Gajendra Deshpande

Eminent Speaker

Short CV: Gajendra Deshpande is a distinguished professional with an M.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, along with a PG Diploma in Cyber Law and Cyber Forensics from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. He founded and currently manages EyeSec Cyber Security Solutions Private Limited in Belagavi.

Deshpande is renowned for his extensive contribution to the tech community, having delivered over 100 talks and conducted more than 25 workshops at various esteemed international conferences, including JuliaCon 2023 at MIT, USA, EuroPython Ireland, PyCon MEA Dubai, PyCon APAC Japan, PyData Global, and many more across Europe, Asia, and the USA. His expertise has guided teams to victory in the Smart India Hackathon and National Security Hackathon five times.

As an active member of PyCon India, Deshpande has played crucial roles, such as leading the Program Committee in 2021 and serving as the Mentorship Lead in 2023. He has been instrumental in organizing FOSSCon India 2019 and BelPy conferences. His commitment extends to various professional bodies, served as the Vice Chair of the IEEE Young Professionals Affinity Group, Bangalore Section, founding chair of Belagavi ACM Chapter, and Execom Membe of IEEE Bangalore Section. He has been recognized as an ACM India Eminent Speaker. He is a Fellow Member of the Royal Statistical Society UK and maintains memberships with OWASP, the British Computer Society, ACM, IEEE Computer Society, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), the American Mathematical Society, and The IndUS Entrepreneurs(TiE). Deshpande has significantly contributed to Python, Julia, and FOSS Conferences by reviewing proposals, mentoring speakers, engaging in discussions, and organizing events.

Title of Talk 1: Ransomware Resilience: Crafting the Shield and Sword in Cybersecurity

Synopsis: Ransomware attacks have rapidly evolved, becoming both more sophisticated and more targeted, thereby demanding a nuanced understanding and strategic approach to cybersecurity. This presentation seeks to address this need by providing an in-depth exploration of the ransomware threat landscape, guided by the structured analysis framework of the MITRE ATT&CK. Participants will learn to identify and map the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) employed by threat actors, enabling a proactive and informed defense strategy. Central to our discussion will be the utilization of case studies, which serve as a cornerstone of our learning methodology. These studies offer a window into the real-world application of theoretical knowledge, underscoring the importance of adaptability and critical thinking in the face of actual ransomware incidents. By examining these real-life examples, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the complexities involved in defending against ransomware and the innovative strategies that have proven successful in mitigating its impact. Interactive tabletop exercises will further enhance the learning experience, providing participants with the opportunity to apply what they have learned in simulated ransomware attack scenarios. These exercises are designed to foster a deep understanding of both strategic and tactical response mechanisms, preparing attendees to effectively manage and respond to ransomware incidents in a controlled, confident manner. Finally, the presentation will guide participants through the development of Ransomware Response Playbooks. These playbooks are essential for establishing a coherent and efficient response to ransomware attacks, incorporating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that are critical for swift and effective action. Attendees will learn the importance of regular drills and practice sessions, ensuring that their organizations are not only prepared to respond to ransomware threats but are also resilient in the face of such challenges. Talk Duration (2 Hours)

Title of Talk 2: Decoding the Digital Clues: The Power of OSINT in India's Cybercrime Fight

Synopsis: In an age where cybercrime evolves at an unprecedented pace, the strategic use of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) has become an indispensable asset in the investigator's toolkit. This session focuses on the transformative impact of OSINT methodologies in detecting, analyzing, and resolving cybercrime incidents within the Indian cyber landscape. By examining a curated selection of case studies, we illustrate the efficacy of OSINT in shedding light on digital misdemeanors, from financial fraud to identity theft. Participants will be introduced to an array of open-source tools and techniques that have proven effective in extracting valuable insights from the vast expanses of publicly available data. These tools not only facilitate a deeper understanding of cybercriminal operations but also empower investigators to act swiftly and decisively. Additionally, the presentation will touch upon the ethical dimensions and legal considerations inherent to the use of OSINT, guiding attendees through the nuances of responsible intelligence gathering. The goal is to foster a comprehensive understanding of how OSINT can be employed ethically and effectively to combat cyber threats. Talk Duration (2 Hours)

Title of Talk 3: The Dark Side of Design: Conquering Anti-Patterns in Software Development

Synopsis: In the realm of software engineering, design patterns serve as beacons of efficiency, guiding developers towards solutions that are robust, scalable, and maintainable. However, lurking in the shadows are their counterparts, Anti-Patterns, which embody the pitfalls and traps that lead to poor design decisions, compromising the quality and integrity of software projects. This talk aims to illuminate these hidden dangers and provide a roadmap for avoiding and rectifying them, ensuring that software not only meets its intended functionality but does so with elegance and resilience. Introduction to Anti-Patterns: Setting the stage, we delve into what Anti-Patterns are and why they are crucial for developers to understand. This opening will lay the groundwork for recognizing these patterns and the negative impact they have on software projects. Correctness Anti-Patterns: We explore the treacherous terrain of Correctness Anti-Patterns, where seemingly minor lapses in logic or understanding can lead to significant bugs and system failures. Attendees will learn to navigate these pitfalls, ensuring their code accurately implements the intended logic. Maintainability Anti-Patterns: The lifecycle of software extends far beyond its initial release. This section addresses the Anti-Patterns that make software difficult to maintain, update, or scale, providing strategies for writing code that remains flexible and accessible for future modifications. Readability Anti-Patterns: A codebase is a developer's story. Here, we tackle the Anti-Patterns that obscure this narrative, making it challenging for others to read, understand, and contribute to. Solutions for enhancing code readability and ensuring a legible and coherent codebase will be shared. Security Anti-Patterns: In an age where data breaches are commonplace, this segment highlights the Anti-Patterns that compromise software security. By understanding these vulnerabilities, developers can fortify their applications against attacks and protect sensitive information. Performance Anti-Patterns: Speed and efficiency are paramount in today's fast-paced digital environment. This portion of the talk focuses on identifying the Anti-Patterns that bog down performance, offering insights into optimizing code for maximum efficiency. General Anti-Patterns: We round off the presentation with a look at widespread Anti-Patterns such as Spaghetti Code, Golden Hammer, Boat Anchor, Dead Code, Proliferation of Code, and the God Object. By recognizing and addressing these common pitfalls, developers can avoid the temptation of quick fixes and instead pursue sustainable, effective solutions. Through this comprehensive exploration of Anti-Patterns, participants will gain the insights and tools necessary to identify, avoid, and rectify these common pitfalls in software development. By fostering an understanding of the dark side of design, this talk empowers developers to elevate their coding practices, paving the way for software that is not only functional but exemplary in its construction and execution. Join us in shedding light on Anti-Patterns and transforming software development challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Talk Duration (2 Hours)

Gajendra Deshpande

Qualifications: MTech, PGDCLCF (NLSIU)

Title: Managing Director

Affiliation: EyeSec Cyber Security Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

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