Top 5 Israeli Business Stories That Shaped February 2025
Israel once again leads the way in cybersecurity and defense.
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At the top of our list – leave it up to an Israeli cybersecurity firm to come to the rescue when there is a major cyber-heist. Israeli Cybersecurity Firm Sygnia uncovered the vulnerability behind last month’s $1.5 billion Bybit crypto hack. But before you feel sage enough to get back in the water, just remember there is a reason they call them “crypto” currencies. So, let’s be careful out there.
Israeli Cybersecurity Firm Sygnia Uncovers Vulnerability Behind $1.5 Billion Bybit Crypto Hack
Israeli cybersecurity firm Sygnia has successfully cracked the Bybit hack, uncovering the vulnerability that led to the $1.5 billion theft. The breach occurred on February 21, 2025, and involved unauthorized access to one of Bybit’s Ethereum (ETH) cold wallets.
The attack was executed when a threat actor manipulated… read more here
So, what comes next?
Well, last week the Bank of Israel chose to leave the interest rate unchanged at 4.5%. This could be construed as a good sign for Israel’s economy, meaning that the Bank did not see a need to lower rates in order to stimulate growth. However, the Bank may also still be concerned with inflation as 4.5% is not considered a low rate.
Meanwhile, the higher rate may be what has been causing the New Israeli Shekel to jump in value against the major international currencies recently. This may also, however, have been caused by optimism on the Israeli economy with the seeming end of the war in Gaza.
Bank of Israel Maintains 4.5% Interest Rate: Monetary Policy Unchanged
The Monetary Committee of the Bank of Israel on Monday announced that it has decided to leave the interest rate unchanged at 4.5 percent.
Amid the ongoing war, the Monetary Committee said it remains steadfast in its mission to stabilize markets and restore confidence, navigating a landscape of uncertainty while safeguarding price stability and economic resilience. Every decision on the interest rate path will be meticulously shaped by the trajectory of inflation, the endurance of financial markets, the pulse of… read more here
Israeli firms also continue to shine in the revenue department in February. Israel Startup Nation firm CyberArk hit the $1 billion mark in revenue.
Israel’s CyberArk Reaches $1B Revenue Milestone, Acquires Zilla Security in $165M Deal
CyberArk, the global leader in identity security, has announced the acquisition of Zilla Security, a frontrunner in modern Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) solutions. Under the terms of the agreement, CyberArk has acquired Zilla Security for an enterprise value of $165 million in cash and a $10 million earn-out tied to the achievement of certain milestones.
This strategic move integrates Zilla’s cutting-edge, AI-powered IGA capabilities into CyberArk’s industry-leading Identity Security Platform… read more here
Then there is the defense/security industries. Israel has always been at the forefront of defense technology developments, and it will continue to be at the top. Lately, Israel has been most impressive with its advancements in anti-missile tech, such as its vaunted Iron Dome system.
Israeli Defense Ministry Develops Cutting-Edge Anti-Drone Defense Systems
In a powerful display of cutting-edge defense innovation, the Israel Ministry of Defense’s (IMoD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) has successfully completed a rigorous series of operational trials, putting nearly 20 advanced counter-drone technologies to the test.
In the heart of southern Israel, at a secured testing field shrouded in secrecy, the nation’s most advanced defense industries and cutting-edge startups unleashed a formidable array of counter-drone weaponry. From high-speed… read more here
European countries have been boycotting Israel’s defense firms due to the war in Gaza. Interestingly, the Arab nations that made peace with Israel as part of the 2020 Abraham Accords do not seem to have this problem. The UAE invited Israel to participate in a major arms show.
Israeli Defense Firms on Display in Arab Nation at IDEX 2025
In yet another display of Israel’s leading defense technological developments, Israel’s Directorate for International Defense Cooperation (SIBAT), in collaboration with top Israeli defense companies, showcased cutting-edge military technology at IDEX 2025, one of the world’s leading defense exhibitions. Held this week in Abu Dhabi, the event brought together global industry leaders to explore advancements in defense and security.
The International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) is a premier defense exhibition serving as a global platform for… read more here
