Israel is a global leader in cybersecurity, with cutting-edge technologies and digital defense strategies that are unmatched. This sector has been growing for many years, driven both by the increasing threats in cyberspace and the strategic importance Israel places on protecting its vital infrastructure. Leading companies such as Check Point Software, CyberArk, and NSO Group have helped the country expand its capabilities.
Israel has always been a pioneer in defense technologies, and cybersecurity is an integral part of this. The Cyber Defense unit, a branch of the Israeli military, is one of the key players in protecting critical infrastructures, not only for Israel but also for many businesses and governments around the world.
The company Check Point, for example, offers security solutions to protect networks, endpoints, applications, and data. CyberArk, on the other hand, specializes in privileged access management and identity protection in an increasingly digital world.
"Israel is a central player in cybersecurity. We have faced threats since the early days of our state, which has forged a culture of innovation in digital security. Today, this expertise is exported worldwide, allowing us to influence global cybersecurity," says Gidi Farkash, a cybersecurity expert and founder of Cato Networks.
The country has faced several high-profile cyberattacks in recent years, including attacks by state actors and cybercriminal groups. One of the most publicized examples is the Stuxnet attack, a computer virus used to target Iranian nuclear facilities, which was attributed to Israeli and American actors.
Although these attacks remain a constant threat, they have also allowed Israel to strengthen its digital defense capabilities.
"Cybersecurity is not just about defending information systems. It's a national security issue. Israel understood early on that digital warfare is a reality and set up infrastructures and strategies to counter it effectively," says Micky Zohar, former director of cybersecurity at the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
Israel places a strong emphasis on training and education in cybersecurity. The country trains thousands of professionals each year through academic programs, startup incubators, and partnerships with private sector companies. Israeli institutions, such as Tel Aviv University and the Technion, are leading research centers in cybersecurity.
Israeli military programs also play an important role in training young talent. The Israeli military's Unit 8200, which specializes in signal intelligence and cyberattacks, is one of the primary sources of talent in the cybersecurity field.
What future for cybersecurity in Israel?
The future of cybersecurity in Israel depends on continuous innovation and adaptation to new digital threats. The country is investing heavily in research and development to anticipate future threats, especially regarding artificial intelligence and AI-based attacks, as well as emerging technologies such as blockchains and smart contracts.
Israel is well-positioned to play a central role in global digital security while exporting its technological solutions and expertise to help defend nations against the growing threats in cyberspace.
Caroline Haïat
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