Mr. Arun Kumar Elengovan

Securing the New Frontier in the Age of AI Integration: Security Gaps in Model Context Protocol

Abstract:

The rise of the Model Connect Protocol (MCP) marks a pivotal shift in how large language models interact with external tools, APIs, and data systems. By enabling models to seamlessly connect with enterprise infrastructure, MCP promises powerful capabilities but it also introduces a new class of security risks that organizations cannot ignore.

This keynote explores the hidden challenges and attack surfaces created when bridging AI models and operational systems. We will examine potential vulnerabilities such as over-privileged access, prompt injection, supply chain risks, and trust boundary expansion, all of which threaten to undermine the security assurances enterprises rely on. Drawing from real-world lessons in infrastructure security and AI integration, the session highlights architectural safeguards, governance models, and monitoring strategies that can mitigate these risks without stifling innovation.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how MCP works, why its adoption is accelerating, and what steps security leaders and engineers must take today to prepare for the next generation of AI-connected systems.

Profile:

Arun Kumar Elengovan is a seasoned leader in cybersecurity and engineering security, with over fifteen years of experience shaping secure infrastructure and protecting digital ecosystems at scale. Arun Kumar Elengovan serves as the Director of Engineering Security at Okta, where he drives strategy and innovation in cryptography, AI and large language model security, and cloud native security architecture.

Arun is a Senior Member of IEEE, a Fellow of IETE, Fellow at Hackathon Raptors and a Distinguished Fellow of the Soft Computing Research Society. He is also a member of the Forbes Technology Council and a Gartner Peer Ambassador of Information Security Community, recognized for his thought leadership in building scalable, resilient security frameworks and mentoring the next generation of security professionals.

With a passion for advancing security in the era of artificial intelligence, Arun brings unique insight into bridging modern AI protocols with real world enterprise systems.