Pandi Kirupa Gopalkrishna's journey from an engineering student in India to a senior security program manager at Microsoft is a testament to her dedication, expertise and passion for cybersecurity.

In a world where technology is evolving rapidly and the need for high-level security measures is more critical than ever, Pandi Kirupa Gopalkrishna stands as a beacon of expertise and dedication. With over a decade of experience in the technology industry, Pandi has carved a niche for himself in the cybersecurity space by working with industry giants such as Microsoft, Apple and Amazon. This interview chronicles his inspiring journey, exploring the milestones, challenges and insights that have shaped his remarkable career.

Q: Can you share your educational background and how it has influenced your career in technology?

A. My educational journey began in India, where I completed my graduation in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Anna University. This basic course sparked my interest in technology and gave me a solid understanding of electronic systems and communication principles. To broaden my horizons, I pursued a master's degree in electrical and computer engineering from the New York Institute of Technology. This advanced degree allowed me to delve deeper into computer engineering, sharpening my technical skills and preparing me for the challenges of the technology industry. Finally, I earned an MBA in International Business from Campbellville University, which equipped me with the strategic thinking and business acumen necessary to navigate the corporate world and lead security programs.

Q. What inspired you to specialize in cyber security and how did you start your career in this field?

A. My fascination with cyber security stems from the growing prevalence of cyber threats and the critical need to protect digital assets. I was particularly drawn to the challenge of identifying vulnerabilities and mitigating them before they could be exploited. My career in cybersecurity began when I joined Amazon as a Technical Program Manager. In this role, I managed multiple data collection programs and executed software builds and releases, which required a deep understanding of security protocols and change management. This experience furthered my interest in cybersecurity and paved the way for my subsequent roles at Apple and Microsoft.

Q. Can you describe your role and responsibilities as a Senior Security Program Manager at Microsoft?

A. As a senior security program manager at Microsoft, my primary responsibility is to manage and document security and privacy vulnerabilities reported by external researchers. This includes testing, investigating, and coordinating with product engineering, security, marketing, and PR teams to remediate vulnerabilities within agreed upon SLAs. Additionally, I lead several bounty programs, develop standard procedures and playbooks for the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC), and represent MSRC at various conferences and security organizations. My role is critical in protecting billions of customers by ensuring the integrity and security of Microsoft products and services.

Q. What were the major projects you worked on during your tenure at Apple?

A. At Apple, I worked as a security program manager and led several important related projects
Identity Management. My key accomplishments were leading the implementation of security infrastructure such as two-factor authentication, multifactor authentication and API authorization. These projects were critical in ensuring that Apple fully complies with all security regulations and requirements. My role includes coordination between the Identity and Apple Infosec teams, ensuring seamless integration and robust security measures across the organization.

Q. How has your experience at Amazon shaped your approach to program management and security?

A. My time at Amazon was instrumental in shaping my approach to program management and security. As a Technical Program Manager, I was responsible for executing data collection programs and managing software builds and releases for Amazon devices. The role required meticulous planning, coordination and an unwavering focus on safety. Implementing a change request process that improved response time by 15% was a significant achievement, as it underscored the importance of efficiency and security in product development. These experiences taught me the value of proactive management, rigorous testing, and continuous improvement in maintaining high safety standards.

Q. Can you elaborate on your role as the Founding Product Manager at Shout Start Network and its impact on your career?

Being the founding Product Manager of Shout Start Network was a transformative experience. It was my first attempt at building a product from the ground up and I was responsible for everything from ideation to go-to-market strategy across six countries. I developed competitive pricing models, applied statistical performance measures, and created a comparison matrix that became the cornerstone of our product success. This role honed my skills in product management, strategic planning and market analysis, providing a strong foundation for my future roles in larger organizations.

Q. What are some key skills that have been critical to your success in the technology industry?

A. Several key skills have been instrumental in my success, including analytical thinking, risk management and strategic planning. My ability to assess vulnerabilities, coordinate remediation efforts, and develop security metrics and reports is critical to effectively managing a security program. Proficiency in various software tools such as Python, Linux, SQL, and Splunk is also important. Additionally, my experience in incident response, continuous monitoring and agile methodologies has enabled me to lead cross-functional teams and drive security initiatives that align with business objectives.

Q. How do you stay updated on the latest developments in cybersecurity?

A. Keeping updated with the latest developments in cybersecurity is essential given the rapid evolution of threats and technology. I regularly attend conferences like Bluehat, RSC, BlackHat, Defcon and BSides, where I interact with experts and learn about the latest trends and best practices. Additionally, I am an active member of several external security organizations and communities. Continuous learning through online courses, certifications and industry publications also helps me keep my knowledge current and relevant.

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring cybersecurity professionals?

A. My advice to cyber security professionals is to cultivate a strong foundation in both technical and strategic skills. Understanding the technical aspects of cybersecurity, such as vulnerability assessment, incident response, and secure coding practices, is critical. Equally important is developing strategic skills such as risk management, communication and stakeholder engagement. Pursuing relevant certifications and gaining hands-on experience through internships or projects can significantly increase your career prospects. Finally, never stop learning and stay curious about emerging threats and technologies, as the cybersecurity field is constantly evolving.

Q. What are your future aspirations and goals in your career?

A. Looking forward, I aspire to continue making significant contributions to the cybersecurity field. My goal is to leverage my skills and experience to drive innovative security solutions that protect users and organizations from evolving threats. I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and hope to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry. Additionally, I aim to increase my impact by taking on more leadership roles and participating in initiatives that promote cybersecurity awareness and best practices in the global technology community.

Pandi Kirupa Gopalkrishna's journey from an engineering student in India to a senior security program manager at Microsoft is a testament to her dedication, expertise and passion for cybersecurity. Her diverse experience and unwavering commitment to excellence has not only protected millions of users but also set a benchmark in the industry. Innovating and leading, Pandi's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals aiming to make a mark in the world of technology and cybersecurity.