Bengaluru CISOs Discuss Cloud & AI Security with Upwind & Bessemer

Bengaluru’s Security Elite Converge for Upwind CISO Sunset Circle

In a move to foster critical dialogue around the evolving landscape of digital security, Upwind, in collaboration with Bessemer Venture Partners and YourStory, hosted an exclusive CISO Sunset Circle in Bengaluru on April 24, 2026. The invite-only evening convened Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), security practitioners, and platform leaders for an in-depth, peer-driven conversation focused on the complex challenges of securing cloud-native infrastructure and AI-driven operations. The event, held at the scenic rooftop poolside of Conrad Bengaluru, aimed to provide a platform for candid exchanges beyond the typical conference settings, acknowledging the increasing need for shared insights among security leaders.

Addressing the Evolving Threat Landscape

The proliferation of cloud technologies and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence have introduced unprecedented agility and efficiency but also significantly expanded the threat surface. Organizations are increasingly grappling with sophisticated security challenges that demand innovative solutions and collaborative strategies. The CISO Sunset Circle was conceptualized to address this need, offering a forum where seasoned security professionals could share experiences and insights in an intimate, conducive environment. The core premise was to facilitate conversations that are both relevant and actionable for leaders navigating these complex digital frontiers.

Key Themes: AI Security, Data Sovereignty, and Cloud Complexity

Discussions throughout the evening consistently gravitated towards three pivotal areas: the security implications of artificial intelligence, the critical issue of data sovereignty, and the inherent complexities of securing modern cloud-native environments. Hari Krishna, Director of Cloud Platform Engineering at HCL Software, highlighted data sovereignty as a paramount concern, particularly in light of geopolitical instability and the vulnerability of data centers in conflict zones. Harsh Sahu, Co-founder and CTO of Matters.ai, underscored the inadequacy of traditional perimeter security tools in managing the exponential data movement driven by AI models across enterprises. Sanskar, a Product Security Engineer at Slice, voiced concerns regarding the lack of established trust boundaries for AI model usage, including the significant supply chain risks associated with open-source AI models. Rashid Firoz, who leads security at Cred, emphasized the escalating threat of AI-powered attacks and the invaluable benefit of peer gatherings in identifying and disseminating effective solutions.

Leadership Perspectives on Community and Collaboration

Rinki Sethi, Chief Security and Strategy Officer at Upwind, opened the evening with a keynote address drawing from her extensive 25-year career in cybersecurity across diverse firms and regions. She also introduced Lockstep Ventures, a cybersecurity-focused fund she co-founded with Lucas Moody, CISO at Alteryx. Lockstep Ventures has reportedly made 13 investments globally and cultivated a community of approximately 500 security practitioners. Sethi articulated the evening’s core message: “CISOs and security leaders work really hard, and they’re the ones who fuel the entire ecosystem. It’s so important that we really invest in the community, and that means people walk away saying, ‘I had this amazing conversation, I met this incredible person.'” Lucas Moody of Lockstep Ventures further echoed this sentiment, noting that intimate settings enable security practitioners to engage in more honest and productive dialogue than typically possible at larger conferences.

Fostering a Resilient Security Leadership Community

The Bengaluru Sunset Circle represents a strategic investment by Upwind and Bessemer Venture Partners in cultivating a robust security leadership community. As organizations increasingly rely on cloud and AI technologies, the role and challenges of CISOs continue to grow in complexity and global reach. Events like these are crucial for building the collaborative networks and shared knowledge bases necessary to address emerging threats effectively. The success of the evening underscores the ongoing need for such forums where security leaders can connect, share, and collectively enhance their strategies for protecting critical digital assets in an ever-changing technological landscape.