Latest news with #CheckPointSoftware
CNBC
5 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Messing: Pro-Iranian groups target U.S. from small businesses to critical infrastructure
Gil Messing, Chief of Staff at Check Point Software, warns of rising Iranian cyberattacks targeting US networks and employees. He urges vigilance, software updates, and strong employee awareness.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
CMO And CISO: The Strategic Alliance Every B2B Tech Company Needs
Shashi Kiran is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Check Point Software, with prior executive roles at companies like Cisco and Broadcom. I recently participated in a CMO-CISO panel that explored these two roles. The discussion was healthy, and I was pleasantly surprised at the questions from the audience to both roles. As I shared some insights with members of my team, it made sense to capture some of these thoughts in an article for broader consumption. In general, the article reflects some of my own observations in roles that I've held over the past few years. Let's start with the obvious. In the fast-evolving world of B2B technology, roles in the C-suite are blurring. Among the most interesting of these convergences is the increasingly intertwined relationship between the chief marketing officer (CMO) and the chief information security officer (CISO). What used to be two very distinct domains—one driving growth, the other defending infrastructure—are now deeply linked. Today, both roles sit at the nexus of digital transformation, customer experience, data trust and corporate reputation. And in B2B tech, where deals are large, cycles are long and relationships are sacred, that partnership is no longer optional—it's strategic. B2B Marketing Is Now A Data Business For B2B marketers, storytelling has gone digital. Buying journeys unfold across multiple touchpoints—webinars, white papers, email campaigns, ABM platforms and more—all of which collect vast amounts of data. Whether it's firmographic enrichment, behavioral scoring or personalized content delivery, modern B2B marketing runs on data. And this data isn't just internal anymore. It often comes from integrations with third-party tools, shared CRM systems, intent providers or cookie-based ad platforms. That means exposure. That means risk. And increasingly, that means marketers must have a seat at the table in security conversations—not as bystanders, but as data owners. Cybersecurity Is A Revenue Issue On the flip side, the CISO's role in B2B tech has expanded from securing endpoints to protecting the entire digital business—including the customer-facing side. In a world where vendors are scrutinized not just on capabilities but on how they handle customer data, security is no longer a back-office function. It's a critical pillar in the sales process. One security questionnaire mishandled, one subpar response in an RFP or one breach in the news, and a multimillion-dollar deal could evaporate. Trust is a currency in B2B tech. And CISOs now help protect it at every stage—from pre-sales diligence to onboarding to ongoing customer success. Why CMOs And CISOs Must Collaborate B2B tech companies thrive on long-term relationships, not one-off transactions. This makes the alignment between marketing and security even more crucial. The blurred boundaries between marketing and security mean these two leaders must work together like never before. Here's why: Shared responsibility for customer trust: Both roles are now on the front lines of protecting (and enhancing) trust—marketing through messaging and engagement, security through privacy and protection. Joint ownership of the digital experience: Every new app, web form, personalization tool or data-driven initiative must be both engaging and secure. That requires marketing and security to co-design digital experiences, not work in silos. Regulatory and reputational alignment: CMOs need to understand the security implications of their data usage. CISOs need to understand the business impact of risk. Together, they can build strategies that are both innovative and compliant. Speed with safety: Marketing moves fast—campaigns launch overnight, trends shift in days. Security, traditionally slower and more methodical, must adapt to support this speed without compromising protection. That requires true partnership. Making The Partnership Work For B2B tech companies looking to foster tighter alignment between CMO and CISO, here's where to start: Speak each other's language: CMOs should gain a working knowledge of cybersecurity fundamentals, while CISOs should appreciate the urgency and agility of modern marketing. Embed security early in go-to-market initiatives: Don't bolt security on after the fact. Bring the CISO in at the planning stage of new campaigns, platforms or tools. Create shared dashboards: Jointly monitor metrics that matter—from lead quality to consent rates to customer data access audits. Make trust measurable. Build a culture of co-ownership: Encourage teams to work cross-functionally. Let marketers learn basic infosec hygiene. Let security teams understand martech architectures and lead scoring models. Tell the trust story—together: Marketing should celebrate security as a differentiator, not just a checkbox. CISOs should partner with marketing to craft narratives that showcase the company's commitment to privacy, governance and resilience. Foster a culture of collaboration: Cross-functional teams, joint workshops and shared road maps can help dissolve organizational barriers and align objectives. Final Thought: Building Secure Brands Takes Two To Tango In many ways, the CMO and the CISO are the new power couple of the digital age. One builds brand love, the other protects it. One generates data, the other safeguards it. Both are now stewards of customer trust—and that's the ultimate strategic asset. Admittedly, in many organizations the CISO and CIO roles are conjoined, but the matter outlined here still applies, and forward thinking CIOs partnering with marketing can drive substantial differentiation, as I've experienced firsthand. So if your marketing and security teams still operate in parallel, it's time to change the game. The future belongs to organizations where creativity and security work hand in hand—because in the end, nothing builds a brand like trust, and nothing erodes it faster than a breach. Forbes Communications Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's Why Check Point Software (CHKP) is a Strong Growth Stock
Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors alike. Achieving those goals is made easier with the Zacks Style Scores, a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on popular investing methodologies, namely value, growth, and momentum. The Style Scores can help you narrow down which stocks are better for your portfolio and which ones can beat the market over the long-term. For growth investors, a company's financial strength, overall health, and future outlook take precedence, so they'll want to zero in on the Growth Style Score. This Score examines things like projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will generate sustainable growth over time. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. has evolved into a well-known provider of information technology (IT) security solutions across the world. In 2024, Check Point reported revenues of $2.56 billion. CHKP boasts a Growth Style Score of A and VGM Score of B, and holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating. Its bottom-line is projected to rise 8.2% year-over-year for 2025, while Wall Street anticipates its top line to improve by 5.7%. Six analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2025, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0 to $9.91 per share. CHKP also boasts an average earnings surprise of 0.7%. Check Point Software is also cash rich. The company has generated cash flow growth of 2.7%, and is expected to report cash flow expansion of 7% in 2025. With solid fundamentals, a good Zacks Rank, and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, CHKP should be on investors' short lists. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (CHKP) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
09-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
CrowdStrike Stock Rises 52% in 3 Months: Time to Hold or Book Profits?
CrowdStrike Holdings CRWD shares have soared 51.7% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Security industry's 23.5% growth. The stock has also exceeded the returns of other industry peers, including CyberArk Software CYBR, Palo Alto Networks PANW and Check Point Software CHKP. In the past three months, shares of CyberArk, Palo Alto Networks and Check Point Software have gained 29.1%, 14.8% and 3.6%, respectively. CrowdStrike has been benefiting from strong enterprise demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-native cybersecurity solutions, platform consolidation, and rapid adoption of its Falcon Flex model, as organizations modernize security operations in an increasingly AI-driven threat landscape. However, the stock's sharp rise in the past three months raises the question: Does the stock still have upside potential left and is it worth holding or is it time to book profits? Let's see. 3 Month Price Return Performance AI Integration Helps CRWD Scale Subscription Revenues CrowdStrike's subscription business model is driving its overall top-line performance. The company's quarterly revenues crossed the $1 billion mark for the third consecutive time during the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and marked a year-over-year improvement of nearly 21%. was partly achieved due to the Falcon Flex Subscription Model, which allows customers to commit upfront and later choose modules, eliminating procurement friction. CrowdStrike's subscription customers, who adopted six or more cloud modules, represented 48% of the total subscription customers at the end of the first quarter. Those with seven or more cloud modules accounted for 32%, and those with eight or more cloud modules represented 22% as of April 30, 2025. CRWD's Falcon platform is gaining popularity as an 'AI-native SOC,' with strong adoption in Charlotte AI Agentic Detection Triage, Workflows and Response. CrowdStrike is partnering with other AI companies to expand its capabilities. CrowdStrike integrated its Falcon cybersecurity platform into NVIDIA's Enterprise AI Factory to enable enterprises to secure their AI systems, covering data ingestion, model training, and deployment. The company also collaborated with Microsoft to standardize cyber threat attribution across vendors. New introductions, including AI Model Scanning and AI Security Dashboard by CRWD, along with its strong partnerships, will likely help the company gain more customers. Falcon Flex: A Game-Changer Solution for CrowdStrike A significant driver of CrowdStrike's customer growth is the Falcon Flex subscription model, which simplifies security adoption by offering modular, scalable cybersecurity solutions. This flexibility encourages long-term commitments, ensuring steady revenue growth and deep customer integration. The company ended the first quarter with $4.44 billion in ARR, up 22% on a year-over-year basis. The robust growth in Falcon Flex's customer adoption and deal value is driving CrowdStrike's total ARR. During the first quarter of fiscal 2026, CrowdStrike added $774 million of total Falcon Flex account value, bringing the total deal value of accounts that have adopted Falcon Flex to $3.2 billion. At the end of the first quarter, more than 820 customer accounts have adopted the Falcon Flex model. CrowdStrike achieved the $3.2 billion deal value milestone within two years since its launch, and represents a robust growth of 31% sequentially and more than six times year over year. In addition to strong module adoption rates, CrowdStrike is securing major platform expansion deals through Falcon Flex. A Fortune 100 technology company expanded its relationship with CrowdStrike from a $12 million EDR (endpoint detection and response) deal into a $100 million-plus, five-year Falcon Flex agreement, covering cloud, identity, Next-Gen SIEM, and endpoint protection. Also, GuidePoint Security became CrowdStrike's fifth partner to surpass $1 billion in total deal value mark, joining AWS, Optiv, CDW, and SHI, reinforcing the strength of its ecosystem-driven growth. A large healthcare provider signed an 8-figure Falcon Flex expansion centered on Charlotte AI and CrowdStrike's Next-Gen SIEM, supporting the customer's full transformation to an AI-native SOC. As Flex gains further traction, CrowdStrike appears well-positioned to achieve its longer-term goal of $10 billion in ARR. If current trends hold, Falcon Flex may well be the game-changer that redefines the company's revenue growth trajectory CrowdStrike's Rising Expenses Weigh on Profitability To survive in the highly competitive cybersecurity market, each player must continuously invest in broadening its capabilities. Over the past few years, CrowdStrike has invested heavily to enhance its sales and marketing (S&M) capabilities, particularly by increasing the sales force. As a result, its sales and marketing expenses flared up nearly ninefold to $1.52 billion in fiscal 2025 from $173 million in fiscal 2019. Additionally, investment in research & development (R&D) is a top priority for CrowdStrike. Over the last six fiscals, the company has increased its R&D expenses 12-fold to improve the design, architecture, operation and quality of its cloud platform. In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, S&M and R&D expenses soared 25.5% and 34.7%, respectively, year over year. Though the firm foresees these investments to garner benefits over the long run, higher expenses are weighing on the company's bottom-line results. First-quarter non-GAAP earnings declined 7.6% year over year to 73 cents per share. Increasing costs are likely to continue impacting CrowdStrike's bottom-line performance in the near term, as reflected in the Zacks Consensus Estimate.(Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.) Image Source: Zacks Investment Research CrowdStrike Trades at a Premium Valuation CrowdStrike is currently trading at a high price-to-sales (P/S) multiple, far above the Zacks Security industry. CrowdStrike's forward 12-month P/S ratio sits at 22.60X, significantly higher than the Zacks Security industry's forward 12-month P/S ratio of 14.78X. Forward 12 Month P/S Ratio Image Source: Zacks Investment Research CRWD stock also trades at a higher P/S multiple compared with other industry peers, including CyberArk, Palo Alto Networks and Check Point Software. At present, CyberArk, Palo Alto Networks and Check Point Software have P/S multiples of 13.96X, 12.94X and 9.25X, respectively. Conclusion: Hold CrowdStrike Stock Now As businesses continue prioritizing AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, CrowdStrike's leadership in threat prevention, response and recovery will only strengthen. However, shrinking profits and premium valuation warrant a cautious approach to the stock. So, it is prudent for existing investors to remain invested, while new investors should wait for a better entry point. CrowdStrike currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock It's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom. With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028. See This Stock Now for Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (CHKP): Free Stock Analysis Report Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW): Free Stock Analysis Report CyberArk Software Ltd. (CYBR): Free Stock Analysis Report CrowdStrike (CRWD): Free Stock Analysis Report
Globe and Mail
05-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Encryption May Soon Be Worthless. The Race to Replace It Is Creating a New Investment Boom
Issued on behalf of Scope Technologies Corp. VANCOUVER – News Commentary – A breakthrough in quantum computing has just collapsed the timeline for breaking encryption. According to a new report in NewScientist, quantum computers may soon be able to crack RSA — the backbone of most modern encryption — in just 8 hours using 1 million qubits. That's a staggering leap from earlier estimates of 20 million qubits, and it's prompting experts to warn that a quantum-cryptography reckoning could be closer than anyone thought. Analysts at Grand View Research expect the post-quantum cryptography market to grow at 37.6% annually through 2030, while Research and Markets projects an even steeper CAGR of 41.47%, hitting US$17.69 billion by decade's end. For retail investors, the shift is already creating new entry points, with recent developments from innovators including Scope Technologies Corp. (CSE: SCPE) (OTCQB: SCPCF), Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: PANW), WISeKey International Holding AG (NASDAQ: WKEY), SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES), and Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP). The global cybersecurity market is on track to hit US$562.7 billion by 2032, growing at a 14.3% annual clip, according to Fortune Business Insights. In healthcare alone, cybersecurity is expanding even faster, with Medi-Tech Insights projecting 18% CAGR across the sector. Fortune Business Insights expects the broader global cybersecurity sector to top US$562.7 billion by 2032, expanding at a 14.3% CAGR. Within the healthcare sector, cyber security is growing even faster (18%) — according to Medi-Tech Insights. Scope Technologies Corp. (CSE: SCPE) (OTCQB: SCPCF) today announced a major leadership transition, appointing Ted Carefoot as its new Chief Executive Officer. Carefoot, who previously served as Scope's VP of Product, brings over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, AI, and regulatory frameworks, including executive roles at Electronic Arts and Disney Online Studios Canada. 'Ted's leadership, industry experience, and deep expertise in risk management and regulatory standards make him the ideal person to guide Scope into this future,' said former CEO James Young, who will remain with Scope in an advisory role, praising the transition. 'I have full confidence in his ability to scale the company and deliver on our mission.' Carefoot is certified in Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), Integrated Data Privacy, and Risk Management Framework (RMF) implementation—credentials that position him well to lead Scope's next phase of quantum-security growth. 'I'm honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time,' said Carefoot. 'With quantum computing threats becoming a reality, businesses and governments must act now to safeguard their data. I look forward to leading Scope's talented team as we help organizations future-proof their security infrastructure against these emerging threats.' Scope Technologies is the developer of QSE (Quantum Security Entropy), a decentralized cloud platform built to withstand both current and next-generation cybersecurity threats. QSE uses quantum-resilient encryption, zero-trust architecture, round-trip encryption, and entropy-based randomness to protect communications and files from interception, tampering, or post-quantum decryption attempts. Internal benchmarks indicate that QSE can handle millions of encrypted messages per second, combining the scale of high-volume platforms with end-to-end quantum-resistant encryption. Unlike legacy cybersecurity platforms retrofitted for modern threats, QSE was designed from the ground up to address tomorrow's vulnerabilities—particularly the 'harvest now, decrypt later' risk posed by emerging quantum computers. The platform offers both enterprise-grade features and user-friendly tools for retail adoption, including encrypted file storage, HIPAA-aligned compliance, and secure messaging. Scope has steadily advanced QSE's capabilities. In Q1 2025, the company implemented major upgrades to boost platform redundancy, performance, and load capacity—supporting rising demand from institutional and private users. A full website and brand relaunch for QSE Group followed shortly after, streamlining the interface, clarifying access points, and integrating tools like the Quantum Preparedness Assessment (QPA). A mobile app is currently in development, designed to extend QSE's quantum-resilient messaging and file-sharing features to regulated industries including healthcare, legal, and finance. The app will feature full round-trip encryption and white-label options for partners seeking to offer their clients next-gen privacy tools without exposing metadata, activity logs, or third-party surveillance points. 'We believe the future of digital communication demands more than just end-to-end encryption—it requires an entirely new paradigm of security and autonomy,' said Sean Prescott, Founder and CTO of Scope Technologies. 'Our mobile app will empower clients to offer a trusted digital experience to their employees and customers. This is a major step toward a truly decentralized and quantum-resilient future.' Scope has also joined forces with World Cyber Health (WCH), the global nonprofit behind Malware Village, to promote international standards for post-quantum cybersecurity. As part of this collaboration, Scope will contribute expertise from the QSE platform to help public and private sector leaders prepare for quantum-era threats through education, advocacy, and industry-wide knowledge sharing. As well, Scope has also expanded its distribution network, adding enterprise resellers across Europe and Asia. Key partnerships with Asia-Pacific distributor COGITO and Swedish Microsoft partner Coegi Cloud AB now give the company reach into over 40,000 institutional users globally. On the financial front, Scope completed a $2.8 million capital raise earlier this year, with strategic backing from First Majestic Silver Corp., a former pilot customer that has since become a key investor. The second tranche of that funding closed in April and will support client onboarding and the QSE Mobile App rollout. With post-quantum cryptography standards moving from theory to policy, Scope is gaining traction as a purpose-built solution in a sea of retrofits. Its momentum across enterprise, compliance, and infrastructure suggests it's not only ready for the coming quantum era—but may already be ahead of it. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: PANW) is warning that quantum-enabled cyberattacks are no longer theoretical, with global adversaries already harvesting encrypted data in anticipation of future decryption. "Harvest now, decrypt later is a threat that's already in motion," said Jesper Olsen, Chief Security Officer EMEA North at Palo Alto Networks. "Encrypted data is being stolen today with the expectation that it will be readable tomorrow." The company is calling for immediate action, including encryption audits and phased implementation of post-quantum cryptography standards. WISeKey International Holding AG (NASDAQ: WKEY) is advancing its quantum-secure space strategy with the planned launch of WISeSat 3.0, the first satellite to carry SEALSQ Corp's (NASDAQ: LAES)Quantum RootKey hardware module. Scheduled for mid-June, the launch represents a significant step toward space-based post-quantum key distribution, supporting encrypted satellite control, data transmission, and global IoT onboarding. WISeSat's multi-layered cryptographic architecture will use NIST-standardized algorithms like CRYSTALS-Kyber and Dilithium to defend against both classical and quantum cyberattacks. The company aims to build a full satellite constellation by 2027 to support its 'Satellite-as-a-Service' platform. Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP) recently unveiled its next-generation Quantum Smart-1 Management Appliances, featuring major upgrades in performance, scalability, and AI-driven security management. Designed for hybrid enterprises, the new models support up to 10,000 gateways, process logs 70% faster, and offer built-in tools for compliance, threat detection, and policy insights. Integrated with over 250 third-party systems, the appliances deliver unified visibility and automation through Check Point's Infinity Platform. "Security teams today face more pressure than ever — from rising AI-generated threats to managing fragmented infrastructures,' said Nataly Kremer, Chief Product Officer at Check Point. 'Our new Quantum Smart-1 Management Appliances combine AI, speed, precision, and automation to help organizations manage on-premise, cloud, and distributed IT deployments — faster and smarter. The company says the update addresses rising complexity as AI-powered attacks and distributed infrastructures reshape cybersecurity requirements. CONTACT: USA NEWS GROUP (604) 999-4849 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ('MIQ'). MIQ has been paid a fee for Scope Technologies Corp. advertising and digital media from the company directly. There may be 3rd parties who may have shares Scope Technologies Corp., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. 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