Kunal Dilip Dhanak, based in Toronto, Ontario, is a cybersecurity strategist and AI ethics specialist with a deep passion for responsible innovation in technology. With a robust background in computer science and extensive experience in the tech industry, Kunal has become a recognized authority on data security and ethical AI development. He focuses on building cybersecurity frameworks that prioritize transparency, fairness, and the protection of individual privacy. Kunal is also a strong advocate for AI regulatory oversight and education, especially in underserved communities. His mission is to ensure that as technology advances, it benefits society while minimizing risks.
What does success look like to you?
For me, success is about balance. It’s not just achieving personal or professional goals; it’s about ensuring that what I create or contribute to has a meaningful, positive impact on others. In my line of work, success isn’t defined by how many systems I secure, but by how much safer those systems make people feel and how ethically AI is being deployed. Success is when innovation benefits society without compromising privacy, security, or fairness. It’s also about seeing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals grow, particularly those from underserved communities. Helping them build the skills to navigate an increasingly digital world feels like a true success to me.
How do you define responsible innovation, and why is it important?
Responsible innovation is about more than just pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in technology—it’s about doing so with a sense of accountability. I believe that every step forward in AI or cybersecurity needs to come with an ethical framework, ensuring that the technology serves people rather than exploits them. We live in a time where innovation moves faster than regulation or public understanding, and that gap can lead to misuse or unintended harm. Responsible innovation means anticipating these challenges and designing solutions that mitigate risks. It’s important because technology affects every aspect of our lives, from personal privacy to national security, and we need to make sure it’s being used in a way that upholds human values.
What role does education play in your vision of success?
Education is at the core of everything I believe in. As someone who works in a rapidly evolving field, I understand the importance of continuous learning—not just for myself, but for the broader community. One of my long-term goals has always been to bridge the skills gap in cybersecurity, particularly in underprivileged areas. I see education as the key to empowering individuals and communities to protect themselves and to engage meaningfully with technology. When I think about success, it’s not just about personal achievements, but about how I can contribute to building a more informed and secure society.
How do you approach challenges in cybersecurity, especially with AI integration?
Challenges in cybersecurity are inevitable, especially when integrating something as transformative as AI. My approach is twofold: first, I view every challenge as an opportunity to innovate. It’s through solving complex problems that we make real progress. Second, I’m methodical and cautious, especially with AI. There’s a tendency in tech to “move fast and break things,” but in cybersecurity, that can be dangerous. I believe in taking the time to deeply understand both the problem and the solution, often collaborating with a diverse range of experts to ensure the technology is both secure and ethical. When AI is involved, it’s critical to assess not only the technical aspects but the societal impact as well.
What drives your commitment to AI ethics?
AI has incredible potential to improve our lives, but it also has the potential to infringe on privacy, perpetuate biases, or even cause harm if not used responsibly. My commitment to AI ethics stems from a desire to ensure that as we develop these powerful tools, we do so in a way that benefits humanity as a whole. I’ve seen firsthand how biased algorithms can lead to unfair outcomes, or how lax security can expose personal data. For me, AI ethics isn’t just a professional obligation—it’s a moral one. I want to be part of the movement that ensures AI serves the greater good, and that it’s built on a foundation of transparency, fairness, and accountability.
In what ways do you see the future of cybersecurity evolving, and what role will AI play in it?
The future of cybersecurity is going to be more complex and interconnected than ever. AI will undoubtedly play a massive role in both defending against and launching cyberattacks. On the defensive side, AI can help us detect threats faster, analyze vast amounts of data for vulnerabilities, and even predict potential attacks. However, this also means that malicious actors will use AI to automate and enhance their own attacks. The challenge will be to stay one step ahead. I see the future of cybersecurity evolving into a more collaborative space, where AI tools work alongside human expertise to build a resilient digital infrastructure. That’s why I emphasize the need for ethical considerations from the start—because the power of AI can cut both ways.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone starting in the field of cybersecurity?
Stay curious and never stop learning. The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and what you know today could be outdated tomorrow. The best cybersecurity professionals I know are the ones who are always seeking to learn new skills, stay updated on the latest threats, and adapt to new challenges. I would also say, don’t just focus on the technical side. Cybersecurity is as much about people and systems as it is about technology. Understanding human behavior, ethical considerations, and how systems interact is just as important as knowing how to code or analyze data. Most importantly, approach the field with a sense of responsibility because the work you do has a direct impact on people’s lives.
What has been your most significant professional challenge, and how did you overcome it?
One of the most significant challenges I faced was developing a cybersecurity solution that was technically sound but didn’t account for user experience. The product was highly secure, but it wasn’t intuitive for users, leading to low adoption rates. I overcame this by going back to the drawing board and involving end-users more heavily in the design process. This experience taught me that even the most secure system won’t succeed if it’s not user-friendly. It also reinforced the idea that collaboration and feedback are essential in developing effective solutions. The lesson I carry with me now is that cybersecurity must not only protect users but also fit seamlessly into their workflows.
What motivates you to keep pushing the boundaries in cybersecurity and AI?
What motivates me is the sense of responsibility that comes with working in a field that has such a profound impact on society. Every day, there are new challenges and opportunities to make the digital world a safer place. I’m motivated by the idea that the work I do can protect individuals, businesses, and even nations from harm. Moreover, the potential of AI excites me—there’s so much we can do with this technology to improve lives. But with that excitement comes the responsibility to ensure it’s used ethically and securely. That balance keeps me energized and focused on pushing the boundaries while always keeping ethical considerations at the forefront.