Meet Lukas Šalkauskas, Senior Software Developer at Tromzo

Welcome to Tromzo’s Employee Spotlight Series. Discover the unique talents and diverse backgrounds of our team members. In our third edition, we’re thrilled to feature Lukas Šalkauskas, Senior Software Developer at Tromzo.

Tell us a bit more about yourself and what you were doing before joining Tromzo. 

I’m Lukas Šalkauskas, originating from Vilnius, the heart of Lithuania, where I was born and raised.

Prior to joining Tromzo, I spent many years honing my skills in diverse technological areas such as anti-piracy, secure authentication, process automation, gaming, high-performance computing, and starting my own startups/consulting others in the tech space. Although I have been principally engaged with back-end development, my versatility as a full-stack developer has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of software development. Constantly in the pursuit of knowledge, I’ve been able to stay on the cutting edge of technological innovations.

Outside of work, I enjoy activities such as playing with artificial intelligence, reading, listening to music, sports, hiking, travel, collecting wristwatches and engaging in the art of capturing/processing celestial bodies and phenomena through astrophotography.

What’s a fun act about Lithuania that few people know? 

One fascinating fact about Lithuania, which is often overlooked, is its superior internet connectivity. Lithuania boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, a testament to the country’s commitment to digital advancement. Even more impressive is that this high-speed connectivity is available at highly competitive rates, making it accessible to many.

At what age did you know you wanted to become a developer? 

The allure of coding captured my attention at the tender age of 7 when I wrote my first lines of code, rewriting them from the pascal book. My fascination only deepened with time and by the age of 14, I had ventured into freelancing. It was at this juncture, I affirmed my career trajectory towards becoming a software engineer. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to deepen my knowledge and skill-set in this rapidly evolving field.

What excites you about your work at Tromzo? 

At Tromzo, the most invigorating aspect is the pervasive culture of innovation that saturates every sphere of our work. However, the emphasis isn’t solely on forging technologically advanced solutions; it also rests upon building a cooperative ecosystem where developers and security teams work together seamlessly. This synergy creates the foundation for a more secure and efficient workflow, a critical element in today’s complex digital landscape. Part of what drives this culture is our shared commitment to helping people — whether it’s our clients, our partners, or our colleagues. We view every problem as an opportunity to move the ball forward, to advance our collective knowledge, and to cultivate solutions that make a meaningful difference in the world. In this environment, we are not only technologists but also stewards of change, driven by the objective of creating a safer, more connected, and more efficient world through our innovative endeavors. This commitment to progress — to help, to learn, to innovate — is what fuels our relentless pursuit of excellence at Tromzo.

What advice would you have for someone just getting into AppSec today?

Stepping into the world of Application Security requires a robust foundation in coding and a profound understanding of security principles. It’s important to gain practical experience, both to develop your technical skills and to understand the real-world implications of security vulnerabilities. Keeping abreast with the latest trends, threats, and best practices in the field is also crucial. Yet, beyond technical know-how, developing a ‘security-first’ mindset is invaluable. Think like an attacker, anticipate potential vulnerabilities, and strategize on protection mechanisms. This approach will empower you to safeguard applications effectively.