Israeli cybersecurity giant Check Point has announced the purchase of Cyberint, a company specializing in external risk assessment and management. The acquisition comes just a month after the appointment of Check Point’s new CEO, Nadav Tzafir. This deal, valued at approximately $200 million, underscores the increasing importance of cybersecurity in a landscape where extortion and ransomware attacks are becoming more prevalent.

Cyberint, founded in 2010, has been at the forefront of identifying and mitigating external threats. These threats often come in the form of cyber gangs that seek to gather sensitive information about companies, with the aim of using this data for blackmail or unauthorized disclosure. Cyberint’s tools are designed to track and neutralize malicious activities, such as the creation of fraudulent websites that impersonate legitimate companies, the exploitation of social media accounts, and the exposure of sensitive data.

This acquisition is notable not only for its timing but also for the solid return on investment it represents. Cyberint had raised about $65 million in funding from various investors, including the Viola Fund, private investors like Dov Beharev, former CEO of Amdocs, and Mario Segal. Despite the departure of its original founders – Raz Alon, Shay Friel, and Iti Yanovsky—Cyberint has continued to thrive under the leadership of Yohai Korem, a former vice president at the cyber company Cye.

The deal, which was executed entirely in cash, will enhance Check Point’s ability to offer comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. By incorporating Cyberint’s capabilities, Check Point aims to provide a more robust defense against cyber threats, particularly those involving external risk factors. This acquisition aligns with a broader trend in the cybersecurity industry, where major players are either developing in-house solutions or acquiring companies with specialized expertise.

Cyberint’s transition from a service provider to a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company has been a key factor in its success. This strategic shift, led by CEO Yohai Korem and supported by prominent board members like Eyal Sheeran and Harel Beit-On of the Viola Growth Foundation, has positioned Cyberint as a valuable asset in the cybersecurity market.

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