Raj Patel is a highly respected information security expert with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and IT governance. As the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Cisco, Raj is responsible for overseeing the company’s global cybersecurity strategy, protecting its digital assets, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards across multiple regions.
In his role, Raj leads a team of cybersecurity professionals who work to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to Cisco’s infrastructure and data. He is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge security protocols and has been pivotal in integrating advanced threat detection and response systems within Cisco’s operations. Raj’s approach to security emphasizes not only the protection of Cisco’s network but also the security of its customers’ data, particularly in an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated.
Before joining Cisco, Raj was the Chief Security Officer at IBM, where he was instrumental in strengthening the company’s cybersecurity posture through the implementation of zero-trust architecture and AI-driven security tools. His career also includes significant roles at Deloitte, where he led security advisory services for Fortune 500 companies, and at AT&T, where he focused on network security and defense against cyber-attacks.
Raj holds a Master’s degree in Information Security from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Illinois. He is a certified information systems security professional (CISSP) and frequently speaks at global cybersecurity conferences. Outside of work, Raj is an advocate for cybersecurity education and often volunteers to teach cybersecurity fundamentals to underrepresented communities. He enjoys hiking, playing chess, and spending time with his family in San Francisco.