Check Point Software Technologies
Israeli cybersecurity company founded by Unit 8200 veterans, inventor of the modern firewall, protecting over 100,000 organisations worldwide
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Material Risk Framing
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Cybersecurity products used by government and enterprise customers globally; new CEO's IDF Cyber Command background may create concerns for some clients
NASDAQ-listed (CHKP) with multi-billion dollar market cap; founder Gil Shwed's $4.4B+ net worth tied to company performance
Unit 8200 origins well-documented; new CEO Nadav Zafrir was Commander of Unit 8200, deepening military intelligence connections
100,000+ customer organisations globally; enterprise switching costs provide some insulation but alternatives exist
Product Alternatives
Ethical replacements tagged by what matters to you: cost, quality, ethics, sustainability, or local sourcing. Make the switch today.
Enterprise Firewall & Network Security
Alternatives to Check Point firewall and security products
Comparison Legend
Strategic Analysis
In-depth assessment of the company's position, vulnerabilities, and recommended approaches for effective engagement.
High severity, lower vulnerability — requires long-term divestment pressure
Learn about our methodology — companies are categorised based on severity (harm potential) vs strategic vulnerability (campaign leverage).
Why do these scores change?
Unlike static boycott lists, our targeting model is dynamic. This company's position on the matrix is re-evaluated continually as we verify new contracts, divestments, or policy changes. Your reporting directly impacts this score.
Check Point Software Technologies represents the archetypal Israeli cybersecurity company - founded by Unit 8200 veterans who developed core technology during military service and commercialised it for global markets. Gil Shwed conceived stateful inspection (the modern firewall) while securing classified networks in Unit 8200. The December 2024 appointment of Nadav Zafrir as CEO deepens military intelligence ties: Zafrir founded the IDF Cyber Command and commanded Unit 8200 as a Brigadier General. With 100,000+ customer organisations, Check Point is deeply embedded in global enterprise security infrastructure.
Key Leverage Points
- Unit 8200 Leadership: Both founder (Shwed) and new CEO (Zafrir) are Unit 8200 veterans, with Zafrir commanding the unit
- Enterprise Customer Base: 100,000+ organisations creates broad pressure surface across industries
- Competitor Availability: Strong alternatives exist from Fortinet, Cisco, and CrowdStrike, enabling enterprise migration
- Public Company: NASDAQ listing enables shareholder engagement and ESG investor pressure
Evidence Summary
Corporate Watch provides detailed documentation of Check Point's Unit 8200 origins, founder backgrounds, and the technology-transfer pipeline from Israeli military intelligence to commercial cybersecurity. The company has never hidden these connections - Shwed openly discusses developing firewall technology during IDF service. The December 2024 CEO transition to Zafrir, who literally commanded Unit 8200, makes the military connection even more explicit than with most Israeli tech companies.
Engagement Strategy
Target enterprise IT and security procurement decisions by highlighting Unit 8200 origins and leadership ties to Israeli military intelligence. Emphasise that viable alternatives exist from US-headquartered companies like Fortinet and CrowdStrike. Engage institutional investors on ESG implications of military intelligence-founded company. Support technology workers advocating for ethical sourcing policies within their organisations. Document specific concerns about data security implications of systems from intelligence agency alumni for sensitive sectors.
Evidence & Sources
Verified sources including NGO reports, regulatory filings, and primary documents. Use these to substantiate your correspondence.
Turkish lawmakers condemn government use of Israeli cybersecurity company; Defence Ministry confirms military units stopped using Check Point in 2016
Open sourceTotal revenue $2.57 billion (up 6.2%), EMEA revenue $1.12 billion; company acknowledges BDS as business risk in annual report
Open sourceGil Shwed becomes Executive Chairman; former Unit 8200 Commander Nadav Zafrir appointed CEO
Open sourceCompany plans to hire 500 employees in Israel, a 25% increase to R&D workforce, to staff AI centre and develop new security products
Open sourceForbes lists Shwed net worth at $4.38 billion, ranked 9th wealthiest in Israel
Open sourceDetailed analysis of Check Point's Unit 8200 origins and founder backgrounds in Israeli military intelligence
Open sourceCheck Point partners with Israel Aerospace Industries and Ministry of Economy to provide cybersecurity solutions for commercial aviation
Open sourceCheck Point implements Israel's official Cyber Defense Methodology into products; government invites other companies to follow
Open sourceUpdates & Milestones
- Turkey Political Controversy
Turkish lawmakers question national security implications of using Israeli cybersecurity company; Defence Ministry confirms military stopped using Check Point in 2016
- Leadership Change
Nadav Zafrir (former Unit 8200 Commander, founder of IDF Cyber Command) becomes CEO; Gil Shwed becomes Executive Chairman
- Major Israel Hiring
Announces plan to hire 500 employees in Israel, 25% increase to R&D workforce for AI centre
- IAC3 Aviation Consortium
Launches aviation cybersecurity consortium with IAI, Ministry of Economy, and El Al to protect airports, airlines, and aircraft
- Israel Prize Awarded
Gil Shwed receives first-ever Israel Prize for Technology and Innovation during Israel's 70th anniversary
- IC3 Government Consortium
Partners with Israel Aerospace Industries and Ministry of Economy to form IC3 consortium for national-level cyber solutions
- Co-Founder Departure
Shlomo Kramer leaves Check Point; later invests in cybersecurity startups
- NASDAQ IPO
Goes public on NASDAQ stock exchange
- FireWall-1 Launch
Launches first stateful inspection firewall, technology developed during Shwed's Unit 8200 service
- Company Founded
Established by Gil Shwed, Marius Nacht, and Shlomo Kramer, Unit 8200 veterans