Channel Women In Security: Cloud Security Insights, Innovation And Best Practices

Cybersecurity expert Ranjini Joshi shares insights on OT security, cloud migration, and the convergence of IT and AI in industrial systems. Learn how women in cybersecurity are leading innovation in cloud infrastructure, AWS security, and threat prevention for smart manufacturing and mid-sized enterprises.

In this edition of Channel Women in Security, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ranjini Joshi, a cybersecurity leader, speaker, and volunteer chapter lead for Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) Bangalore. With over 15 years of experience spanning QA, cloud migration, and now operational technology (OT) security, Ranjini joined me from India to share insights on the global cybersecurity landscape, cloud security best practices, and how aspiring women in tech can carve out their path in this fast-evolving field.

Can you share a little about your background?

I’m Ranjini Joshi, and I come with 15-plus years in IT. I started as a QA, transitioned through embedded systems and BFSI, and then took on leadership roles in Salesforce QA for major banks like M&T Bank, Fifth Third, and Regions Bank. These migrations to cloud systems sparked my interest in cybersecurity. Now, I work in OT security—specifically in sectors like energy and industrial automation—and also serve as the chapter lead for WiCyS Bangalore. Volunteering and mentoring are big parts of my journey.

What are some of the key emerging trends in cybersecurity that you’re seeing right now?

AI is, of course, the big one—but beyond that, the convergence of IT and OT is a major area of focus. As industries modernize, we’re seeing more legacy systems needing to connect with newer, cloud-based technologies, which brings huge cybersecurity challenges. Topics like quantum computing, cryptography, edge computing, and cyber-physical systems are all becoming more relevant—especially in sectors that rely on industrial systems like oil, energy, or manufacturing.

How should mid-size businesses think about cybersecurity when dealing with OT systems?

Regardless of the size of the business, the framework is crucial. The Purdue model is often referenced for OT/IT environments—it helps break down the different network layers. Businesses need to:

Assess their assets – What do they own? Where is it?

Understand communication paths – How do systems and components talk to each other?

Ensure visibility – What devices are connected, and are they secure?

Asset inventory and proper system analysis are key. Many small and mid-size businesses struggle here because they don’t always know what their baseline framework should be.

Given your cloud experience, especially with AWS and Salesforce, what are your top security recommendations for organizations migrating to the cloud?

Start with understanding the shared responsibility model. Many forget the clear line between what the service provider secures and what the customer must secure. After that:

Enforce strong IAM (Identity and Access Management) – Least privilege should guide permissions.

Monitor consistently – Use tools like AWS CloudTrail and Security Hub.

Audit regularly – Logs, alerts, and controls must be actively reviewed.

Invest in employee training – Even the best tools are ineffective without user awareness.

Ultimately, it’s about aligning your cloud security investments with ROI while ensuring your strategy is built to scale and adapt.

What advice would you offer to aspiring cybersecurity professionals, especially women, looking to break into cloud or OT security?

First: Build your skillset. Cybersecurity isn’t one single role—it’s a wide field. There’s pen testing, SOC, GRC, OT-specific tools like SCADA and PLCs, and so much more. Pick one area, specialize, and then grow from there.

Second: Stay visible and curious. Collaborate, connect, and ask questions. Be hungry to learn.

Third: Don’t go it alone. Join communities, attend workshops, and learn from others’ journeys. You don’t have to be an expert in everything—just start somewhere and build.

What role do communities and hands-on learning play in career development?

A huge one! Attending conferences, workshops, and panel discussions can give you different perspectives and expose you to areas you didn’t even know existed. But don’t just stop at listening—get your hands dirty. The real understanding comes from practice. Only when you apply the knowledge do you truly learn how things work.

Final Thoughts

As a woman in this field, it’s so important to engage with global communities. We learn not just from our experiences but from others’. And if you’re starting out, remember: no one knows everything on day one. You build the path by walking it.