Areas of Expertise
Kanishk advises various ministries of the Central Government such as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), NITI Aayog (Formerly Planning Commission) and the National Security Council Secretariat (Prime Minister’s Office) on Digital Expansion, Cyber Laws, Strategy, Policy, Governance, Data Protection and Security Emerging Technology (5G, IoT/OT).
With over 15 years of experience, Kanishk is a leading voice from the cybersecurity domain. During his association with the field of cybersecurity, he has advised/helped organisations to protect themselves against advanced threats, online harms and misinformation. His expertise, in the field of cybersecurity, has helped organizations across sectors safeguard their digital assets.
Kanishk is an expert in matters of cyber defence and security, providing guidance on cybersecurity and advanced threat intelligence to governments and companies. He has advised global defence and security companies and works closely with governments on cybersecurity strategy. His expertise helps clients protect their critical assets and critical infrastructure from emerging cyber threats.
Years of working with and advising governments, tech related issues and on emerging technologies has endowed Kanishk with extensive experience in public policy. Kanishk always makes it a point to put forward his views, especially when comments, on the same, are invited. He has also helped organisations put forward their views, on policy matters.
Kanishk is an expert in matters concerning international trade and cyber diplomatic relations and has advised companies, across industries, in the said field. He provides guidance on development and compliance to security policies such as European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), responds to cyber incidents and is involved in training of stakeholders for best practices in cyber security.
Using his rich experience of working in the field of technology, Kanishk helps his clients understand the nuances of the ever-changing digital technology space. He advises companies and governments on how to implement security standards and ensure compliance of the same. At a macro level these efforts help in building a safer Internet for all.
Engagements
With Governments
With the Industry
With Global Development Agencies
With Not-for-Profits
Media
X vs Indian IT Laws: Compliance Under Scrutiny
Kanishk Gaur, Founder of India Future Foundation, warned that X’s continued non-compliance with India’s IT and intermediary guidelines puts it at risk of losing safe-harbour protection. He said the lack of a trust and safety team makes the platform unsafe, especially for women and children, and exposes it to legal action by the government.
AI Content vs Creativity: A Growing Digital Risk
Kanishk Gaur, Founder of India Future Foundation, warned that low-quality AI-generated videos are fueling misinformation, harming children, and diluting the content ecosystem. He said platforms are amplifying “algorithm bait” over meaningful creativity, calling for responsible AI use and stronger platform accountability.
How High-Profile Victims Fall for Sophisticated Cyber Scams
Kanishk Gaur, Founder of India Future Foundation, explained how organized cybercrime gangs use targeted profiling, fake wealth managers, Telegram groups, and mule accounts to trap even senior officers. He warned that weak KYC controls and Aadhaar misuse enable crores to be siphoned off and laundered through multiple accounts and crypto channels.
DPDP Act Gaps: SMEs Under Pressure
Kanishk Gaur, CEO of Athenian Tech, highlighted unresolved issues in India’s DPDP Act, including conflicting breach timelines and unclear enforcement. He warned that SMEs may struggle to comply without clearer guidance and resources.
Government Apps vs User Privacy: The Ongoing Debate
Kanishk Gaur, CEO of Athenian Tech, stressed that while citizen safety is important, forced pre-installed government apps must go through proper public consultation and security audits. He warned that without transparency and clear safeguards, such moves risk eroding public trust even when intentions are right.
Surveillance or Safety? The App Controversy
Kanishk Gaur, Founder of India Future Foundation and cybersecurity expert, said that mandating pre-installed government apps without clear public consultation and security audits risks confusion, mistrust, and fears of mass surveillance among citizens.
Published Work
Cyber Slavery Networks: How Indian Jobseekers Are Being Trapped
Kanishk Gaur, cybersecurity expert, highlighted that thousands of Indians are being lured by fake overseas job offers into so-called “cyber-slavery hubs” in Southeast Asia, where they are forced into online scam operations.
Strengthening India–UK Tech Ties
Kanishk Gaur, CEO of Athenian Tech, was part of the UK Prime Minister’s major trade delegation to India, contributing to discussions on technology, innovation, and deeper India–UK collaboration in the digital ecosystem.
AI-Enabled Financial Scams On The Rise
NDTV reports on an Athenian Tech analysis “False Endorsements, Real Losses” of a deep fake video of the Union Finance Minister of India and the rapid rise of such AI-enabled financial scams in India.
Cybersecurity Week: AI, Privacy, Zero Trust
Moderating Cybersecurity Week, Kanishk Gaur led discussions on AI governance, zero trust, and privacy. Leaders stressed balancing speed with security in an era of rising synthetic threats.
The Strategic Role of AI in Cyber Defence
Kanishk Gaur, CEO, Athenian Tech, highlights the Strategic Role of AI in Cyber Defence in InfoRisk Today. He discusses how artificial intelligence is becoming essential in enhancing cybersecurity measures.
AI In Executive Protection: A Game Changer For Digital Identity
Kanishk Gaur, CEO, Athenian Tech, shares his insights on how AI-driven protection can safeguard executives from deepfakes, social engineering, and targeted phishing attacks.
Let’s Connect
- kanishk@indiafuturefoundation.com