Krutika Vyas: From Trailblazing Technologist to Security Leader

MEET KRUTIKA VYAS, WHO WENT FROM MUMBAI TO SEATTLE TO BOSTON TO FIGHT FRAUD ON THE INTERNET AND PREVENT BAD GUYS FROM GETTING INTO FINANCIAL SYSTEMS

By Sameer Shukla
In an interview with Sameer Shukla, we delve into the remarkable career trajectory of Krutika Vyas, a trailblazing technologist and security leader.

As she aptly puts it, “Success is not a destination, but a journey.”

Krutika’s fascination with computers and technology began at a young age when her father introduced her to a Windows PC running Windows 95.

“The experience of exploring MS Paint and playing Minesweeper games on my machine sparked my curiosity and ignited a passion for technology. As I delved deeper into the world of dial-up internet connections, I felt transported into a realm of knowledge and information,” says Krutika.”

Those early experiences with computers opened up a whole new world for me,” she reminisces.

Today, Krutika holds the position of Security Technical Program lead at Confluent.io in Boston.

“Throughout my career, I have conducted extensive research in areas such as phishing, account takeover attacks, and financial malware,” Krutika explains.

Notably, she developed a tool to identify potential phishing attacks in emails, showcasing her commitment to preventing online fraud. At Confluent, Krutika plays a vital role in building a world-class security program to safeguard the company’s platform from external threats. In the world of technology, there are individuals who stand out for their exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. Krutika Vyas, a highly accomplished security professional and technical program manager, is one such individual. From her humble beginnings in Mumbai, India, to her current role at Confluent.io in Boston, MA, Krutika’s journey is a testament to her passion for innovation and her relentless pursuit of excellence.
From Mumbai to Seattle

“The journey of my career has been an incredible adventure. My time at the University of Washington in Seattle, where I pursued a master’s degree in Information Management, proved transformative. The university exposed me to critical technological challenges and emphasized the importance of secure and trustworthy systems,” Krutika shares.

During her time at university, she had the opportunity to intern at renowned companies like Apple and Amazon, gaining hands-on experience in information security.
Combining Expertise and Impact
After completing her studies, Krutika embarked on a journey to make a difference in the industry.

“I believe in using technology to solve real-world problems,” she asserts.

At a sales and marketing consulting firm, she championed the development of in-house technology solutions to meet customer requirements. Her skills in data management and analysis landed her a position as the implementation engineering leader at Arcadia.io, a Boston-based company focused on secure healthcare data analytics and machine learning ML models for managing population health management. There, she made a tangible impact on patient care by leveraging data insights.
A Frontier in Fraud Prevention

“In 2019, I joined IBM in Boston as part of a pioneering team dedicated to detecting and preventing fraud on a large scale for IBM’s Trusteer Fraud Solutions Product. Our mission was to detect and prevent fraud on a large scale,” she explains.

At IBM, she utilized cutting-edge technology and machine learning to protect customer assets and combat fraudulent transactions. Her experience at IBM deepened her understanding of customer behavior and the significance of building products with security in mind.
New Horizons at Confluent.io

“After three years at IBM, my insatiable thirst for growth and my desire to explore new industries led me to join Confluent.io in 2023. My role is instrumental in building a world-class security program to safeguard our platform from external threats,” she states proudly.

At Confluent, she continues her mission to ensure the security of the company’s real-time data streaming platform while expanding her knowledge of different sectors and their unique security challenges.
Personal Growth and Interests

“Beyond my professional accomplishments, personal growth and interests are equally important to me,” Krutika adds.

She has completed certification courses in Speech and Drama, Effective Communication, and Effective Text Speaking, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and self-improvement.

“An inquisitive mind possesses the ability to acquire new expertise and adjust to a wide array of challenges ” she asserts.

During interviews, she poses thought-provoking questions to gauge individuals ‘problem-solving abilities’.

Her advice to young engineers and tech enthusiasts is simple yet powerful: Demonstrate a perpetual willingness to learn new things and deliberately push yourself into unfamiliar and challenging situations, recognizing that personal growth flourishes in discomfort.”

Krutika Vyas’s journey is a testament to determination, innovation, and the pursuit of building secure technological solutions. From her early experiences with computers in Mumbai to her current role at Confluent.io, she continues to make a significant impact in the field of cybersecurity. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring technologists, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology for a safer digital future.