Open to opportunities

karthik vardhan

@karthikvardhan

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Experienced cybersecurity leader specializing in incident response and digital forensics.

India

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What I'm looking for

I seek leadership roles in cybersecurity where I can lead SOC/IR teams, build forensic capabilities, manage vendor programs, and strengthen organizational security posture.

I am a results-driven cybersecurity leader with over 11 years of experience in information security, threat intelligence, and digital forensics, having led SOC operations, incident response, and risk governance across complex government and defence environments. I have designed and operationalized MeitY-accredited cyber forensic labs, supervised SOC teams integrating SIEM/SOAR/EDR, and driven large-scale security transformations that reduced threat exposure dramatically.

I have hands-on experience in procurement and vendor risk management for large budgets, automated incident response workflows to cut MTTR, and led forensic investigations involving insider threat, network intrusions, and malware analysis. I pursue continuous professional development (CISSP in progress) and focus on building resilient security programs aligned to standards like ISO 27001 and NIST.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Senior Manager, Information Security

Indian Airforce

Aug 2019 - Dec 2025 (6 years 4 months)

Led information security, SOC and digital forensics operations across the Indian Air Force, reducing threat exposure by 96% and maintaining zero case blockages in a MeitY-accredited cyber forensic lab over four years while overseeing Rs 700 Cr procurement and vendor risk management.

SOC Operations Incident Response Digital Forensics SIEM SOAR EDR Vendor Management Threat Intelligence

Information Security Manager

Indian Airforce

Nov 2015 - Aug 2019 (3 years 9 months)

Developed and delivered organization-wide cyber security induction and tailored learning programs, and built advanced cyber forensics and malware analysis labs to strengthen capabilities and reduce initial security exposure.

Cyber Forensics Malware Analysis Program Development Stakeholder Engagement & Compliance Incident Response

Information Security Specialist

Indian Airforce

Dec 2013 - Nov 2015 (1 year 11 months)

Evaluated and optimized BCP, DR and risk management frameworks and implemented incident response and asset management processes to improve operational continuity and disaster readiness.

BCP Disaster Recovery Risk Management Incident Response Asset Management Security Assessments & Compliance Documentation

Information Security Analyst

Indian Airforce

Feb 2011 - Dec 2013 (2 years 10 months)

Conducted security audits, risk assessments and endpoint security management while improving logging and documentation to enhance performance tracking and compliance.

Security Auditing Risk Assessment Endpoint Security Logging & Compliance Documentation System Hardening Monitoring

Information Security Analyst

Indian Airforce

Jan 2006 - Feb 2011 (5 years 1 month)

Supported IT audits and maintained communication systems across multiple bases to ensure high availability and operational readiness of airfield systems.

IT Audit Maintenance Operational Readiness Troubleshooting Infrastructure Support