By Matthew Kayser
Some of the most influential voices in technology didn’t have a head start. In cybersecurity, an industry often defined by rapid change and deep specialization, there’s room for those who arrive late but think differently. When someone enters the field with purpose and a fresh perspective, they often reshape it in ways insiders can’t. That’s precisely what Vinay Adavi has done.
Adavi’s career in cybersecurity was sparked by his early exposure to the internet. Hailing from a middle-class farming family in India, he became the first in his family to earn an engineering degree with honors on a full scholarship. “I encountered the internet at age 20,” he recalls, “and that connection set me on a path I never looked back from.”
Closing the Cybersecurity Gap
Adavi saw a growing divide in the industry. “A significant cybersecurity gap exists between modern technology companies and non-technology companies like manufacturing and hospitals,” he explains. While tech giants had access to advanced defenses, sectors such as healthcare and transportation relied on legacy equipment with significant vulnerabilities.
“Standard security vendors and tools cannot effectively deploy in manufacturing and healthcare environments,” Adavi states. “Stringent change control protocols and regulations within these networks prevent rapid adoption of newer security technologies.”
For attackers, that made them the perfect target.
Building a Safer Digital Backbone
Rather than follow trends, Adavi set out to fix a fundamental problem: “Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure create profound impacts on our daily lives. We saw it in incidents like Colonial Pipeline and JBS Foods.”
Adavi co-founded Airgap Networks to build products tailored to these needs. “We committed to protecting these vital organizations,” Adavi explains. “Rather than developing another solution for tech companies, we created specialized products and services that effectively prevent ransomware attacks in critical infrastructure.”
Airgap’s technology gained attention quickly. The company won multiple Global InfoSec Awards, including Best Product in Incident Response and Cutting Edge in Zero Trust Platform. Its agentless microsegmentation became a breakthrough in protecting operations that couldn’t afford downtime or risk.
Pushing Boundaries With AI and Innovation
Adavi holds 18 granted patents, with two more pending. Each one tells a story of solving real-world security challenges. “I’m passionate about continuing my work in cybersecurity and AI,” he says. “I want to innovate and build solutions that actually make a difference in how people think about and protect their digital lives.”
At Zscaler, Adavi now leads product development that uses AI to counter increasingly AI-driven threats. He focuses on zero-trust principles and secure network architecture for high-risk sectors.
“My goal is to help create a world where security and privacy just work, without people having to worry about them.”
A Safer, More Secure Future
Adavi is not only designing solutions for the challenges of today but also planning for a resilient future. “I envision a world where everyday users feel safe online,” he says, “where the good guys stay one step ahead of the bad actors.”
Through his work at Airgap Networks and Zscaler, Adavi is actively shaping the future of cybersecurity. His story is a testament to the power of fresh ideas and a steadfast commitment to making the world a safer place for all.
You can follow Adavi’s work and insights on LinkedIn.
