TLDR: Bugcrowd, a leader in crowdsourced cybersecurity, has announced the appointment of Umesh Shankar, Corporate Vice President of Data, Privacy & Security Engineering at Microsoft AI, to its Board of Advisors. This strategic move aims to significantly enhance Bugcrowd’s expertise in AI security, leveraging Shankar’s extensive background in data protection, privacy, and AI-driven security from both Microsoft and his prior 18-year tenure at Google.
SAN FRANCISCO – July 8, 2025 – Bugcrowd, a prominent force in the crowdsourced cybersecurity landscape, today revealed the addition of Umesh Shankar to its esteemed Board of Advisors. Shankar, currently the Corporate Vice President of Data, Privacy & Security Engineering at Microsoft AI, brings a wealth of experience that is expected to be instrumental in advancing Bugcrowd’s AI security capabilities and market reach.
At Microsoft AI, Shankar is responsible for ensuring that the company’s AI products uphold user trust through privacy-first engineering practices. His role is critical in navigating the complex intersection of artificial intelligence, data protection, and user privacy. Prior to his impactful tenure at Microsoft, Shankar spent over 18 years at Google, where he held pivotal positions including Distinguished Engineer and Chief Technologist for Google Cloud Security. During his time at Google, he spearheaded numerous major security and privacy initiatives, encompassing critical areas such as data protection, key management, authentication, authorization, and insider risk controls. Notably, Shankar was also a key figure in integrating generative AI-powered features into Google’s security offerings, significantly enhancing automated security management capabilities. Beyond cloud security, he contributed to the development of Google Assistant, focusing on developer tools, identity, monetization, and discovery. Academically, Shankar holds a PhD and MS in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in security and privacy, and a BA in Computer Science from Harvard University.
Umesh Shankar expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I’m inspired by Bugcrowd’s mission to help organizations proactively uncover and address vulnerabilities, strengthening cybersecurity through collaboration and innovation. I am excited to join Bugcrowd’s Board of Advisors to help contribute to its efforts as it explores new ways to harness AI, foster trust, and support organizations in addressing emerging security challenges.”
Also Read:
- Pillar Security Unveils Comprehensive SAIL Framework to Bolster AI Security Across Industries
- AWS Bolsters Cybersecurity Frameworks Amidst Generative AI Expansion
Bugcrowd emphasized that Shankar’s appointment strategically bolsters its already deep bench of cybersecurity leadership. The company stated, ‘We’re honored to welcome Umesh to our Board of Advisors; his deep expertise will be an invaluable asset.’ This collaboration underscores Bugcrowd’s commitment to advancing AI-powered crowdsourced intelligence through evolving capabilities and offerings. With the increasing adoption of AI across all sectors, Bugcrowd is poised to enhance its AI security offerings and reinforce its dedication to building a more secure digital world. The company’s platform already leverages AI-powered tools like CrowdMatch, designed to efficiently connect organizations with relevant cybersecurity expertise for tackling specific risks. This strategic move highlights the growing importance of robust security, policy, and governance measures in an increasingly AI-driven global landscape, solidifying Bugcrowd’s position as a trusted partner for organizations worldwide.
