Salesforce Security CTO Elgamal Elected to National Academy of Engineering, Joins Ranks with Benioff, Berson

Dr. Taher Elgamal, Chief Technology Officer of Security, Salesforce, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Recognized for his contributions to cryptography, ecommerce, and protocols for secure internet transactions, Elgamal joins Marc Benioff and Dr. Thomas Berson as Salesforce’s third NAE member. 

The NAE will formally induct members of its newly elected class, including Elon Musk and Satya Nadella, during the organization’s annual meeting on October 2, 2022.

Why it’s important: Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions for engineers. Academy membership recognizes pioneers in computer and traditional engineering, including innovative approaches to education and training. 

Known as the “Father of SSL,”  Elgamal is a cybersecurity trailblazer best known for laying the groundwork for how networked computers securely communicate today. Prior to his role at Salesforce, Elgamal was the founder and CEO of Securify and the director of engineering at RSA Security. He is also the inventor of the Elgamal Digital Signature scheme, which is the basis for Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA). 

What they’re saying: “I’m honored to be a part of this group of engineers who have made such an indelible impact on our industry and the world,” said Elgamal. “Every problem has a solution. Members of the NAE are the driving force behind many of those solutions, making strides in everything from health monitoring to sustainable energy, ultimately bridging the gap between technology and trust.”

The Salesforce perspective: “This is a big deal,” said Vikram Rao, Chief Trust Officer, Salesforce. “Not only does this honor Taher and his impact on the industry, it also showcases the engineering fortitude we have leading our engineering and security teams at Salesforce. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with Taher for several years, and his dedication, industry knowledge, and innovative approach are what make Taher an incredible colleague and mentor.” 

The big picture: Founded in 1964, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is a private, independent, nonprofit institution supporting engineering leadership. Made up of about 2500 members across all engineering disciplines, the NAE is on a mission to advance the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent advice on matters concerning engineering and technology. 

Electing new NAE members is a yearlong process, with the call for nominations beginning in February, and the final vote for membership culminating the following January. In this round, the NAE elected 111 new members and 22 international members. 

Explore further: Click here for more on Elgamal’s role at Salesforce and contributions to engineering and cryptography.