The Secure Developer
Advancing AppSec With AI With Akira Brand
Apr 15, 2025
Akira Brand, AVP of Application Security at PRA Group, shares her fascinating journey from opera to cybersecurity. She emphasizes how AppSec is fundamentally a customer service role, advocating for a seamless integration of security tools in developers' workflows. The conversation delves into the transformative impact of AI on security processes and the pressing need for adaptable compliance standards amidst rapid technological evolution. Akira’s unique insights inspire a collaborative approach to making security more approachable and effective for software engineers.
34:52
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Quick takeaways
- AppSec is fundamentally a customer service role, emphasizing the need to provide user-friendly security solutions for software engineers.
- AI is transforming application security by automating code reviews and requiring careful management of sensitive information during integration.
Deep dives
Understanding Software Engineers' Needs
AppSec is viewed as a customer service role, where the primary customers are software engineers. To effectively support them, it’s essential to understand their desires, such as wanting to work in familiar environments and seeking knowledge about their craft. Many engineers possess a strong curiosity and pride in their work, making it crucial to provide tools that are user-friendly and come with educational resources. Initiatives like monthly lunch and learns can help fulfill these needs, fostering both knowledge and engagement among developers.
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