With the CyberTech 2015 conference wrapping up in Israel, all eyes are turning to the Jewish Nation for future improvements and innovations in cybersecurity. The tech boom is not disappointing, and it is not just limited to Silicon Valley. From security analytics to mobile security, hardware, and cloud security, new start-ups are working to make a difference in the virtual world. However, why is Israel the heart of cybersecurity? Here are five reasons.
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- Government Priorities
- In 2013, Israel's then-Economy and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett said his goal was to turn the Jewish Nation into the "capital of the cyberworld," reported Al Monitor. And in 2015, the Wall Street Journal reported that the head of the Israeli National Cyber Bureau declared a comprehensive strategy to work with universities, businesses and government agencies to increase safety measures in the cyber world.
- Strong Investment in Academic Research at Top National Universities
- In 2013, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the beginning of the Advanced Technology Park at Ben Gurion University in Be'er Sheva, the Tech Republic reported. The event was just one example of the government's interest and support of cybersecurity innovations. Tel Aviv University also launched an undergraduate and graduate program in cybersecurity, according to Al Monitor.
- A History of Computer Innovations
- Israel has been at the forefront of the personal computer origins, with Jewish Nation laboratories creating the Pentium chip, multi-core processors and mobile processors. Cisco, Microsoft, Google, Apple, IBM, Oracle and many others have research and development firms in Israel, so there are scores of scientists and entrepreneurs who are focused on cyber-technology, says Tech Republic. Security was the obvious next step.
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- A Nation That Prioritizes Defense
- With every man and woman who comes of age in the Jewish Nation required to perform some type of military service, it shouldn't come as a surprise that defense is part of the national psyche. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or UAVs, collect information as they watch Israel borders every day, as Tech Republic reports, so what makes the cyber world any different? Even the United States, as an ally, is getting involved. The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said investors pledged $500 million into Israeli start-ups.
- Strong Research and Development Companies
- In Israel's Silicon Wadi, there are numerous research and development firms that focus on cybersecurity – many of which are worth watching over the next few years. Inc.com listed nine cybersecurity startups that are leading the way in predicting future attacks, making wireless devices resilient to eavesdropping and tapping and protecting against threats coming from a variety of sources.
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