Navigating the complex world of cybersecurity is no easy task. To shed some light on this exciting sector, Yoel Israel of IsraelTech recently spoke with Yochai Corem, the CEO of cybersecurity firm Cyberint. In their conversation, Yochai shed some light on his extensive experience in the Israeli military, the intricacies of the cybersecurity industry, and his unconventional journey to becoming a CEO.
Yochai Corem: From the Army to Cybersecurity
Yochai’s career began in the Israeli military, more specifically, the famed intelligence unit 8200, where he served for six years. His time in the force was an intensive one where he gained valuable knowledge and experience in intelligence, technology, and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his future in cybersecurity.
Upon completing his military service, Yochai was armed with an impressive skill set and proceeded to attend university whilst beginning his professional career. His initial roles ranged from system engineering to QA, moving then to product management. This diverse experience cemented his understanding of both the technological and business aspects of cybersecurity – knowledge he would later leverage when transitioning to a sales role at Elbit.
Leading with Impact at Cyberint
When Yochai joined Cyberint as CEO, the company was transitioning its position from a service company to a SaaS company. Gaining the trust of the team in this environment wasn’t an easy process. Some individuals took time to trust the new CEO, whereas others adopted Yochai’s leadership style more swiftly. To build trust, he prioritized making decisive, timely decisions and practiced transparency when mistakes were made.
Currently, Cyberint primarily works with enterprises, providing an external perspective to their internal cybersecurity. They proactively hunt for potential risks and threats, then highlight these to their clients to enable mitigation action. The company values efficacy, determining success not only by the number of potential threats identified but also by the mitigation actions its clients take based on their advice.
The Integral Role of Partnerships
Cyberint hasn’t grown in a bubble; it’s had the aid of influential partners along the way. Viola Ventures, for example, not only invested but brought in new leadership. Remarkably, one of their biggest investors – Intesa Sanpaolo, a significant Italian bank – began as a client. When the financial institution realized the value Cyberint was providing, they invested.
In addition to these partnerships, Cyberint has forged alliances with various cybersecurity organizations and industry players to stay ahead of emerging threats and technologies. Collaborations with academia and research institutions also contribute to Cyberint’s innovation and thought leadership in the cybersecurity domain.
A Look to the Future
As Cyberint looks forward, its primary objective is explosive growth. They aim to double their current customer list of over 200 clients within the next year, continuing their trajectory of rapid expansion.
Despite challenges, like the recent armed conflict which saw a significant portion of their Israeli team called up for reserve duty, Cyberint has continued to deliver impeccable service to their clients. They’ve shown resilience and adaptability that Yochai credits to the uniquely robust pedigree of Israeli CEOs and their rich experience in facing and overcoming adversity.
Yochai Corem’s journey from the military to leading a dynamic cybersecurity company illustrates the exciting possibilities within the cybersecurity industry. His story, characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to delivering value, aptly mirrors the narrative of Israel’s cybersecurity landscape.
In conclusion, Yochai’s experience exemplifies the blend of military discipline, technological expertise, and business acumen that defines successful cybersecurity leadership in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. As Cyberint continues to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, Yochai’s leadership will undoubtedly remain pivotal in guiding the company toward its future goals while ensuring the safety and security of its clients in an increasingly digital world.
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