Check Point’s bet on Wiz: A bold partnership or a risky gamble?
The cybersecurity veteran embraces external innovation, but history suggests Wiz could turn from ally to competitor.
For over 30 years, Check Point Software Technologies has been a pillar of Israeli cybersecurity, known for its cautious and methodical approach under founder and longtime CEO Gil Shwed. But with the recent appointment of Nadav Zafrir as CEO, the company is signaling a willingness to rethink its strategy—most notably through a newly announced partnership with cloud security leader Wiz.
The deal, which integrates Check Point’s cloud network security with Wiz’s Cloud Native Application Protection (CNAPP) platform, is positioned as a win-win: Check Point gains access to Wiz’s cutting-edge cloud security tools, while Wiz benefits from Check Point’s vast customer base. The collaboration is aimed at providing a more comprehensive security solution in an industry where Palo Alto Networks, led by Israeli Nir Zuk, has become the dominant player.
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Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport (left) and Check Point CEO Nadav Zafrir.
(Netaniel Tobias and Adi Lam)
A shift from in-house development
The move is particularly striking given Check Point’s historical preference for developing in-house solutions. Its $175 million acquisition of Dome9 in 2018 was meant to bolster its cloud security capabilities, but the business has struggled to compete with more agile rivals. Instead of doubling down, Zafrir has opted to transition Check Point’s CNAPP customers to Wiz, freeing up resources for other cloud security initiatives, including Web Application Firewalls (WAF) and AI-driven cybersecurity tools.
Analysts have largely welcomed the decision, praising Zafrir’s ability to make difficult choices and interpreting the move as a necessary step to modernize Check Point’s cloud offerings. But market reaction has been subdued, with Check Point’s stock rising just 1.5% following the announcement, while Palo Alto Networks—its main competitor—remained largely unaffected.
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The Wiz factor: Partner or predator?
While the partnership appears mutually beneficial, Wiz’s track record raises questions. Founded in 2020, the company has rapidly ascended to become Israel’s most successful cybersecurity startup, known for aggressive expansion tactics. Previous partnerships have not always ended smoothly. SentinelOne, which signed a similar collaboration with Wiz in 2023, abruptly terminated the deal months later, accusing Wiz of taking more than it gave.
Wiz has also been accused of using leaks and media positioning to gain leverage in negotiations, as seen in its abandoned talks to acquire Lacework. With Check Point, Wiz gains invaluable exposure, positioning itself as an equal to a legacy cybersecurity giant. But whether Check Point will ultimately benefit from the partnership—or find itself outmaneuvered—is an open question.
A new era for Check Point?
Zafrir’s willingness to embrace external innovation suggests a departure from the Shwed era, but it remains unclear whether this strategy will restore Check Point’s standing in an industry increasingly dominated by cloud-native security firms. If the partnership succeeds, it could redefine Check Point’s place in the cybersecurity landscape. If it falters, Wiz may emerge as the bigger winner.
