From Software to Security: Arjun Gopalakrishna’s Journey at Microsoft

In this episode of the Blue Hat Podcast, hosts Nic Fillingham and Wendy Zenone are joined by Arjun Gopalakrishna, a security engineer at Microsoft, to discuss his fascinating journey from software engineer to security leader. Arjun reflects on his 11-year tenure at Microsoft, including how a childhood experience with a computer virus sparked his curiosity in cybersecurity. He talks about his early exposure to security issues while working in Windows and his eventual transition to Azure security. Arjun also shares insights into how he began presenting security talks internally through Microsoft's Strike program and how he continues to use storytelling to make complex security concepts approachable for colleagues across the company. 

In This Episode You Will Learn:    

• The importance of empathy and accessibility when discussing technical vulnerabilities 
• Why Arjun honed his focus on cloud security, application security, and offensive security. 
• How Microsoft's internal Strike platform helps employees build a deeper understanding of cybersecurity 

Some Questions We Ask:     

• Can you walk us through how you honed in on a specific area of security? 
• What are your tips for bringing non-security professionals into a security mindset? 
• Is there anything you're specifically working on within SFI? 

Resources:  

View Arjun Gopalakrishna on LinkedIn  

View Wendy Zenone on LinkedIn  

View Nic Fillingham on LinkedIn 

Related Microsoft Podcasts:  

• Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast  
• Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson  
• Uncovering Hidden Risks  

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts  

The BlueHat Podcast is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.