Sreejith Gopinath is a key figure working in and researching cybersecurity concerning national security. As a technologist and engineering manager leading cybersecurity engineering teams, he plays a vital role in advancing critical infrastructure security through research and collaborative efforts. His work has influenced industry practices and enhanced national cyber defense mechanisms.
Advancing National Security Through Technology and Collaboration
Gopinath’s recent research, “Safeguarding National Security Interests Utilizing Location-Aware Camera Devices,” co-authored with Dr. Aspen Olmsted, addresses the risks of unauthorized image capture in sensitive areas. “The rapid advancement of technology,” Gopinath explains, “poses risks to national security, especially when unobtrusive cameras with advanced features are used to capture images of sensitive installations.” The study introduces a GPS-based solution to prevent smart cameras from capturing images in restricted areas. By creating a global database of restricted zones integrated into camera firmware, this protocol ensures that devices cannot capture images in these locations, thereby enhancing national security.
In addition to his research, Gopinath collaborates with other researchers and doctoral students, contributing to the evolving field of cybersecurity in national security. He reviews papers and articles, offering insights that help tackle emerging cyber threats. “Collaborating with other researchers,” Gopinath notes, “keeps us ahead of new threats and aids in developing solutions for future challenges.” His global positioning system (GPS)-based solution has proven extremely effective in field experiments, showing promise for significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized information sharing by blocking image capture in sensitive areas.
Pioneering “Attack Surface Management”
Gopinath has a track record of working in cybersecurity related to national security. Before his current role, Gopinath played a pivotal role in developing “Attack Surface Management” at Expanse Inc., a concept now integral to cybersecurity in national security strategies. His team’s work in collecting and processing large-scale internet data helped secure networks for U.S. government entities, including the Department of Defense. This approach positioned Expanse Inc. as an industry leader and led to its acquisition by Palo Alto Networks, solidifying its influence in the cybersecurity industry.
Expanse Inc. leads the cybersecurity industry by pioneering the concept of Attack Surface Management. Gopinath initially served as a Principal Engineer and later advanced to manage one of the core engineering teams at Expanse Inc., which Palo Alto Networks eventually acquired. His leadership guided the team in offering insights that played a pivotal role in protecting critical infrastructure, leaving a lasting impact on national security. The concept of “Attack Surface Management” has since become an industry standard, highlighting Gopinath’s significant contribution to shaping this vital aspect of cybersecurity and its role in national security.
Continuous Improvement and Future Goals
Gopinath is committed to advancing his research, particularly around optimizing georeferenced spatial databases. He plans future updates to enhance the performance of his GPS-based solution so that it is faster and more efficient to check device locations within restricted areas. The proposed broader application of this technology aims to protect the privacy of individual properties and other sensitive locations, demonstrating his dedication to a safer digital world.
In addition to his research, Gopinath’s academic background underscores his commitment to cybersecurity in national security. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a Master of Science in Computer Science. Currently, he is pursuing a second master’s degree in Cybersecurity at New York University’s (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering. This academic journey, combined with his professional experience—including pioneering the Live Traffic feature at Apple Maps and his current work in Blockchain Intelligence at TRM Labs—positions Gopinath as a leader in the field.
Gopinath sees a future where cybersecurity in national security measures is seamlessly integrated into technology, providing robust defenses against evolving threats. His work continues to promote advancements in the field, encouraging industry-wide collaboration to protect national and global interests. “Cybersecurity in national security interests me so much that I enrolled in a second master’s degree,” Gopinath shares. “My goal is to continue exploring new possibilities and developing solutions for major security challenges. We all deserve to live in a safer online world”
