evolving security landscape," he said.

"Cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought," Dubey concluded. "It's a must-have from the very beginning."