The Guardian of the Digital Realm

Avinash Takoory, a Mauritian cybersecurity expert, is sounding the alarm about the rising tide of cyberattacks on the island. As the threats become increasingly sophisticated, Takoory emphasized the critical need for awareness, training, and investment in robust security solutions.

At 37 years old, Takoory is a native of Vacoas, married to Vandhana, and a father of two.

While he may struggle to find words when asked to describe himself, he speaks fluently and passionately about the world of cybersecurity.

He represents a new generation of Mauritian talent emerging in this rapidly expanding field.

In an increasingly connected world, Takoory, like many of his peers, works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our digital safety. “Mauritius, like the rest of the world, is facing a growing wave of cyberattacks,” he stated.

The range of threats is broad, including phishing, ransomware, and targeted attacks, which are becoming more complex and prevalent.

“The current situation is concerning,” he noted.

“There is a significant uptick in attacks targeting both businesses and individuals.”

The ramifications of cybercrime are extensive and can be devastating for both individuals and businesses, warns Takoory.

He highlighted that identity theft can deeply affect victims both financially and psychologically.

For businesses, the financial losses from cyberattacks can run into millions of dollars, and consumer trust is often irrevocably damaged following a data breach.

“Ransomware attacks, wherein a company’s systems are locked until a ransom is paid, are increasing in frequency,” he explained.

Such attacks can paralyze access to critical systems for days or even weeks, leading to costly service interruptions and substantial revenue losses.

“Companies must allocate significant resources not only to resolve these incidents but also to bolster their security measures,” Takoory added.

On a broader economic level, cybercrime has far-reaching consequences. “It can impact critical infrastructure, such as utilities or healthcare services, endangering national security,” he warned.

“Moreover, the loss of trust in the digital economy hampers innovation, as companies are hesitant to invest in new solutions out of fear of cyberattacks,” he explained.

Although Mauritian authorities and private sector companies are mobilizing to enhance security, Takoory stressed that numerous challenges remain.

He pointed out the local shortage of expertise and the necessity of continually updating technological infrastructure to reduce vulnerabilities.

“Many systems are outdated and require comprehensive revisions. It is imperative that companies invest more in employee training and the modernization of their security tools,” he asserted.

According to Takoory, the battle against cybercrime necessitates a comprehensive approach.

“Awareness is key,” he declared. “Every employee must be trained in best practices, be able to recognize phishing attempts, use strong passwords, and secure their devices.”

However, training alone is not sufficient. He advocated for regular system updates, the implementation of effective firewalls and antivirus software, and the use of monitoring tools that can detect suspicious activities in real time.

Additionally, he advisds companies to establish clear security policies regarding data access and remote connection management, practices that have become crucial with the rise of remote work.

Takoory encouraged the adoption of solutions such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of protection.

In facing these challenges, the cybersecurity expert underscored the importance of collaborating with specialists in the field.

“Working with cybersecurity experts to conduct regular audits and assess system security is essential,” he recommended.

He is calling for increased international cooperation and strengthened regulatory frameworks to better protect businesses and citizens.

His Journey

Avinash Takoory’s academic journey began at St. Esprit College, where he laid the groundwork for his future in technology.

In 2009, he earned a BSc in Electronics and Computer Science from the University of Mauritius.

Recognizing that cybersecurity would be a critical issue in the future, he pursued an MSc in Computer Security and Forensics from the University of Technology Mauritius in 2012, specializing in a field poised to transform the global digital economy.

With this educational foundation, Takoory began his career in the private sector as a systems engineer, quickly climbing the corporate ladder.

In 2016, he sought to further elevate his career by obtaining an MBA, which opened doors to leadership positions and marked a significant turning point in his professional life.

His contributions to the IT industry earned him prestigious recognition; in 2019, he was named Young IT Professional by the British Computer Society (BCS), a testament to his leadership and expertise in the field.

For eight years, he served as a Technical Lead at Symantec, a pivotal role that took him across 29 countries in Anglophone Africa.

Amidst complex cybersecurity threats faced by various industries, he provided valuable insights and guidance to companies, helping them adopt best practices to defend against increasingly sophisticated hacker attacks.

In August 2024, Avinash Takoory took a new step in his career by joining Tylers, a subsidiary of the Leal group, as Operations Manager.

This move reflects his commitment to embracing new challenges.

Leading this organization, he focuses on optimizing operations while remaining vigilant in addressing the evolving threats posed by cybercrime.

Takoory firmly believes that education and awareness are the first lines of defense against cyber threats.

“Everyone, from individuals to CEOs, must understand that cybersecurity is no longer an option; it is an absolute necessity.”

Source: Defi Media