Distinguished Speaker Seminar Series: Prachi Singh
Please see details below for our Seminar Series talk this term in collaboration with OxTechWeek, presented by Prachi Singh!
Title: Security Implications of using AI for Software Development
Abstract: The rapid adoption of AI-assisted coding tools is transforming how software is built. From code completion engines to autonomous coding agents, developers increasingly rely on large language models (LLMs) to generate, review, and refactor code at scale. However, this shift introduces a new and underexplored attack surface with serious security consequences.
This talk examines the security implications of integrating AI into the software development pipeline. We explore how LLMs can inadvertently introduce vulnerabilities in Design, Development and Testing Phases of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) by confidently generated but subtly incorrect code. We also consider the systemic risks that emerge when AI-generated code propagates unchecked across large codebases and supply chains.
Finally, we reflect on defensive strategies including how software developers must engineer prompts efficiently, how development teams can adopt AI tooling responsibly, and how security engineering practices must evolve to keep pace with AI-assisted development. The talk draws on real-world examples and current research to offer a grounded perspective on navigating the opportunities and risks of AI in the SDLC.
Bio: Prachi Singh is a Senior Software Engineer at Apple, where she has worked for 7 years within the iCloud Platform, focusing on the security and privacy of data for millions of iCloud users worldwide. She is a key contributor to the iCloud Customer Data Protection platform - that underpins the security of iCloud services- helping architect the security foundations of iCloud services through work in secure key management and large-scale privacy-preserving system design.
While working at Apple, Prachi completed an MSc in Software and Systems Security from the University of Oxford in 2025, deepening her expertise in cryptographic systems, secure software engineering, and data protection. She also holds the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) certification in Data Privacy and Systems Security.
Prachi earned her BTech and MTech degrees in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in 2019, where she developed a strong foundation in computing principles, software engineering, and hands-on programming through rigorous technical training.
📍Talk: 5:30pm, Computer Science Building, Room 051
🍽 Pizza Dinner: From 6.30pm
By signing up to this event you agree to share your details with the OxTechWeek team. This event is part of Ox Tech Week (26-29 May 2026) - a citywide celebration of technology and innovation in Oxford, UK. If you would like to already receive occasional updates about OxTechWeek subscribe here. Please note that by signing up to this event you acknowledge that it is organised separately from the OTW team and falls solely under the responsibility and liability of the partner organisation.