Why legacy systems fail: Rajesh Kumar C G’s analytics-driven solutions strengthen cyber defenses

As digital transformation accelerates, cyber threats are evolving at an alarming rate. While businesses and government agencies are actively adopting cloud and AI technologies, a dangerous trend persists, continued reliance on legacy infrastructure not built for modern security.

Over 55% of modern cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities, many of them in legacy systems lacking support, updates, or modern protocols. A report by Sophos confirms that attacks like ProxyShell and Log4Shell remain effective precisely because organizations hesitate to modernize, continuing to use systems not integrated with modern monitoring and protection tools. Rajesh Kumar C G, with 18+ years of experience in large-scale modernization projects across Australia, believes the real solution isn’t just tech upgrades, but rethinking how security frameworks are designed. He shares lessons from his experience, and explains how smarter approaches to modernization can reshape cybersecurity.

Rajesh Kumar C G

• Founder and CEO of INOVITSI (since 2022).
• Over 18 years of experience in technology, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, and leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives.
• Senior Member of IEEE.
• Holds a Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication Engineering (2006) and a Master’s in IT & Management from the University of Sydney (2009).
• Led high-impact digital transformation initiatives across Australia’s public and private sectors, including reviewing the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy and leading the solution architecture for the Broker Remuneration Review. His work also includes evaluating cybersecurity projects and conducting security design reviews within Australian federal government agencies to strengthen resilience and compliance.

“Legacy systems often give organizations a false sense of security simply because they have operated without visible failures for years,” explains Rajesh, who is currently developing new academic work on applying artificial intelligence in cybersecurity strategies. Beneath that perceived stability lie serious vulnerabilities: limited automation, weak integration with modern detection tools, and failure to meet regulatory requirements.

Drawing on his extensive experience. Rajesh has made significant contributions to national cybersecurity priorities, including his involvement in shaping the Australian Cyber Security Strategy and supporting the Broker Remuneration Review (BRR) through secure architecture recommendations. He has also led evaluations of cybersecurity initiatives and system designs within Australian federal government agencies, demonstrating his technical credibility and ability to contribute to high-stakes, policy-aligned cybersecurity decisions at the national level..

During audits of government and enterprise systems, Rajesh’s team often uncovers critical vulnerabilities. “In one project, we found a key system using hard-coded credentials that hadn’t been updated in over a decade. Eliminating this threat became our top priority.” recalls Rajesh, who also serves on the jury panel for the prestigious Globee Awards.

Recognized for his expertise and leadership, Rajesh Kumar C G has been repeatedly entrusted with evaluating cybersecurity initiatives across multiple Australian federal agencies. His work spans high-risk project reviews to improve delivery assurance as well as detailed security assessments for systems handling sensitive data and critical infrastructure. He applies tailored design thinking. balancing technical feasibility with long-term impact, and operates effectively at the intersection of policy, architecture, and delivery in environments under intense regulatory scrutiny.

In several instances, Rajesh has conducted in-depth security reviews of system designs and control environments at the request of senior leadership. These reviews resulted in improved system robustness, alignment with evolving standards, and increased executive stakeholders confidence.. His proactive approach addresses immediate risks while strengthening the long-term resilience of government programs in a complex cyber landscape.

In one notable case, Rajesh implemented a hybrid cloud solution that replaced legacy data storage systems. “This allowed us to eliminate most identified vulnerabilities and reduce the organization’s cyber risk.” he shares. For a government department, he also developed a comprehensive strategy to transition from outdated systems to integrated platforms with automated compliance processes.

Drawing on his experience as a Data Architecture Manager, Rajesh a Senior Member of IEEE, has developed a practical methodology for secure, low-disruption transitions. “We begin by identifying and addressing critical vulnerabilities while setting up automated monitoring alongside existing infrastructure”, he explains. “This parallel approach maintains operational continuity and minimizes disruption as we progressively migrate key systems to modern environments.”

“Despite obvious risks, many organizations resist updating aging digital environments..” says Rajesh Kumar C G, who published a peer-reviewed research paper on proactive cyber threat detection using machine learning in the International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Science. “The most common reasons include resistance to change, budget concerns, and fear of disrupting operations”. Drawing from leadership in high-impact government projects, Rajesh warns that the long-term cost of inaction is far greater.

“Most organizations face resistance when changing entrenched workflows, compounded by technical limitations in legacy systems. I’ve addressed this through careful change management, stakeholder alignment, and strategic planning”. shares Rajesh, whose academic paper, focused on enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure against cyber warfare, has been published in the International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science.

“Digital transformation is impossible without cyber resilience. And achieving true resilience requires moving beyond legacy systems and adopting modern architectures built to withstand the evolving threat landscape” emphasizes Rajesh Kumar C G, articulating his professional mission: “To protect citizens and their data from cybercriminals, ensuring that technological progress creates a better future while preserving people’s safety.

In his future projects, Rajesh plans to expand his leadership in cybersecurity and regulatory technologies (RegTech), publish his scientific research, and grow INOVITSI into a leading cybersecurity service provider. A core part of his mission is to mentor and develop the next generation of Chief Cyber Resilience Officers (CCROs), visionary leaders who can bridge the gap between cybersecurity operations and executive strategy, and guide organizations through increasingly complex risk and regulatory landscapes.

In an environment where cyber threats are becoming increasingly automated and intelligent, relying on legacy systems means knowingly exposing an organization to unnecessary risk. Rajesh’s approach demonstrates that organizations modernizing their infrastructure today not only strengthen cybersecurity but also enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and trust  from regulators, customers, and stakeholders alike.