Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/500300

The San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the IEEE Computer Society invites to our free and open Virtual Tech Talks (no IEEE membership required): First Speaker: Rakesh Keshava ((https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakeshkeshava/&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1758000100316663&usg=AOvVaw0LIL5eCByYTRedaw9gSHS_)) Title: Managing Secrets at Scale in Traditional Enterprise, Cloud, and AI Systems Abstract: In modern architectures spanning enterprise data centers, multi-cloud platforms, and AI workloads, secret management is both a security and engineering priority. This session examines patterns for securing API keys, tokens, and encryption keys at scale, including automated rotation, policy-driven access, and zero-trust integration. We will discuss reference architectures and tooling choices that ensure secrets remain protected without slowing down development or deployment velocity. Bio: Rakesh Keshava is a Senior Member of IEEE and a Software Architect, Security at Okta Inc., specializing in identity, access management, cryptography, and AI-driven security solutions. He has over 17 years of experience designing and delivering secure cloud architectures for global enterprises. Rakesh is the named inventor on three U.S. patents, cited more than 200 times by major technology companies, with innovations spanning identity-centric encryption, automated key lifecycle management, and scalable policy enforcement frameworks. He actively contributes to scholarly work as a reviewer for Elsevier journals and IEEE conferences, and participates in technical program committees worldwide. Rakesh mentors professionals in the security community and collaborates on initiatives aimed at advancing cybersecurity practices. His current interests include post-quantum cryptography, AI-enhanced identity systems, and the integration of advanced security models into modern cloud-native environments. Driven by innovation and a commitment to secure digital ecosystems, he continues to shape solutions that address emerging security challenges. Second Speaker: Ranjan Sinha ((https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinharanjan/&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1758000100316663&usg=AOvVaw0lQ8IZgmX3Sgs6g2EVdvKp)) Title: Natural Language Interaction Protocol: A Universal Application-Level Protocol for the Age of Generative AI Abstract: The advent of Large Language Models (LLMs) has made an interactive natural language interaction feasible between machines in a manner that did not exist before. An implication is that a natural language interface can replace many mobile applications that are used today. Just like the advent of the browser in 1990s simplified technology by replacing a plethora of client-side applications with a single standard application, a common natural language interaction protocol can potentially replace the plethora of mobile applications that exists today, providing a universal application layer protocol. Convergence to a universal application layer protocol would bring significant benefits to all segments of society – consumers can use a single application for various interactions, businesses will have a simpler maintenance burden for their IT infrastructure, and integration among different businesses can be streamlined. Bio: Ranjan Sinha is an IBM Fellow and CTO for watsonx in IBM Research AI. He works at the intersection of Technology, Research, Product, and Enterprise-scale use cases in AI. He is involved in cutting-edge initiatives in Data and AI and is on the front lines of transforming IBM itself into an AI Enterprise by infusing AI into real-world applications and helping IBM's clients navigate their data and AI journeys. From 2016–2023, he built IBM’s Cognitive Enterprise Data Platform, the backbone of IBM’s AI-driven transformation. He is passionate about promoting wellness, safety and empowerment of vulnerable groups, and an advocate for social and global issues. Speaker(s): Rakesh Keshava, Ranjan Sinha Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/500300