#57: Ashwini Siddhi: From Dell to GoDaddy

Join us as we dive into the journey of Ashwini Siddhi, Director of Product Security Engineering at GoDaddy. Ashwini shares her experiences from Dell to GoDaddy, her expertise in threat modeling, and the pivotal role of Bengaluru in her career. We also explore her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity and her influential mentorship with Women in Cyber.

About Ashwini Siddhi

Ashwini Siddhi is the Director of Product Security Engineering at GoDaddy. Prior to GoDaddy, she held various positions at Dell including her last role as Threat Modeling Service Owner, she also held senior security positions at Wipro and Infosys. Ashwini holds a bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering from PES University in Bangalore. Her journey into cybersecurity has been marked by extensive hands-on experience and expertise in specialized areas including Security Architecture, Supply Chain Security Strategy, Privacy By-Design, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), Ransomware Recovery, Threat Modelling, and the Security Development Lifecycle (SDL), with a strong focus on cloud and application security.

Beyond professional achievements, Ashwini is a respected public speaker and an active member of various security forums. A staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion, Ashwini mentors many women through Women in Cyber, promoting a culture of equality and empowerment.

Summary of Conversation with Ashwini Siddhi

Intro: The episode features Ashwini Siddhi, Director of Product Security Engineering at GoDaddy. Her career journey includes significant roles at Dell, Wipro, and Infosys, focusing on various aspects of cybersecurity like Security Architecture, Supply Chain Security Strategy, Privacy by Design, Zero Trust Architecture, Ransomware Recovery, Threat Modeling, and SDL. She is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion, mentoring women through Women in Cyber.

Highlights and Insights:

Journey into Cybersecurity:

Ashwini began as a developer but sought a more creative and impactful role, leading her to cybersecurity.
Influenced by her grandfather’s words on true engineering, she transitioned into cybersecurity by networking and convincing stakeholders of her seriousness.

Transition from Dell to GoDaddy:

Moving from Dell, a product company, to GoDaddy, a software company, Ashwini found both similarities and differences.
Both companies take security seriously, but the focus at GoDaddy includes a strong online presence, requiring different security measures.

Importance of Threat Modeling:

Ashwini emphasized that threat modeling is crucial for identifying and mitigating design issues early in the SDL.
It complements other security measures like static code analysis and penetration testing, providing a comprehensive approach to security.

Living and Working in Bangalore:

Bangalore’s diverse tech ecosystem and numerous networking opportunities have significantly contributed to her career growth.
The city’s vibrant startup culture and tech meetups have been instrumental in providing exposure and learning opportunities.

Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion:

Mentoring women in cybersecurity has enhanced Ashwini’s communication skills and broadened her perspective on inclusivity and design thinking.
She emphasizes the importance of passing on opportunities and supporting diverse talent in the industry.

Most Amazing Career Moment:

Ashwini highlighted her work with UNHCR, where she helped protect sensitive information for a social cause, as a fulfilling career moment.
Another significant moment was being entrusted with the role of Threat Modeling Service Owner at Dell, which marked a pivotal point in her career.

Closing Remarks: The episode concludes with Ashwini expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to share her experiences and looking forward to future achievements in her career. The hosts commend her impactful journey and look forward to following her continued success.