In June, ISC2 hosted a member reception in Mumbai to introduce the chartering ISC2 Mumbai chapter to the community, as well as bring ISC2 members together to network and exchange ideas. Two members that attended that event were Kalpesh and Tanmay Jani, a father and son who shared not only a generational career path, but a certification journey as well.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ISC2.
Kalpesh Jani, CISSP, is a Senior Security Consultant at HP, part of its Worldwide Professional Service consulting team for Endpoint Security Advisory Services. He has over 30 years of experience of working in IT security, risk and compliance. Kalpesh’s experience spans infrastructure security, GRC, data protection, payment card industry security, cryptography, third-party risk and business continuity. He has also contributed to industry communities for advancing payment card security in India, heading the India Payment Risk Council for PCI-DSS compliance.
His son Tanmay Jani, CC, is a relative newcomer to the cybersecurity profession, He describes his journey as moving “from confusion to clarity.” Early on, Tanmay wondered what he should study after graduating high school. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown afforded him time to explore different options in emerging fields like data science, AI and cybersecurity. Coming from a business family, the concepts of risk and protection felt natural to him, so he ended up enrolling in a cybersecurity course at the reputed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. At the time, his studies seemed quite technical; however, they sparked a lasting interest in cybersecurity.
We sat down with Kalpesh and Tanmay to learn more about their experiences in cybersecurity. What interested them about the profession in the first place? What was it like pursuing certification? And how did their relationship factor into their cybersecurity journeys?
The Path to Cybersecurity
How did you find your way to the world of cybersecurity and in what ways besides your family relationship was that journey linked?
Kalpesh: My journey in cybersecurity has been a natural progression. I started as a desktop engineer, developed into a system and email admin then stepped into network engineering. This paved the way to managing firewalls and, eventually, focusing on threat management and risk compliance. Each role built the foundation for the next, shaping a well-rounded cybersecurity path.
Tanmay: After taking the cybersecurity course at IIT Kanpur, I eventually decided to pursue a B.Tech degree in IT with honors in cybersecurity from a prestigious institute in Mumbai. With my father’s extensive experience in the cybersecurity, risk and compliance field and his deep involvement with ISC2, I had valuable mentorship from the beginning. I also took on internships in IT security compliance, which I thoroughly enjoyed!
Challenges and Opportunities
What challenges and opportunities have you encountered working in cybersecurity?
Kalpesh: One major challenge has been the shift in the perception of cybersecurity, from being seen as a cost center before Y2K to becoming a critical enabler as IT became central to business operations. Initially, getting boardroom buy-in was tough. Today, the challenge lies in keeping skills current amid rapidly evolving threats and technologies. This shift also brings opportunities to influence strategy, drive resilience and shape the future of secure digital transformation.
Motivations for ISC2 Certification
What made you want to earn your current certifications?
Kalpesh: I chose to pursue the CISSP certification because it offered a comprehensive view across the vast landscape of cybersecurity that was far beyond the technical roles I had grown through. Coming from a background in systems, networks and firewalls, the CISSP gave me a new lens to see security not just as tools and controls, but as an integrated discipline of risk, governance and strategy. It deepened my understanding of threats and elevated my ability to think like a true security leader.
Tanmay: After my studies and internships, I knew I needed a globally recognized certification to validate my skills. I discovered the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification. Inspired by my father’s volunteer work with ISC2, I decided to take the plunge!
Preparing for Certification
How did you find the experience of working towards a certification?
Kalpesh: Preparing for the CISSP certification was both enriching and challenging. I initially felt confident, but failing my first attempt was humbling and it made me realize how deep and demanding the content truly is. It pushed me to explore every corner of cybersecurity in greater depth, pushing me out of my comfort zone, demanding a deep understanding of every facet of cybersecurity and sharpening my strategic thinking.
Tanmay: I prepared using ISC2’s CC online training and passed the exam. The sense of accomplishment was incredible! Honestly, it felt even more fulfilling than graduation!
The Benefits of Certification
How have your certifications benefitted you both as cybersecurity professionals?
Kalpesh: The CISSP has truly been like a global visa, opening doors to working opportunities worldwide, earning instant credibility and helping me engage at a strategic level with clients and leadership alike. It eliminated doubts about my expertise and positioned me as a serious professional in the field. It elevated my confidence and professional standing in the cybersecurity domain.
Tanmay: The CC gave me the confidence to approach campus interviews with a strong footing. Employers recognized the ISC2 credential and appreciated my ability to contribute from day one for ongoing projects. It ultimately helped me secure my current role in IT security risk management at a leading Indian semi-governmental organization, working in the payments and settlement space.
Advice for ISC2 Candidates
What advice do you have for other professionals considering a certification or working towards their exam?
Kalpesh: My advice to professionals pursuing certifications is to treat it as more than just an exam. See it as a journey to deepen your understanding and elevate your perspective to become a thorough cybersecurity professional. ISC2 exams remain industry-leading even after all these years because they go beyond testing technical know-how; they validate your ability to think holistically about risk, governance and security strategy. The rigor and real-world relevance of ISC2 certifications truly set them apart and make them a global standard for cybersecurity excellence.
Tanmay: Don’t stop learning! With a year of experience under my belt, I’m now working toward my next milestone, the CISSP. The foundation laid by the CC program has truly launched my career in this field.
Final Reflections
Kalpesh: As a father, witnessing your child take confident steps toward their purpose is one of life’s greatest joys. This picture — my son and me captured alongside Clayton Jones and Dr. Sanjana Mehta from ISC2 — is far more than just a photo. It’s a powerful symbol of growth, inspiration and shared passion. Watching my son step up the ladder in his cybersecurity career fills me with immense pride. His curiosity, dedication and drive to contribute to a safer digital world truly inspire me. To stand together in a space that represents global cybersecurity leadership and future promise — it’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Thank you ISC2 for fostering a global community where generations connect, inspire and grow together.
Tanmay: It was a proud moment for me to attend the ISC2 members reception in Mumbai. It gave me the chance to network with industry experts who shared valuable insights and guidance. Even more special was getting a milestone photo with my father—both of us holding our ISC2 certificates in front of the ISC2 banner—standing side by side with ISC2 dignitaries Clayton Jones and Dr. Sanjana Mehta. It’s a memory I’ll cherish for years!
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