Robert Saghafi

I am Robert Saghafi — a cybersecurity entrepreneur, executive, and strategic consultant specializing in Zero Trust architecture for autonomous systems, AI-driven platforms, and mission-critical and highly-regulated technologies. Based in Southern California, I bring 20+ years of systems engineering, cybersecurity leadership, and program management to organizations operating in highly regulated, high-threat environments across aerospace, defense, aviation, financial services, and energy sectors.

My consulting practice centers on Zero Trust program design and implementation: architecting data-centric security programs that protect high-value assets ranging from UAS/UUV command-and-control to AI model pipelines and sensitive data operations.

What I Do

Zero Trust Program Strategy & Implementation: Enterprise-wide Zero Trust programs aligned with NIST SP 800-207, CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model, and DoW's Zero Trust Strategy. Data-centric security with microsegmentation, continuous verification, and least-privilege access for autonomous systems and agentic AI platforms.

AI Security & Governance (AI TRiSM): AI security programs applying Zero Trust principles across the agentic AI lifecycle—from data provenance through autonomous model deployment. Governance frameworks for model integrity, training data verification, and AI supply chain security. Risk management programs for agentic AI systems balancing innovation with security requirements in high-stakes environments.

Data Security & Privacy Engineering Advanced data protection programs (encryption-in-use, tokenization, DLP) integrated into enterprise architectures supporting autonomous systems and agentic AI operations. Privacy by Design (PbD) and privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) meeting GDPR, CCPA, and defense requirements.

Geopolitical & Emerging Threat Intelligence State-aligned adversaries, APT activity targeting aerospace and autonomous systems, multi-domain campaigns, and conflict-driven TTPs affecting autonomous operations, agentic AI platforms, and critical infrastructure.

Autonomous & Agentic AI Defense Capabilities Self-healing security architectures, predictive analytics for autonomous threat detection, and agentic AI systems for autonomous threat response. Continuous compliance monitoring and risk sensing for autonomous platforms and AI-driven operations.

Cyber-Physical Systems & Mission Assurance Resilience programs for autonomous systems (aerial, maritime, ground robotics, agentic AI platforms) maintaining robust security posture in all environments. Mission assurance programs with graceful degradation and rapid recovery. Supply chain security for autonomous platforms and AI model pipelines.

Compliance & Standards Expertise NIST 800-207 • NIST SP 800-53/172 • DoD RMF • CMMC 2.0 • ISO 27001/27701 • ISO/IEC 42001 • EU AI Act • NIST AI RMF • FAA • ITAR/EAR

Innovation & Research

I am an inventor with patents pending in autonomous cyber defense, driving innovations in Zero Trust architectures and agentic AI-enabled security for Fortune 500 companies and defense-focused organizations.

Speaking & Thought Leadership

I deliver keynote presentations on:

• Zero Trust Architecture for Autonomous Systems & Agentic AI
• Securing Autonomous Flight & Space Operations
• Agentic AI Security & Governance
• Geopolitical Cyber Threats to Critical Infrastructure

I translate complex technical and geopolitical concepts into actionable strategies for executive and mission stakeholders.

Beyond Cybersecurity

Outside my consulting practice, I explore physics, mathematics, and emerging technologies while contributing to open-source avionics and autonomous flight projects (PX4, Raspberry Pi, Arduino autopilots).
I also enjoy flying in VR/XR environments and leveraging Southern California’s unique aerospace innovation ecosystem.

Let’s Connect

I partner with forward-thinking organizations that understand cybersecurity is not just protection—it is an enabler of innovation, trust, and mission success. If your work involves autonomous systems, agentic AI, aerospace, or high-risk operational environments, I'd welcome a conversation.

"In cybersecurity, as in aviation and space exploration, the goal isn't just to survive the journey—it's to enable others to reach destinations they never thought possible."