Turning AI Against Itself

As a Senior Software Engineer on the Human Security Products team, Vishnu works on the cutting edge of AI-powered security. "I lead the development of two key offerings at Abnormal: AI Phishing Coach and ELMS (Email-Like Messaging Security). In this role, I design the architecture, build foundational code, and collaborate with the product team on roadmaps and design partnerships to drive innovation and impact."

AI Phishing Coach represents the kind of sophisticated challenge that draws engineers to Abnormal. "We simulate real-world phishing attacks to help organizations strengthen their defenses. AI plays a key role in intelligently selecting the right emails to send by analyzing factors like user persona and dynamically generating context-aware content."

The technical elegance is in the details: without AI, these simulations would rely on rigid rules, making them far less effective. Instead, Abnormal's platform adapts, learns, and evolves just like real attackers do.

Speed Through Intelligence

Vishnu has witnessed firsthand how AI transforms development velocity. "We've leveraged AI extensively to build internal tooling, enabling us to launch a fully functional internal app in production within a day, something that would have otherwise taken at least a week."

But he's thoughtful about implementation: "AI is evolving rapidly, covering many use cases that once required custom-built solutions. Even when off-the-shelf tools aren't a perfect fit, AI can still be leveraged to accelerate custom development." The key is responsible usage: "In a professional setting, it's crucial to use AI responsibly, configuring it properly to ensure data confidentiality and security."

Building a Startup Within Abnormal

For Vishnu, the most meaningful project has been building the Human Security Products team from the ground up. "HSP has been pivotal in shaping how we work, and I see it as a startup within Abnormal. I still remember my conversation with Edwin about building this team and feeling overwhelmed by the trust he placed in me to take on this new venture."

The team's growth tells the story: "In the early days, it was just the two of us in standups, discussing progress. Today, as we've grown from 2 to 9 people, it feels incredible to look back at how much we've built and achieved. Yet, despite the growth, it still carries that same day-one excitement, making every milestone even more special."

This entrepreneurial approach reflects Abnormal's broader transformation: "Whether it's educating users through the AI Phishing Coach or protecting them from malicious messages in workplace instant messaging apps like Microsoft Teams, these initiatives mark a significant shift for Abnormal, from being an email security company to a leader in AI-driven cybersecurity."

Experimentation as Culture

Abnormal's engineering culture encourages bold experimentation. "The engineering team fosters a culture of experimentation by encouraging rapid prototyping, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration across teams. We regularly explore new technologies through proof-of-concept projects, evaluate their impact, and iterate based on real-world performance."

This freedom extends to individual growth: "Engineers have the autonomy to propose and test innovative ideas, ensuring that we stay ahead of emerging threats and continuously improve our security solutions." Vishnu thrives in this environment because it mirrors his personal approach: "I love Abnormal's culture of innovation and experimentation. Engineers have the freedom to pitch ideas to leadership, where they are always heard, valued, and, when impactful, brought to life."

The Perfect Balance

What keeps Vishnu at Abnormal is the unique combination of startup agility and enterprise stability: "I stay at Abnormal because it strikes the perfect balance between a startup and a corporate environment, taking the best from both worlds. From a startup, it embraces a strong ownership mindset and high velocity, allowing engineers to move fast and make a real impact. At the same time, it adopts the structure and stability of a well-run corporation, ensuring clarity in direction and support for growth."

His advice for potential joiners reflects this balance: "Abnormal truly embodies its VOICE (Velocity, Ownership, Intellectual Honesty, Customer Obsession, Excellence) values, and the best way to thrive here is to fully embrace them. Act like an owner, nothing is ever perfect, and if you see something that can be improved, speak up, take initiative, and drive change."

Curious about the future of modern engineering with AI? We are too. Check out our open roles.