In an era where cybercrime has evolved into a sophisticated global industry, one Indian expert has been at the forefront of the battle for over three decades
When Krishna Sastry Pendyala speaks about cybersecurity, he often begins with a stark observation: “Distance is dead and identity is a doubt.” It’s a philosophy born from examining over 1,400 cybercrime cases and training law enforcement officials across 95 countries. Today, as a Partner in Cyber Security Consulting at Ernst & Young India, Pendyala stands as one of the nation’s most distinguished authorities in digital forensics and cybersecurity.
His journey into the shadowy world of cybercrime began long before most Indians had even heard the term. For 23 years, Pendyala served as a Forensic Scientist with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, where he handled investigations of national and international significance. During this tenure, he didn’t just solve cases—he built the very infrastructure that would enable India’s fight against digital crime, establishing forensic laboratories across state and central law enforcement agencies.
“Cybercrime is no longer the domain of lone hackers in dark rooms,” Pendyala explains. “It has matured into a perfect supply chain, where technical skill gaps are bridged by ‘Crime-as-a-Service’ platforms and AI-driven automation.” This understanding comes from someone who has witnessed the evolution firsthand, from the early days of computer fraud to today’s sophisticated ransomware attacks and state-sponsored cyber warfare.
His academic credentials are as impressive as his field experience. Armed with an M.Sc from Andhra University and an M.Tech from Banaras Hindu University (IIT Varanasi), Pendyala further honed his expertise at the FBI Forensic Laboratory in Quantico, USA, and Wright State University. He later completed a Post Graduate Program in Public Policy Management from IIM Bangalore, recognizing that combating cybercrime requires not just technical prowess but also policy acumen.
In 2001, Pendyala co-authored “Computer Crimes and Forensics,” India’s first book on the subject—a pioneering work that laid the groundwork for digital forensic practices in the country. His influence extends beyond academia; he served as chief reviewer for the Indian Banks Association’s manual on electronic records and contributed to training manuals for the Data Security Council of India and the Central Board of Direct Taxes.
After his distinguished government service, Pendyala transitioned to the corporate world, bringing his expertise to Tata Consultancy Services as Global Head of Fraud Management & Digital Forensics, and later to PwC India as Executive Director of Cyber Security Services. These roles allowed him to apply his investigative rigor to protecting some of India’s largest corporations.
His international reputation is perhaps best reflected in his role as a subject matter expert for INTERPOL, where he has trained law enforcement personnel from Asia to Africa, from Europe to the Pacific islands. Currently, he serves on the INTERPOL Global Cyber Crime Expert Committee and the Reserve Bank of India’s IT Standing Committee on cybersecurity, shaping policy at the highest levels.
Pendyala’s expertise has been tested in courtrooms across India, where he has frequently appeared as an expert witness, translating complex digital evidence into testimony that judges and juries can understand. His certifications—ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, CISM, CHFI, and DNV Certified Vulnerability Assessor—underscore his commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards.
In 2004, his contributions were recognized with the Union Home Minister Award for Meritorious Service, a testament to his impact on India’s cybersecurity framework. Yet for Pendyala, the work is far from over. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and AI-powered attacks become commonplace, his three decades of experience remain as relevant as ever.
In the digital age, where borders mean little and identities can be fabricated with a few keystrokes, India is fortunate to have guardians like Krishna Sastry Pendyala—experts who understand that protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure is not just about technology, but about vigilance, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
- NSH Digi Desk
