Rakesh Panati's Blog

Welcome to my blog, code named “Curiosity Cauldron,” a blog where diverse perspectives blend, creating a rich stew of insights and ideas. Here, I’ll be stirring together my experiences and thoughts across a range of topics, from the intricate world of cybersecurity to the artful realms of photography and cooking.

But before we dive in, a necessary caveat: 

The opinions and thoughts shared here are solely my own and do not reflect those of my employer.

Why Start a Blog Now?

In an ever-evolving world, the power of sharing knowledge and experiences cannot be overstated. With a background in Computer Science & Engineering and a master’s in Software Systems, my journey has spanned various realms – from starting as an application developer on Mainframes to delving into the multifaceted domain of Solution Architecture, then back to Development across major programming languages. Full-stack development, managing application and database servers, managing build servers, Atlassian Products like Confluence and Bitbucket, navigating the intricacies of Akamai WAF/Botman, and a full suite of handling the identity story from Employees/Vendors/Customers – these have been more than just roles; they’ve been chapters of my continuous learning journey.

The Cybersecurity Chapter

My career pivot to cybersecurity opened new horizons. From Application and Cloud Security to Identity and Access Management (IAM), Fraud Prevention, Purple teaming exercises, I’ve immersed myself in the realms of Security Architecture & Strategy. 

What stands out in this journey is a revelation: 

The common engineering and cybersecurity challenges I’ve encountered and solved were often intertwined with larger corporate strategies.

The first of such example was an instance where, I faced a performance issue with a database table containing millions of records. After consulting with an experienced architect, we shifted our focus from technical fixes like optimizing indexes to a business-centric approach. This strategic perspective led to a minor operational model adjustment, eliminating the need for the table and saving significant time and resources.

A Different Kind of Blog

Here at “Curiosity Cauldron,” I don’t intend to reinvent the wheel or offer groundbreaking solutions. Instead, I aim to present perspectives that encourage thinking from both top-down and bottom-up approaches. It’s about viewing the tapestry of technology and strategy from different angles, understanding that each thread is part of a larger pattern.

Beyond the Binary World

But there’s more to life than bytes and bits. My creative outlets – photography and cooking – are integral parts of who I am. They are my expressions beyond the digital world. I look forward to sharing not just the recipes and compositions but the stories they weave and the joy they bring.

So, whether you’re here for a fresh perspective on cybersecurity, a glimpse into the art of coding, a taste of culinary creativity, or a snapshot of life captured through a lens, “Curiosity Cauldron” welcomes you. Let’s embark on this journey of exploration and discovery together.