Pune: SonicWall, a global cybersecurity company, plans to establish its only AI team in Pune as it expands its engineering and research and development (R&D) operations in India.
The company is also developing cloud security and zero-trust technologies at its Pune centre and has hired a public key infrastructure (PKI) architect to advance its work in cryptographic security.
The expansion reflects SonicWall’s growing focus on India as a strategic hub for cybersecurity innovation, product development and engineering.
The company plans to develop advanced technologies in Pune that will support its global operations and serve customers across international markets.
Developing AI and Cloud Security Technologies in Pune
SonicWall plans to build its company-wide AI team in Pune, making the city an important centre for its cybersecurity technology development.
The company is also expanding its engineering capabilities in cloud-native security, zero-trust technologies, software engineering and data-driven security solutions.
The Pune team will work on advanced cybersecurity technologies and product development, supporting SonicWall’s global product roadmap. The company is also developing security solutions using network telemetry data to identify risks and strengthen protection for customers.
Rajnish Mishra, Chief Development Officer at SonicWall, said India is a strategic investment market for the company and that its engineering operations in the country will play an increasingly important role in developing its cybersecurity platform.
“The company is continuing to invest in its cybersecurity technologies, with Pune and Bengaluru emerging as major engineering centres supporting its global operations,” he added.
SonicWall Hires PKI Architect for Cryptographic Security Research
SonicWall has hired a public key infrastructure architect in Pune as part of its investment in cryptographic security.
Rajnish Mishra said, “The company is working on public key infrastructure (PKI) and post-quantum cryptography, with development work on these initiatives already underway at the Pune centre.”
“The PKI initiative aims to incorporate public key infrastructure across SonicWall’s products and services. The company is also developing post-quantum cryptography capabilities as part of its broader cybersecurity research and product development efforts,” Mishra stated.
These initiatives form part of SonicWall’s focus on strengthening its cybersecurity platform and addressing emerging security challenges. The work being undertaken in Pune will contribute to the development of technologies intended to protect customers and their digital infrastructure, he added.
Using AI to Identify Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
SonicWall is incorporating advanced AI models through initiatives involving Anthropic and OpenAI to strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities.
The company uses these models to identify vulnerabilities, conduct security testing and improve product protection before weaknesses can be exploited by malicious actors.
Anurag Kahol, EVP and GM, India Operations, SonicWall said, “AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape by enabling vulnerabilities to be identified at greater speed and scale. SonicWall is using AI in areas including risk analysis, threat analysis, code reviews and product security testing.”
“The company is also developing capabilities to provide organisations with greater visibility into AI applications, network activity and potential security risks. These efforts include monitoring AI agents and helping organisations establish policies governing their activities and access to sensitive data.”
“SonicWall is expanding its work across AI and cloud security as businesses increasingly adopt digital technologies and AI-powered applications,” Kahol stated.
Plans to Expand Hiring in Pune
SonicWall has approximately 150 employees in Pune and plans to continue expanding its local workforce. The company is recruiting engineers from local educational institutions, including the College of Engineering Pune (COEP), and has committed to offering internships to students in the region.
Debasish Mukherjee, Vice President of Sales, APJ at SonicWall, said, “The availability of specialised engineering talent and the presence of engineering colleges are important factors behind the decision to expand in Pune.”
“We have created more than 150 engineering opportunities over the preceding six to nine months and plans to continue hiring. We are focusing on developing local talent to support its growing engineering and product development operations.
Our hiring strategy includes bringing together experienced professionals and fresh graduates, with training provided to help employees develop the specialised skills required for cybersecurity engineering,” Mukherjee stated.
India Accounts for 30% of APJ Business
Debasish Mukherjee said, “India is one of SonicWall’s strategic growth markets, accounting for approximately 30% of the company’s Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) business. APJ contributes approximately 10% of SonicWall’s global business.”
SonicWall has approximately 540 to 545 employees in India, including around 150 in Pune and approximately 300 at its Bengaluru headquarters. Its Indian operations include engineering, sales and technical support.
The company has a global footprint spanning more than 215 countries, with close to 17,000 partners and approximately 500,000 customers.
SonicWall did not disclose a specific monetary investment amount for its Pune office.
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