SONA SHABU
Trivandrum,India
Summary
Aspiring Computer Science Lecturer with strong academic credentials, hands-on teaching experience, and industry expertise in cybersecurity. Experienced in delivering Distributed Computing and Operating Systems courses and supervising mini and major academic projects for B.Tech students. Currently pursuing a part-time PhD in Computer Science with research focused on adversarial attacks and defensive strategies in machine learning. Possess nearly three years of professional experience as a Product Security Engineer, bringing real-world security practices into the academic environment. Dedicated to delivering high-quality instruction, fostering student growth, and contributing effectively to departmental academic initiatives.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work history
Product Security Engineer
Envestnet, Inc
Trivandrum, Kerala
06.2023 - Current
- Validate, analyze, and triage 100+ security vulnerabilities per quarter across multiple products to determine real-world impact and associated risk levels.
- Conduct targeted penetration tests for new features and perform end-to-end application security assessments during major releases, improving release security quality by 25–30%.
- Collaborate with developers and QA teams to guide remediation using detailed Proof of Concepts, root-cause analysis, and risk-based prioritization, reducing issue resolution time by 20%.
- Utilize SAST, DAST, SCA, IAST tools, Burp Suite, and internal scanners for comprehensive vulnerability discovery and validation, helping maintain 90%+ compliance with internal security standards.
- Contribute to the Secure SDLC by integrating automated security checks and improving internal processes, resulting in fewer recurring vulnerabilities and stronger release readiness.
Assistant professor
Valia Koonambaikulathamma College of Engineering
Trivandrum, Kerala
02.2023 - 05.2023
- Responsible for Distributed Computing coursework for B.Tech students, including distributed algorithms, communication models, synchronization mechanisms, and applied system design concepts.
- Delivered Operating Systems theory and lab sessions, including process management, memory management, file systems, and hands-on Linux exercises.
- Prepared lesson plans, class notes, and lab manuals to simplify complex technical concepts.
- Conducted laboratory sessions focusing on process scheduling, system calls, and inter-process communication.
- Provided academic support for both mini projects and main projects, guiding students on topic selection, design, documentation, and implementation.
- Evaluated assignments, viva, and lab performance, ensuring continuous academic progress.
- Assisted department in internal exam duties and classroom management.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Cyber Security (Part- time Research Scholar)
University of Kerala, Kariavattom
Trivandrum, Kerala 07.2025 -
Master of Technology - Information Security (Computer Science)
College of Engineering Trivandrum
Trivandrum, Kerala 09.2020 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Technology - Computer Science and Engineering
College of Engineering Attingal
Trivandrum, Kerala 08.2015 - 06.2019
Skills
- Cybersecurity & Application Security:
Vulnerability Assessment & Triage, Penetration Testing (Web/API), Secure SDLC, Threat Modeling, Risk-Based Prioritization, Secure Coding, Exploit Analysis, Proof of Concept Development - Security Tools:
Rapid7 , Snyk (SAST), Sonatype Nexus IQ, Seeker (IAST), Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP - Web & Application Security:
OWASP Top 10, Authentication & Authorization Testing, Session Management Testing, API Security Testing, Business Logic Issues, SAST/DAST/SCA - Programming & Scripting:
Python, Java (Basics), SQL, HTML/CSS (Basics)
- Machine Learning & Research:
Adversarial ML (Basics), GAN-based Models (paper review), Data Bias Studies, ML Model Evaluation, Research Writing & Analysis - Teaching & Academic Skills:
Lesson Planning, Classroom Delivery, Lab Handling, Project Guidance, Evaluation & Mentoring - Soft Skills:
Communication, Documentation, Analytical Thinking, Time Management, Continuous Learning
Timeline
Doctor of Philosophy - Cyber Security (Part- time Research Scholar)
University of Kerala, Kariavattom
07.2025 -
Product Security Engineer
Envestnet, Inc
06.2023 - Current
Assistant professor
Valia Koonambaikulathamma College of Engineering
02.2023 - 05.2023
Master of Technology - Information Security (Computer Science)
College of Engineering Trivandrum
09.2020 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Technology - Computer Science and Engineering
College of Engineering Attingal
08.2015 - 06.2019