Head of Cybersecurity

Company Description:

Akto.io is a rapidly growing AI security platform focused on protecting AI agents, MCPs, LLMs, skills, and generative AI applications across modern organizations. The platform enables teams to build comprehensive Agentic AI security programs through capabilities such as Shadow AI discovery, AI governance, red teaming, monitoring, and enforcing guardrails. Fortune 1000 AI security teams worldwide rely on Akto for AI agent security, AI governance, Shadow AI management, guardrails, and AI red teaming.

Headquartered in San Francisco, Akto is backed by leading investors including Accel Partners and Alumni Ventures, with support from notable security and technology leaders. Akto has been recognized in Forbes, Nasdaq, Dark Reading, VentureBeat, CSO Online, and is listed as a representative vendor in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant for AI Security.

Role Description The Head of Cybersecurity will lead Akto’s overall cybersecurity strategy, with a focus on protecting AI security platforms, infrastructure, data, security research and hands-on product development.

This full-time, remote role oversees the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of cybersecurity, information security, network security, and physical security controls, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. Day-to-day responsibilities include developing and maintaining security policies, leading risk assessments, coordinating incident response, and partnering with engineering and product teams to embed security into AI offerings. The Director will manage security audits, AI Security initiatives, Cloud Security, Enterprise Security while monitoring evolving threats and adapting the security posture accordingly for both internal and customer facing programs. This role also involves fostering a security-first culture, and helping build Akto's AI Security platform with product and customer insights.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in Cybersecurity and Security Management, with a track record of building and leading security programs at technology or cybersecurity-focused organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in Information Security, including policies, risk management, incident response, and data protection for cloud-based and AI-driven environments.
• Proficiency in Cloud, enterprise, network Security, such as securing cloud infrastructure, microservices, APIs, and connectivity supporting AI platforms and SaaS products.
• Familiarity with AI security concepts, red teaming practices, guardrails, and governance frameworks is highly beneficial.
• Experience with common security standards and frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2) and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, communicate complex risks clearly, and influence security decisions at executive level.
• Ability to use AI hands-on for day to day work, eg using Claude code, codex, other AI tools for automation.
• Experience of working in a startup is a plus.
• Experience of working with customers is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security or equivalent field