Vivek Kumar Agarwal's journey into privacy and third-party risk management began in a small rural village, where limited access to basic services made everyday tasks challenging. The advent of the Internet and computers transformed his world, sparking a passion for technology that led him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Technology. Early roles in Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication laid the groundwork for a career in safeguarding customer data. At the same time, his work at a major financial institution solidified his expertise in data protection and security architecture.
Determined to excel, Vivek earned Security, Risk Management, and Data Science certifications, culminating in a Fellowship in Information Privacy. As a leader in Third-Party Risk Management, he has assessed risks for over 5,000 vendors, ensuring compliance with frameworks like GDPR and CCPA. Today, he leads data privacy initiatives at a major tech company, leveraging AI to safeguard data and drive business growth.
Shaping privacy through global regulations
Vivek's experiences with global privacy regulations have shaped a proactive, user-centric approach to data protection. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and security by design, he minimizes data breach risks while building trust through clear communication and explicit consent mechanisms. Robust processes to enable user rights like access and erasure ensure compliance while enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
One of his most challenging projects involved sharing sensitive customer data with external partners. Vivek overcame hurdles by collaborating with stakeholders to develop data-sharing agreements, implementing encryption, and conducting regular audits. A standout achievement was designing a privacy program for a multinational corporation, aligning it with GDPR and CCPA. The program improved compliance, enhanced customer trust by 25%, and reduced data breaches by 95%, cutting data management costs by 30%.
Collaborating With Regulators and the power of automation
Working with regulators like the FTC and OCC, Vivek has gained insights into the importance of transparency and proactive compliance. His ability to bridge the gap between regulatory expectations and practical implementation allows organizations to achieve compliance efficiently. He believes privacy-by-design is evolving with AI-driven approaches, integrating privacy into product development and leveraging technologies like blockchain and homomorphic encryption.
According to Vivek, automation is critical to mitigating third-party risks. By employing AI-powered tools for real-time monitoring and risk assessments, he enhances efficiency and reduces errors, making automation a necessity for scalable, proactive risk management.
For companies navigating the complex privacy landscape, Vivek emphasizes robust data governance, transparent consent processes, and regular audits. He envisions a future where AI-driven solutions and real-time monitoring are standard, ensuring seamless integration of privacy into organizational culture.
From his beginnings in a rural village to becoming a global leader in privacy and risk management, Vivek's journey reflects the transformative power of technology and perseverance. His innovative work continues to inspire organizations to prioritize data protection, build trust, and thrive in the digital era.
