Avesta Hojjati

VP, Research & Development at DigiCert, Inc.

Avesta Hojjati is the Vice President of Engineering at DigiCert, Inc., where he leads the development of advanced cybersecurity products, including solutions for embedded/IoT device security and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) .1 2 He has a strong academic background, having earned both his Master's and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, along with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Texas Tech University .2 5

Professional Background

Before joining DigiCert, Hojjati held significant roles at major technology companies such as Symantec and Yahoo, and he was also the founder and CEO of Security7 Inc., a penetration testing firm .2 3 His expertise encompasses applied cryptography, security for IoT devices, and addressing vulnerabilities in various systems, including medical devices and industrial equipment .2 4

Contributions and Achievements

Hojjati is recognized for his research contributions, having authored over 20 journal and conference papers and holding around 30 U.S. patents related to cybersecurity technologies .1 2 His work has focused on critical areas such as crypto agility and preparing organizations for the challenges posed by quantum computing .1 5 Notably, he has been involved in initiatives like World Quantum Readiness Day, aimed at raising awareness about the need for robust security infrastructures in light of emerging quantum technologies .1

Current Focus

In his role at DigiCert, Hojjati is also instrumental in shaping the company's product roadmap and M&A strategy while overseeing innovative projects that enhance digital trust for organizations globally .1 2 His leadership has contributed to significant milestones for DigiCert, including record patent filings and strategic partnerships with major companies like Oracle Cloud Infrastructure .1

Through his extensive experience and research, Avesta Hojjati continues to be a prominent figure in the field of cybersecurity, advocating for advancements that secure digital interactions across various sectors.