True leaders in the rapidly changing field of cybersecurity, where dangers are growing as quickly as technology, are those who can blend vision and alertness, as well as foresight and resilience. One such exceptional expert whose career is a testament to purposeful leadership formed by discipline, intelligence, and a strong sense of duty is Mrinmoy Jana, CISO & Head of Information Security at CARE Edge Group.
What distinguishes Mrinmoy Jana is not just his technical expertise or remarkable list of international certifications, but also his unwavering conviction that cybersecurity is a strategic facilitator of trust and change rather than a gatekeeper role. He has continuously shown the type of leadership that unites people, procedures, and technology in pursuit of a common goal of safe advancement, whether in the parade grounds of Sainik School Satara or in the boardrooms of prominent organizations.
Mrinmoy Jana’s profession is a demonstration of a profound comprehension of the human element in technology, having been shaped by early teachings in responsibility and service. Clarity, practicality, and purpose characterize his approach, whether it is integrating cybersecurity into company DNA, mentoring young professionals, or creating robust frameworks. He is transforming the CISO position at CARE Edge from one that only safeguards digital assets to one that is creating strategic value.
In an era where leaders must be able to see beyond borders and frameworks, Mrinmoy Jana is a powerful example of someone who views every obstacle as an opportunity to lead with impact, courage, and wisdom.
The Foundation: Where Discipline Meets Vision
Mrinmoy Jana’s journey began in the hallowed halls of Sainik School Satara, a premier boarding institution in Maharashtra renowned for moulding future leaders through rigorous academic and military-style training. It was here, amid the structured environment of dormitories and parade grounds, that the seeds of his leadership philosophy were planted.
“The discipline, independence, and accountability I learned at Sainik School continue to guide my professional and personal life.” Mrinmoy Jana reflects. His active participation in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) further reinforced values of service, teamwork, and national pride qualities that would later distinguish his approach to cybersecurity leadership.
This foundation of military discipline proved instrumental when he pursued his Bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering from Shivaji University. The technical rigor complemented his strategic mindset, but it was his decision to pursue an MBA in Information Technology from Symbiosis, Pune, that truly shaped his holistic approach to cybersecurity.
“I recognized early on that technology and business are inseparable. An MBA helped me understand that cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting systems it’s about enabling business objectives while managing risk.” he explains.
The Professional Evolution: From Networks to Strategy
Mrinmoy Jana’s professional journey began as a Network Administrator, a role that might seem modest compared to his current position, but one that provided invaluable insights into the vulnerabilities and risks organizations face in their digital environments. Managing network infrastructure, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and ensuring uptime gave him firsthand exposure to the technical challenges that would later inform his strategic thinking.
“Starting as a Network Administrator was crucial. It gave me a ground-level understanding of how systems work—and more importantly, how they can fail. This technical foundation has been invaluable throughout my career.” he notes.
This hands-on experience naturally evolved into a deeper curiosity about holistic system protection. The transition from network management to cybersecurity consulting, auditing, and solution delivery wasn’t just a career move it was a calling rooted in the desire to build trust in digital systems.
The Philosophy: Security as a Business Enabler
What sets him apart in the cybersecurity landscape is his fundamental belief that security is not merely a control mechanism but a business enabler. This philosophy has driven his approach to leading complex security transformations across government, semi-government, and private sectors.
“In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity is not a technical function—it’s a strategic enabler of business. My role is to ensure that security frameworks don’t just protect but actually empower our organization’s digital transformation journey.” Jana emphasizes.
His expertise spans an impressive array of areas: cybersecurity strategy and risk management, information security architecture, regulatory compliance, business continuity, and IT governance. But what truly distinguishes his approach is the 360-degree exposure he has gained from working as a consultant, implementer, auditor, and advisor.
He had the privilege of working on both sides of the table. This comprehensive exposure has enabled him to bridge the gap between technical rigor and business value.
The Credentials: A Testament to Excellence
Mrinmoy Jana’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his impressive array of globally recognized certifications. He holds the coveted CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), and CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) certifications, along with ISO 27001 Lead Implementer and Lead Auditor credentials.
His recent completion of the Leadership Management Program at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad in 2022 further underscores his commitment to continuous learning and strategic leadership development.
These certifications aren’t just credentials they represent frameworks and methodologies that enable him to lead with confidence in high-stakes environments.
The Leader in Action: Driving Organizational Transformation
At CARE Edge Group, Mrinmoy Jana’s impact extends far beyond traditional cybersecurity functions. He has established a robust cybersecurity culture throughout the organization, developed and executed strategic cybersecurity roadmaps aligned with SEBI’s Cyber Security Framework (CSCRF), NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and ISO27001:2022 standards.
His leadership has been particularly evident in several key initiatives with various client organizations:
Risk Management Excellence: Mrinmoy Jana designed and implemented a comprehensive risk management framework that integrates assessment, treatment, and monitoring across all business units, resulting in a marked reduction in overall cybersecurity risk.
SIEM/SOC Implementation: He spearheaded the implementation of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution, customizing reports and fine-tuning use cases to increase true positives while minimizing false positives.
Generative AI Framework: Recognizing the emerging landscape of artificial intelligence, Jana created a comprehensive framework for responsible AI use, directing the application of Large Language Models (LLMs) for credit ratings while ensuring compliance and ethical standards.
Cloud Security Strategy: He conducted thorough assessments of cloud platforms, implementing stringent security measures and continuous monitoring to maintain secure cloud environments.
Compliance & Governance: Mrinmoy Jana ensured rigorous compliance with industry regulations and standards, driving activities that enhance the organization’s reputation and stakeholder trust. He collaborated with legal and compliance teams to ensure all security practices meet current laws and regulations.
The Pandemic Pivot: Turning Crisis into Opportunity
When COVID-19 disrupted business operations globally, Jana’s adaptability and strategic thinking came to the fore. While many cybersecurity professionals struggled with remote work challenges, Jana leveraged his consulting background to not only maintain operations but actually expand his impact.
“The pandemic didn’t halt my work—it reshaped the cybersecurity landscape. I focused on helping clients secure their remote environments, implementing Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), endpoint protection, and cloud security frameworks tailored to their needs.” Jana recalls.
His proactive approach during the pandemic included expanding virtual mentorship sessions, security awareness programs, and online workshops, demonstrating his commitment to building cybersecurity capacity even in challenging circumstances.
Recognition and Achievement: Industry Acknowledgment
Mrinmoy Jana’s contributions to the cybersecurity field have not gone unnoticed. His crowning achievement came in 2025 when he was honored as CISO of the Year at the 10th CISO Conclave hosted by UBS Forums a recognition that celebrates outstanding leadership in cybersecurity.
His trophy cabinet also includes Best Team Awards, Best Faculty Awards for training new joiners, Best Auditor Awards, and multiple on-the-spot recognitions from peers, team members, and clients. These accolades reflect not just his individual excellence but his ability to inspire and elevate those around him.
“Awards are nice, but what truly matters is the impact knowing that the work I do helps safeguard sensitive data, maintain business continuity, and uphold customer trust,” Jana reflects with characteristic humility.
The Mentor: Investing in the Future
Beyond his professional achievements, Mrinmoy Jana is deeply passionate about mentoring others and driving innovation. Throughout his career, he has found fulfillment not just in solving complex problems but in empowering others to grow, lead, and think differently.
“Mentorship is about more than guidance, it’s about unlocking potential. I take pride in nurturing talent, sharing knowledge, and creating a culture where curiosity and continuous learning thrive.” he explains.
His mentorship philosophy extends to his approach to team leadership, where he emphasizes empowerment over control, fostering psychological safety and mutual respect that boosts both productivity and innovation.
The Balance: Personal Wisdom in Professional Excellence
Despite his demanding role, Mrinmoy Jana maintains a thoughtful approach to work-life balance. Living in a close-knit nuclear family with regular visits from parents and relatives, he draws strength from personal relationships while maintaining professional excellence.
His strategies for balance include delegation and team empowerment, strategic automation, clear boundary setting, and regular personal time scheduling. “I treat personal time as non-negotiable appointments,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of sustainable leadership practices.
Philosophy: Obstacles as Opportunities
Mrinmoy Jana’s current reading of “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday reflects his philosophical approach to challenges. Drawing from Stoic principles, he believes that obstacles are not roadblocks but pathways to growth and success.
“The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition. This mindset has been crucial in navigating the constantly evolving cybersecurity landscape.” he quotes.
The Vision: Leading Through Purpose
As Mrinmoy Jana looks toward the future, his vision remains clear: to continue enabling trust in the digital world while nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. His advice to aspiring leaders is characteristically practical and inspirational:
“Stay curious. Lead with purpose. Grow through challenges. Curiosity fuels innovation, purpose-driven leadership inspires trust, and embracing adversity builds resilience.” he summarizes.
Conclusion: The Guardian’s Legacy
Mrinmoy Jana’s journey from a Network Administrator to a recognized cybersecurity leader represents more than professional advancement. It embodies the evolution of cybersecurity itself from a technical function to a strategic business enabler. His unique combination of military discipline, technical expertise, and strategic business insight has positioned him as a guardian of digital trust in an increasingly connected world.
As cyber threats continue to evolve and digital transformation accelerates across industries, leaders like Mrinmoy Jana serve as beacons of how technical excellence, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership can create lasting impact. His story is not just about individual success but about the power of purposeful leadership to inspire, protect, and enable others in the digital age.
In a world where cybersecurity challenges grow more complex each day, Mrinmoy Jana stands as proof that the most effective guardians of our digital future are those who combine technical mastery with strategic vision, professional excellence with personal integrity, and individual achievement with collective empowerment.
