Security Eng & Data Science – for achieving Cyber Security Research Scientist of The Year – Information Technology

Awarded by Bizox Media Network as Global Technology Leaders Awards 2024

Gaurav Puri has established himself as a distinguished expert in data science and AI/ML over the past decade, with an illustrious career marked by significant contributions to some of the world’s leading tech companies.

At Meta, Gaurav made substantial strides in addressing core integrity issues such as spam, phishing, inauthentic behavior, and impersonation. He spearheaded multiple risk initiatives for Facebook and Instagram, showcasing his ability to safeguard and enhance the platforms’ trust and safety, particularly during critical periods like elections. Additionally, Gaurav played a pivotal role in building secure products using advanced cybersecurity measures, ensuring robust protection against evolving threats.

His tenure at Netflix was equally impactful, where he developed advanced NLP models to analyze user behavior. These innovations not only reduced customer support operating expenses but also improved Net Promoter Scores and provided crucial product feedback, thereby enriching the user experience.

Gaurav’s work at Intuit was groundbreaking, as he developed the first credit risk model using the company’s proprietary data. This model empowered small businesses with precise credit assessments, facilitating access to much-needed capital. By enabling lending to small businesses, Gaurav played a crucial role in empowering their prosperity, fostering growth and stability in this vital sector. Additionally, his comprehensive fraud risk framework for QuickBooks Capital significantly bolstered fraud detection and prevention strategies.

At PayPal, Gaurav’s innovative approach led to the creation of a model to proxy FICO scores, reducing dependence on traditional credit bureaus. He also built a global credit score using PayPal’s internal data and developed multiple fraud detection ML models, greatly enhancing financial inclusion and security. As a leader in Fraud Risk Management, he played a pivotal role in the launch of PayPal Credit in the EMEA region. Gaurav also spearheaded a pioneering project that focused on creating novel browser-based fingerprinting technology. This innovative approach utilized behavioral features to detect fraud, significantly enhancing the platform’s ability to protect users and prevent fraudulent activities. Gaurav’s work in this area was instrumental in advancing fraud detection capabilities, contributing to a safer and more secure online environment for PayPal users.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Gaurav actively contributes to the broader tech community. He mentors at Pratham AI, India’s largest NGO in the education sector, judges AI/ML hackathons and the Globee Technology Awards, reviews papers for IEEE conferences, and evaluates AI/ML/security books. Additionally, he serves as an ambassador for AI Frontier Network and an advisor for the Software Safety Standards Panel.

Gaurav’s educational background is equally impressive. He holds an M.S. in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology, an M.S. in Operations Research from Columbia University, and a B.E. (Hons.) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani. These academic achievements have provided a solid foundation for his groundbreaking work in AI/ML and cybersecurity.

Throughout his career, Gaurav has consistently pushed the boundaries of AI/ML applications to solve critical business and societal challenges. His innovative solutions have not only advanced technology but also fostered financial inclusion, small business growth, and online security. His influence and impact on the community are profound, as he continues to drive innovation and excellence in the field. Gaurav’s dedication to mentoring and contributing to organizations like Pratham AI highlights his commitment to giving back and empowering the next generation of tech leaders. As he continues to break new ground, Gaurav remains a pivotal figure in the ever-evolving landscape of AI and cybersecurity.

Mr. Gaurav Puri : www.linkedin.com/in/gauravpuri19