In this exclusive interview, Zafrir shares his vision for the company, insights into the biggest challenges ahead, and how Check Point is positioning itself to lead in a rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape.
Cybersecurity has never been more critical. As organizations worldwide face increasingly sophisticated threats, the industry is at a turning point — one where artificial intelligence and the rapid move to the cloud security are reshaping the way businesses defend their digital assets. Nadav Zafrir, the new CEO of Check Point Software Technologies is stepping in the shoes of founder Gil Schwed, who is stepping down after more than 30 years at the helm of the company. With a background commanding Israel’s elite Unit 8200, co-founding the cybersecurity think tank Team8, and working with numerous startups, Zafrir brings a wealth of experience to Check Point.
Q: How have your experiences at Team8 and Unit 8200 shaped your leadership style?
Zafrir: I have been in cybersecurity for almost 30 years — long before it was even called "cyber" — and I’ve seen the industry from multiple perspectives: as an attacker, a defender, and from a strategic point of view, understanding the needs of large-scale infrastructure at the national level. My time at Team8 allowed me to work closely with over 20 companies, providing valuable insights into how threats emerge and how companies are anticipating them and address them.
This experience reinforced my belief that innovation must be created at scale, and that’s precisely what we aim to do at Check Point—develop large-scale, responsible cybersecurity solutions. In today’s hyper-connected world, complexity has skyrocketed. Enterprises, individuals, and governments must find a balanced solution that ensures both security and functionality.
Q: One of your first actions as CEO was to enhance customer engagement and refine Check Point’s go-to-market strategy. What insights have you gained so far? What are clients most focused on?
Zafrir: Regardless of size, all organizations rely on the same software, making collaboration between the private sector and governments essential. Regulatory frameworks should be outcome-oriented, setting common goals while allowing the private sector to determine the best methods to achieve them. At Check Point, cybersecurity is not just a passion but a mission. Our Infinity Platform is designed to be the leading solution for protecting hybrid mesh architectures—a security framework that integrates both on-premises and cloud environments seamlessly.
Our customers and partners recognize that AI is bringing forth one of the most pivotal shifts since the advent of the internet. One of their main concerns is the asymmetry between attackers and defenders. Attackers are agile and quick to adopt new technologies, leading to new attack vectors and increasingly sophisticated threats. Enterprises are grappling with complex network infrastructures and face a crucial decision: adopt a single, all-encompassing cybersecurity solution or integrate multiple best-in-breed solutions from different vendors.
Check Point’s Infinity Platform addresses this dilemma by offering a unified, optimized solution. Many customers feel constrained by fragmented security systems, and we believe a platform-based approach is the best path forward.
Additionally, we are embracing an “open garden” approach, partnering with other leading vendors to provide best-in-class security. For example, our recent collaboration with Wiz for cloud security.
The introduction of generative AI adds another layer of complexity, as we can’t fully predict its trajectory. However, one thing remains constant: organizations must understand user intent and roles to make informed security decisions. By leveraging AI-driven operations and large language models (LLMs), we can help businesses identify threats and simplify cybersecurity, despite the inherent asymmetry between offense and defense.
Q: Check Point saw its highest growth (19%) in APAC—a contrast to many cybersecurity firms that prioritize North America. How do you view the APAC market compared to other regions? What are the biggest opportunities there?
Zafrir: APAC presents a tremendous growth opportunity—it’s a large and rapidly expanding market. While we are accelerating our efforts in APAC, we are also maintaining strong momentum in EMEA and the Americas.
Our global strategy focuses on hybrid mesh security through our core product lines—cloud security, firewalls, and email protection. The Infinity Platform remains at the center, offering security solutions that adapt to user needs, whether on-premises, at the edge, or in the cloud. As the region continues its digital transformation, demand for robust cybersecurity solutions will only intensify.
Q: What are the key growth drivers for Check Point in the coming year? How do you think political changes, such as a new U.S. administration, might impact the cybersecurity industry?
Zafrir: Change is a constant—in technology, leadership styles, and global geopolitics. This volatility means cyber threats will continue to evolve, requiring us to be more innovative and proactive.
To stay ahead, we are launching AI-driven cybersecurity research centers in Tel Aviv and New York. These hubs will help us anticipate emerging threats and shape the future of cybersecurity. The ability to see beyond what’s directly ahead—to predict what’s around the corner—is critical in our field.
Q: As cyber threats become more sophisticated, what do you see as the biggest cybersecurity challenges for businesses and governments in the next five years?
Zafrir: AI presents a double-edged sword in cybersecurity. On one hand, it enables attackers to increase their reach and sophistication at a lower cost, making cybercrime more profitable. Attackers face fewer constraints, allowing them to adopt new technologies at a rapid pace. In the short term, this will likely lead to more breaches and attacks.
However, I am optimistic that in the long run, defenders will close this gap. By leveraging AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, we can tilt the balance back in favor of enterprises and governments.
Q: How is Check Point adapting its solutions to address emerging threats, particularly in IoT and cloud security?
Zafrir: AI adoption is heavily cloud-driven, making cloud security a top priority. Our strategy is to combine best-in-class tools—such as advanced firewalls and segmentation capabilities—with strategic partnerships, like our collaboration with Wiz.
We view cloud security as an integral part of the hybrid mesh framework. Rather than treating cloud and on-premises security as separate silos, we provide a unified security approach that adapts to modern IT environments.
Q: The cybersecurity market is highly competitive, with a mix of startups and established players. What core values differentiate Check Point?
Zafrir: Transparency, honesty, and a relentless commitment to innovation. We are upfront about the current state of cybersecurity and candid about where our strengths lie.
Our philosophy is to innovate as if our lives depend on it—because, in many ways, they do. But innovation must be responsible, scalable, and open to collaboration. At the end of the day, customers come first, and to serve them best, we must work alongside other vendors in the ecosystem. Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive and effective cybersecurity solutions while maintaining an unwavering commitment to integrity and excellence.
As Check Point strengthens its research efforts and expands its partnerships, Zafrir makes it clear: the future of cybersecurity will be defined by adaptability, innovation, and a mission-driven approach to safeguarding enterprises and governments worldwide.