Harshil Parikh -- Deep Environmental and Organizational Context in Application Security

Harshil Parikh is a seasoned security leader with experience building security and compliance functions from the ground up. He notably built the security and compliance team at Medallia from scratch and led it through several transitions. He is also a conference speaker, and, most recently, he co-founded Tromzo. Harshil shares insights about AppSec, running a startup, selling effectively, and provides justification for his mantra, "Context is king."

Harshil underscores the importance of understanding context in security, emphasizing that it's the bedrock for making informed decisions. He also brings to light the significance of data-driven metrics in application security.

Harshil champions the cause of enhancing the developer experience in application security. He posits that security professionals should be more than just watchdogs; they should be enablers, aiding developers in making the right security decisions. This involves equipping developers with the necessary tools and knowledge and providing them with the relevant context to understand the bigger picture. Harshil's insights into the trend of developer autonomy, especially in modern companies, are particularly enlightening. He discusses how developers today often take ownership beyond just coding, emphasizing the need for security guardrails to guide them.

Rounding off the episode, Harshil touches upon the challenges of scaling application security programs in organizations. His main message resonates powerfully: the role of security professionals extends beyond mere problem detection. It's about risk management, improving developer experiences, and navigating the complex labyrinths of organizational hierarchies. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone keen on understanding the nuances of application security in today's dynamic tech landscape.

Recommended Reading:
The Metrics Manifesto by Richard Seiersen. https://www.wiley.com/en-us/The+Metrics+Manifesto%3A+Confronting+Security+with+Data-p-9781119515418

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