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Prathibha Muraleedhara - Cyber Security Expert, Researcher & Author
Cybersecurity has long been dominated by men, but winds of change have been blowing in recent years. Despite the persistent gender gap, the influence of women in this critical field is steadily expanding. More and more, women are stepping into the arena, bravely safeguarding digital assets against formidable threats despite longstanding industry barriers. Across various roles—from threat intelligence to incident response, penetration testing to security engineering—female cybersecurity professionals are demonstrating exceptional skill and expertise.
Among these pioneering professionals stands Prathibha Muraleedhara, a visionary leader and information security architect who has epitomized resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication in her journey as a trailblazer in cybersecurity.
Wielding over a decade of professional experience and a wealth of expertise in domains such as application pen testing, architecture review, and cloud security, Prathibha stands as a frontrunner in the industry. Her journey has been nothing short of exhilarating and challenging, fueled by a deep-rooted passion for technology and an unwavering commitment to fortifying digital ecosystems’ integrity and security. As an accomplished Information Security Architect, she has left an indelible mark on the cybersecurity landscape, shaping the future of digital defense with her ingenuity and resolve.
An amalgamation of resilience, innovation, and dedication would better define Prathibha Muraleedhara. With over a decade of experience as an information security architect, she is highly accomplished and sought-after, and she is known for her adeptness in fortifying products, systems, and data against cyber threats. With a solid educational background and a passion for cybersecurity, Prathibha has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical expertise across various organizations, leaving a significant impact on the cybersecurity landscape.
Her academic journey began at BMS Institute of Technology, Bangalore, India, where she pursued her Bachelor of Engineering in Telecommunication, graduating with a GPA of 3.75. Eager to expand her knowledge, she then pursued her Master’s degree in Information System Security at the College of Technology, University of Houston, honing her skills and knowledge to navigate the intricate nuances of cyber security with finesse. There, she graduated with distinction, boasting an impressive GPA of 3.89.
Her academic prowess is further bolstered by certifications such as the GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT) and the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate. Prathibha is also a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Prathibha commenced her professional journey in the field of cybersecurity, beginning as a Security Engineer at Paladion Networks, India. During her role, she contributed to numerous projects involving application security testing and earning authorization to provide PLYNT CERTIFICATE to clients meeting security standards. She honed her skills in mobile application security testing, vulnerability assessment, and network architecture review while providing expert training on attack techniques and exploit development.
Soon, Prathibha joined KPMG, India, as a Security Analyst, where she conducted various vulnerability assessments and penetration testing projects for esteemed financial institutions globally. Her expertise in web application security testing and her strategic approach to conducting attacks showcased her prowess in safeguarding critical functions against adversarial threats.
While she was pursuing her Master’s at the University of Houston, Prathibha worked as a Network Security Intern at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, where she continued to excel, in developing, analyzing, and testing TippingPoint Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) Digital Vaccine filters. Her exceptional performance earned her recognition as she garnered the second-highest votes for the best intern work done.
She also worked as an Instructional Assistant at the University of Houston. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in enhancing the university’s cybersecurity measures. Her responsibilities included performing automated security scans on the entire university network, executing security assessments such as web application security testing and penetration testing, and implementing Lean Six Sigma methodology to enhance the quality of the Security Incident Response Management process. Additionally, she conducted automated app scans on all university websites and actively participated in attack analysis duties as part of the security incident response team.
Elevating her career trajectory, Prathibha then joined HP Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado, as an Information System Architect. Here, she performed infrastructure security architecture reviews, assessed web applications for vulnerabilities, and led the cybersecurity efforts to pentest the entire HP Enterprise Printer cloud platform and its services.
At present, Prathibha Muraleedhara serves as the Manager of Security Architecture at Stanley Black & Decker, which owns several leading tools manufacturing brands like DeWALT, Craftsman, IRWIN, Bostitch, and many more, with over 50,000 employees. Prathibha created and manages Security Architecture, Pentesting, and Vulnerability Disclosure programs. She has defined security architecture standards and policies that are adhered to across the organization. She leads a dynamic team that performs security reviews to ensure security standards are met. Her proactive approach to building and managing security processes, coupled with her technical acumen in conducting security assessments, threat modeling, and penetration testing, has significantly enhanced the company’s cybersecurity posture.
Her proactive engagement in the cybersecurity community is evident in her engagement with various associations and organizations that advocate for advancements in cybersecurity. She is actively involved in empowering women in the cybersecurity field through memberships in esteemed organizations such as the ISSA North Colorado Chapter and her involvement as a committee member for the Women In Security Committee. As a Board Member-Director at Cyber Wyoming, she plays a pivotal role in shaping cybersecurity initiatives at a regional level. Prathibha’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity industry is further showcased through her role as an ISACA SheLeadsTech Ambassador.
Reflecting upon her journey as a woman in the cybersecurity sector, Prathibha shares,
“Navigating through a predominantly male-dominated industry presented its fair share of challenges, chief among them being gender biases and stereotypes. However, I chose not to be defined by these obstacles but rather saw them as opportunities to reaffirm my commitment to success. At times, it meant confronting outdated perceptions and biases head-on, advocating for myself and my capabilities. Other times, it involved leading by example, demonstrating my expertise and leadership prowess in every endeavor. Through it all, I remained steadfast in my resolve, leveraging each challenge as a stepping stone to growth and empowerment.”
Refusing to allow gender stereotypes to dictate her path, Prathibha not only overcame challenges that came her way but emerged stronger and more resilient. Today, she stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, proving that gender is no barrier to success in the world of business.
Being a distinguished figure in the realm of cyber security, possessing over a decade of professional experience and a rich educational background, Prathibha’s influence extends beyond the confines of corporate corridors. Her contributions span across various domains, from scholarly publications to peer review initiatives, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field.
A chapter in an IGI Global published in a book on “Analysing and Mitigating Security Risks in Cloud Computing,” focusing on Threat Modeling and Risk Analysis for Cloud Deployments.
Article published in ScienceDirect KeAi – Elsevier, exploring the vulnerabilities of Bluetooth devices and strategies for mitigation.
Contribution to the ISSA Journal with an article titled “Mobile Application Security: Risk and Remediation,” addressing prevalent security risks in mobile applications.
Feature in Pentest Magazine discussing “Subdomain Takeover – Security Risk and Remediation,” offering insights into mitigating security risks associated with subdomain takeovers.
Article in Cyber Defense Magazine discussing “Wireless Peripheral Devices - Security Risk, Exploits, and Remediation,” shedding light on security vulnerabilities in wireless peripheral devices.
Presentation at the Grace Hopper Conference Proceedings in 2019 on “Cybersecurity Emerging Attacks on Mobile Applications,” showcasing expertise in combating emerging cyber threats.
Bachelor’s Project Publications on “Power Theft Detection” and “Utility Fog” at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), highlighting innovative solutions in cyber security.
The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, driven by an array of factors such as the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, stringent regulatory compliance standards, and the widespread adoption of digital technologies like cloud computing and IoT. Staying informed about the latest industry trends and developments is essential. Prathibha Muraleedhara prioritizes continuous learning and professional growth to stay current with the latest advancements. She actively participates in industry conferences, attends webinars, and networks with peers and thought leaders to remain ahead of emerging threats and evolving technologies. Prathibha says,
“As for me, I’m genuinely excited about the limitless possibilities that the future holds. I remain committed to driving innovation, advancing cybersecurity capabilities, and delivering unparalleled value.”
Upon being asked about her source of inspiration, Prathibha reflects, “There’s truly no age limit to learning, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by resilient and strong women throughout my life, both in my personal and professional journey. From my early years, I’ve witnessed the power of perseverance and determination exemplified by the women who have influenced me. What I’ve come to realize is that wisdom and inspiration can come from individuals of all ages and levels of experience. It’s not just the seasoned professionals who have valuable lessons to impart; even newcomers to the field can offer fresh perspectives and insights that can enrich your own journey.
I take inspiration from anyone who has something valuable to offer, whether it’s a seasoned expert in the field, a newcomer with innovative ideas, or even myself. Self-reflection is very important to me, and I draw inspiration from my own experiences and accomplishments in my journey as a professional.”
Taking her own journey as an inspiration, Prathibha shares heartfelt advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs and professionals, “Believe in yourself wholeheartedly. Embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth and learning. Never underestimate the power of your resilience and determination to overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams.
Your unique perspective and contributions have the potential to change not only your world but your industry in its entirety. So, go out there, pursue your passions fearlessly, and let your brilliance shine through. The world is waiting for your greatness.”
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