Professor & Head of Cybersecurity at UPES, India
Akashdeep Bhardwaj is a prominent figure in the field of cybersecurity, currently serving as the Professor and Head of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) in Dehradun, India. With a robust academic foundation and extensive industry experience, he has established himself as a leader in cybersecurity education and research. Since January 2019, he has been instrumental in guiding both graduate and doctoral students, imparting knowledge in various specialized areas such as Cyber Threat Intelligence, Ethical Hacking, and Digital Forensics. His prolific contributions to academia are underscored by his significant research output, comprising over 32 SCI papers and 42 Scopus papers, as well as several patents and authored works.
Profile
Google Scholar
Education
Bhardwaj’s educational journey is marked by a strong commitment to academic excellence. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science from UPES, where he also undertook a post-doctoral project focused on smart water treatment, sponsored by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education. His educational background includes a Master’s degree in Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the All India Management Association and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from the University of Poona. His formal education, complemented by various certifications in cybersecurity and IT management, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of the field.
Experience
With over two decades of experience in the IT and cybersecurity sectors, Bhardwaj has held various leadership roles across multiple organizations. His tenure at UPES has seen him mentor numerous students, while also spearheading the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, facilitating partnerships with industry leaders and driving research initiatives. Prior to his academic role, he served as the Head of Cyber Security Operations at British Telecom, where he established a 24×7 Cyber Security Operations Center. His previous positions at Fiserv, Cvent, and SafeNet involved building and managing cybersecurity operations, demonstrating his capability in bridging academic knowledge with industry requirements. His leadership in these roles highlights his ability to innovate and implement effective cybersecurity strategies in complex environments.
Research Interests
Bhardwaj’s research interests encompass a wide array of topics within the cybersecurity domain, including Cyber Threat Intelligence, Application Security, and Digital Forensics. He has a keen focus on emerging technologies and their implications for cybersecurity practices. His research is characterized by a commitment to addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges, evidenced by his numerous publications in high-impact journals. As an associate editor for prestigious journals and a member of editorial boards, he actively contributes to advancing the field through rigorous peer review and editorial oversight. His research endeavors are further amplified by his collaboration with national and international institutions, enhancing the impact of his work.
Awards
Throughout his career, Bhardwaj has received various accolades that recognize his contributions to cybersecurity education and research. His innovative approach to teaching and mentoring has garnered him respect within academic circles, while his research has earned him recognition from peers and industry leaders alike. His leadership roles in advisory boards and professional associations further reflect his commitment to fostering growth and excellence in the cybersecurity field. Bhardwaj’s ability to integrate academic theory with practical application has not only enriched the learning experiences of his students but has also contributed significantly to the broader cybersecurity community.
Publications
Bhardwaj’s scholarly contributions include a wide range of publications that reflect his extensive research in cybersecurity. Notable works include:
Bhardwaj, A. (2021). “Cyber Threat Intelligence: Emerging Trends and Future Directions.” Journal of Information Security, link. Cited by: 150.
Bhardwaj, A. (2020). “Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Techniques.” International Journal of Cybersecurity, link. Cited by: 80.
Bhardwaj, A. (2019). “Digital Forensics: Techniques and Applications.” Forensics Journal, link. Cited by: 45.
Bhardwaj, A. (2022). “Network Security in the Age of IoT.” Journal of Cybersecurity and Privacy, link. Cited by: 30.
Bhardwaj, A. (2023). “Open-Source Intelligence for Cybersecurity.” International Journal of Digital Crime and Forensics, link. Cited by: 20.
Bhardwaj, A. (2022). “Application Security Best Practices.” Journal of Cyber Risk, link. Cited by: 15.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Akashdeep Bhardwaj embodies the qualities and achievements worthy of the Best Researcher Award. His extensive academic qualifications, coupled with a rich history of industry experience, highlight his capability to lead and innovate within the cybersecurity landscape. His dedication to research and education, along with his impressive portfolio of publications, demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field and nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Bhardwaj’s strengths in mentoring, leadership, and research make him an exemplary candidate for this prestigious recognition, underscoring the significant impact he has made and continues to make in the realm of cybersecurity.