Over the last 20 to 30 years, the intelligence community has produced a significant number of cyber security leaders. Many private cyber security firms are now filled with former operatives from American and British intelligence agencies.
But Israel stands out. The connection between intelligence and cyber security there has created an impressive concentration of startups and organizations. Companies like Check Point, CyberArk, Imperva, Palo Alto Networks, and Radware all trace their roots back to the technology units of the Israel Defense Force (IDF). These units have likely been around since before Israel became a state in 1948. Among them, you have the secretive Unit 81, known for cyber weapons and tech development, and the more publicly recognized Unit 8200, which specializes in signals intelligence.
While Mossad often garners international attention, it’s Unit 8200 that collects the data to support its missions, and Unit 81 that engineers the technology. These units act like incubators for cyber talent, benefiting from Israel’s mandatory military service and thorough screening processes. They often look for potential recruits in after-school computer clubs as well.
Yevgeny Dibrov, CEO of Armis, came up through Unit 81. He can’t share much about his time there, but he acknowledges that Israel’s thriving cyber community is more than just military influence. He likens the environment to a startup. “You don’t have a big budget, but you have to accomplish exceptional things with limited resources,” he says. “We want to succeed against our many adversaries.”
Dibrov’s passion for technology began in his youth, but it intensified when he joined Unit 81 as a teenager. “I became fascinated by different capabilities and working hard for my country,” he recalls. His team earned the Israel Defense Prize twice for outstanding technology achievements. The unit’s motto, “Make the Impossible Possible,” reflects the mindset he adopted during his service.
Unit 81 not only nurtures talent but also fosters teamwork. About half of Armis’s initial employees served alongside Dibrov in Unit 81, while others worked with his co-founder, Nadir Izrael, at Unit 8200. “During my time, we were always talking to alumni who started companies and achieved great things. We were inspired and motivated to follow that path,” he says.
After his service, while studying at Technion, Dibrov helped establish Adallom, a cloud access security brokerage. In 2015, Microsoft acquired Adallom for over $300 million. Shortly after, in February 2016, he and Izrael launched Armis.
Dibrov describes Armis as a cyber exposure management platform that gives customers a comprehensive view of their IT assets, from everyday devices like laptops to crucial operational technology such as medical equipment. “We aim not only to show you your risks but help reduce them through various means,” he explains.
Armis was early to focus on operational technology and Internet of Things security, recognizing the growing number of connected devices. Dibrov notes that security teams often overlook these vulnerable assets, especially in sectors like healthcare. “In a hospital, what’s more critical: a laptop or an MRI machine?” he asks.
Today, Armis works with over 35% of Fortune 100 companies, monitoring about 5.3 billion connected devices. Dibrov often encounters unexpected assets, such as cars and kitchen gadgets connected to corporate networks. “Security teams often don’t even know what cameras they have,” he reveals. “Most are likely from unknown origins and could have vulnerabilities.”
Armis also engages in threat research and contributes thought leadership in the industry. “With the data we gather, we can provide early warnings about vulnerabilities,” Dibrov explains.
Maintaining customer relationships is a priority for him. He frequently talks to customers to understand their needs and to adapt. “Always listening and evolving,” he emphasizes.
Dibrov stays alert about the competition and focuses on innovation. “It’s vital to have the best product and execute effectively,” he notes. Recently, Armis raised $200 million in a Series D funding round, bringing its valuation to over $4 billion. With two recent acquisitions under their belt, Dibrov remains open to more opportunities and considers an initial public offering as a potential next step.
He’s also keeping his eyes on the evolving threat landscape. “State actors from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran are still active targeters of critical infrastructure,” he warns. “It’s crucial for defenders to stay prepared, especially as AI becomes more integrated into attacks.”