CRYPTOGEN: SPEARHEADING SECURE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN SRI LANKA AND BEYOND

Amid the digital revolution, Wasantha Perera, Founder and Chief Executive of CryptoGen, launched the company to address cybersecurity challenges in Sri Lanka. The company, grown from the ground up, is now a leader in the industry, paving the way for secure digital transformations and promoting cybersecurity education from an early age. From company governance to recruitment strategies, CryptoGen stands as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and customer-centric service in the face of global cyber threats, Perera says.

What inspired you to start CryptoGen and pursue cybersecurity to enable digital transformations in Sri Lanka?

Born amidst the tumult of digital progression, CryptoGen is a testament to the potential for cybersecurity amidst rapid tech evolution, an ever-evolving cat-andmouse game.

After my academic achievements at the University of Peradeniya and fortified by experiences at Millennium IT, N-able, and Colombo Stock Exchange, I launched CryptoGen. Driven by the evolving security and privacy landscape, I focused on mitigating digital risks and vulnerabilities while others were absorbed in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

CryptoGen, devoid of external investment or brand backing, quickly burgeoned into a multi-million dollar venture powered by the tenacity and talent of our committed team. Today, we are a leading cybersecurity company, extending our services globally while maintaining a solid consultative approach.’

In response to Sri Lankan organizations utilizing technology for efficiency and innovation, we’ve emphasized security transformation, implementing controls over people, technology, and processes. With cyber threats becoming more frequent, complex, and target-specific, our mission is to fortify the security framework within businesses against these well-funded global threats.

In what ways does CryptoGen differentiate itself from other cybersecurity companies in Sri Lanka?

CryptoGen’s distinctive attributes lie in our Governance, Structure, and Ownership, carved out by recognized senior advocates in cybersecurity. This industry demands intricate understanding, often challenging for traditional investors. Our founders’ profound knowledge of security technologies, audits, and compliance fosters trust in clients seeking enduring security partnerships.

We prioritize involvement in public and private cybersecurity initiatives, leveraging our expertise to benefit partners. Amid the digital revolution, Sri Lankan organizations, embracing digital transformation, incorporate emerging technologies such as cloud computing, AI, and IoT, little realizing that this focus only broadens the threat landscape and introduces increased risks. In this scenario, CryptoGen champion.

secure digital transformation. We recognize our evolving role in the digital age, relentlessly working alongside customers and security entities. As the cyber threat landscape expands, we continuously refocus our approach to protection, innovation, and customer-oriented service.

Could you share some of the early challenges that CryptoGen encountered?

Startup companies follow varied growth trajectories: some steadily mature organically over time, while others surge rapidly with substantial investment to seize an existing market opportunity. CryptoGen adheres to the former approach. As the company’s founder, I have cultivated a reputation for solidity and seasoned expertise within the security industry.

Recruiting personnel who resonate with the founder’s vision and demonstrate adaptability to fluctuating requirements of an emerging business can be challenging. However, they are critical to the robust growth and preservation of the company’s culture. From the onset of our journey, I was fortunate to establish a solid foundational team that embodied these traits.

Our growth strategy prioritized six key elements: continuous engagement of the staff with leadership, appropriate staffing, distinguishing our products and services, analyzing evolving security trends, collaborating with pertinent security stakeholders, and strategic service launch timings. Our focus in these areas has bolstered our prospects for sustained success and prosperity.

With a rapidly growing team of cybersecurity professionals, how does CryptoGen attract and retain top talent in the industry?

The cybersecurity skills gap has persistently posed challenges, further exacerbated by the recent pandemic and the digital transformation wave sweeping numerous organizations. At CryptoGen, our approach to skill development for both new and seasoned team members is rather distinct. Strategies and practices are meticulously crafted under my guidance and the expertise of my senior staff members and tailored to our unique business needs. It’s critical to understand this: adopting skill development practices because they are prevalent in other tech organizations can be highly counterproductive, particularly in the cybersecurity sector.

We recognize and reward talent through personalized and competitive remuneration packages, and our work culture is supportive, transparent, and open at all levels, fostering an environment where every member feels valued and heard.

Considering Sri Lanka’s aspirations to become a regional financial hub and a digital economy, what role does CryptoGen envision in fast-tracking the country’s digitalization efforts?

I’ve always emphasized that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility. While my efforts focus on liaising with relevant institutions to navigate legal and regulatory developments for the country’s swift digital advancement, our company fervently concentrates on fostering early cybersecurity understanding and interest among the younger generation.

We actively run online safety programmes for kids and collaborate with universities that offer market-relevant IT and cybersecurity courses, continuously striving to raise awareness and educate these communities, instilling in them the importance of cybersecurity from a young age.