In conversation with... Pankaj Bhula

Regional director of Check Point Africa

Committed cybercrime fighter and dedicated family man, Pankaj is inspired by Nelson Mandela’s words: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

What does Check Point do? Check Point Software Technologies Ltd is a leading provider of cyber security solutions to governments and corporate enterprises globally, protecting more than 100 000 organisations of all sizes.“ Our solutions protect customers from 5th generation cyber-attacks with an industry-leading catch-rate of malware, ransomware and advanced targeted threats. Our multilevel security architecture “Infinity Total Protection with Gen V Advanced Threat Prevention” defends enterprises’ cloud, network and mobile devices, providing a comprehensive and intuitive one point of control security management system.

What is the focus of your role? To ensure that Check Point continues to provide the best security, advice and service to the ecosystem, thereby actively growing our market share and business footprint across the continent. I’m also focused on growing markets and industry best practices to exemplify our current coverage model across Africa. We have identified the French and North Africa as target markets, alongside specific industries such as public sector, financial services, telecommunications and natural resources.

Where did you grow up? In South Africa in a town called Brits in North West Province.”

Favourite childhood memories? Representing South Africa in several sporting fields namely cricket, soccer, tennis and table tennis.

Early years After matriculating from Central Secondary School in 1991, I went on to achieve both a Diploma in Business Administration from Wits Business School and a Bachelor of Science (Computers).

What’s a typical work day for you? I usually wake up at 5am and go for a run to get my exercise in for the day. By 8am I’m at the office where I start by planning my day and handling things like reporting. The rest of my day is usually filled with meetings with customers, partners and staff. And no matter how busy things get, I always try to be home by 6pm for dinner with the family. It’s very important to me to spend quality time with my loved ones.

What are the challenges of your position? In a nutshell, ensuring that the continent is properly educated on cyber security best practices and the solutions available to prevent attacks.

And the rewards? Maintaining the Global Check Point Benchmark of Zero Day Prevention Success within the African ecosystem that we support.

Mentors Pfungwa Serima, the MD of Metrofile Africa and Nelson Mandela. I try to live by the following moto: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.

What do you admire most in people? Perseverance.

And what can you not tolerate in people? Negativity.

Your advice to SA’s youth? To embrace African diversity, that all limitations are self-imposed and that time waits for no man.

Your concerns for South Africa I’m concerned about the slow transfer of relevant and needed skills, specifically within the cyber security landscape – it’s crucial that we empower our people so that they can pursue successful careers. And I’m also concerned about sustainable economic growth, which is key to the country’s future.

Covid-19 and its effect on SA and the rest of the world Covid-19 is having a massive impact globally. Not only has it put a huge strain on healthcare services, it has also impacted the economy significantly, and it has created new opportunities for cybercriminals. A recent study that we conducted showed that 71 per cent of security professionals had experienced an increase in security threats or attacks since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. Africa as a continent is more vulnerable to cyber-attacks than ever before due to the lack of standardisation, the lack of security best practices, education and awareness regarding security, and the lack of regulations and policies.

The book on your bedside pedestal? The Art of Working Remotely by Scott Dawson.

What do you do in your leisure time? Marathon running

What’s on your bucket list? The Great Wall of China Marathon

Family I have been married to my lovely wife for over 20 years and we have two children.