Gil Shwed is an Israeli software engineer, the self-made billionaire co-founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of Check Point Software Technologies (NASDAQ: CHKP), one of the world's largest pure-play cybersecurity companies. Born in Jerusalem in 1968, his genius for programming was evident early: he started programming at age 13 and began studying computer sciences at Hebrew University at age 15 while still in high school.

Shwed's career is defined by his elite technical training: during his military service, he was part of the Intelligence Corps' Unit 8200 (Israel's equivalent of the NSA). He is widely considered the inventor of the modern computer firewall—the foundational technology of commercial network security—a concept that would transform the global internet security landscape.

Gil Shwed co-founded Check Point Software Technologies in 1993 with Shlomo Kramer and Marius Nacht. His strategic vision was audacious: commercialize his invention to provide network security in a rapidly digitizing world. Check Point pioneered the concept of the firewall and quickly became a market leader, counting many of the largest U.S. companies as its clients.

The company successfully executed its IPO on the NASDAQ in 1996, securing Shwed's multi-billion dollar fortune. Shwed owns a substantial 26 percent stake in the company. He served as CEO until 2024 and now serves as Executive Chairman of the Board. His leadership emphasized continuous innovation, enabling Check Point to prevent over 3 billion cyber attacks annually and secure over 100,000 organizations worldwide. His commitment to social responsibility includes working to reduce dropout rates in high schools through the Yecholot Association.

Gil Shwed's social impact is massive and structural, tied to Check Point's role in protecting global digital infrastructure and commerce from cyber attacks. His invention of the firewall is a foundational contribution to modern network security. The company's technology prevents billions of attacks annually.

His personal philanthropy supports education and social mobility; he sits on the board of the Youth University of Tel Aviv University and the Yecholot Association, aiming to reduce high school dropout rates. His career is a powerful narrative of a self-made engineer who leveraged military technical training to create a global security standard.

Gil Shwed maintains the professional, intellectual style of a technology executive. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored suits. His aesthetic is one of serious authority, reflecting his engineering background and his mastery of cybersecurity systems.

Residing in Tel Aviv, Israel, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to network security, technological innovation, and his profound commitment to Israeli education and youth development.