In our latest episode of The Bright Founders Talk at Temy, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Aviv Yehezkel, the innovative Co-Founder and CTO of Cynamics. Bringing a rich background in technological leadership, Dr. Yehezkel shared his intriguing journey, beginning with a significant stint in the Israeli Defense Forces and Naval Intelligence, to obtaining a PhD in Computer Science from the Technion in Israel.
His path weaved through the Israeli high-tech ecosystem, including a role as an AI team leader at one of the largest software cooperates in Israel, NICE Systems. Now at the helm of Cynamics, Dr. Yehezkel delves into his passion for solving complex problems with advanced machine learning, deep learning, and AI technologies. He reveals how Cynamics emerged from his extensive experience and the realization of a critical gap in network security solutions. Dr. Yehezkel eloquently describes the challenges in contemporary network security, highlighting the inadequacy of traditional approaches in a world of escalating complexity and data volumes.
His approach, pioneering in both industry and academia, leverages radical sampling techniques and AI to predict network attacks before they occur, marking a significant shift in cybersecurity methodologies. Dr. Yehezkel's story is not just about technological innovation, but a testament to the power of vision and determination in the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity.
Aviv Yehezkel: Pioneering the Future of Network Security with Cynamics
When Aviv Yehezkel, the tech wizard and CTO of Cynamics, starts talking, you can't help but lean in. His story is a rollercoaster of experiences, starting from his days in the Israeli Defense Forces and Naval Intelligence. But it's not just about the past glories in uniform; Aviv's journey took a sharp turn towards the world of technology. He didn't just stop at bagging a PhD in Computer Science from Technion; he dived headfirst into the Israeli high-tech ecosystem. Remember NICE Systems? Yep, he was the AI team leader there. But here's the kicker: the whole time, Aviv's mind was cooking up something big, something that would shake the foundations of network security as we know it.
You've got to admire Aviv's passion for tackling head-scratching problems. At Cynamics, it's all about gathering the best brains to take on the Herculean tasks in cybersecurity. Aviv's words resonate with enthusiasm, "I'm delighted working with amazing people and solving interesting complex problems." It's this drive to innovate and raise the bar that's put Cynamics on the map. They're not just playing the game; they're rewriting the rules. Using machine learning, deep learning, AI – you name it – Aviv and his team are like the Avengers of the tech world, always a step ahead in the battle against cyber threats.
I'm delighted working with amazing people and solving interesting complex problems
Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of what makes Cynamics stand out. Four years ago, Aviv and his team spotted a gaping hole in network security. The old-school approach? Not cutting it anymore. We're talking about a world where data and network complexity are skyrocketing, but the security solutions? Stuck in the past. Enter Cynamics. Aviv describes their brainchild: "We're taking radically small samples of metadata, less than 1% of network data, and using AI to learn how the entire network behaves in real time." This isn't just a small tweak; it's a revolution. Cynamics isn't just predicting attacks; they're preventing them before they even happen. And with seven patents and four papers to their name, it's clear that Aviv and his team are not just talking big – they're leading the charge in a new era of network security.
Aviv's Entrepreneurial Journey: From Vision to Reality at Cynamics
Diving right into the heart of Aviv's story, it's fascinating how Cynamics sprang to life. It wasn't just a 'eureka' moment but a meeting of minds that sparked this innovative venture. Aviv, along with his co-founder Yoav, were introduced by a mutual friend, combining Aviv's technological prowess with Yoav's business acumen. Aviv recounts, "Yoav came with the business idea... I came with the technological idea." This was more than just starting a company; it was about addressing a glaring void in metal security. By marrying the practical needs of modern networks with cutting-edge technological solutions, they set the stage for a new era in cybersecurity.
What stands out in Aviv's narrative is the simplicity with which complex ideas are hatched. He talks about tackling "a massive, big data problem" with a strategy as straightforward as sampling limited data. This approach was not just innovative but necessary, given the ever-expanding scale and complexity of network data. Aviv's tale is a testament to how powerful ideas often stem from basic observations and the willingness to think differently. "No one can cope with the size and complexity of the data anymore," he explains, highlighting the increasing need for scalable, intelligent solutions in an exponentially growing digital world.
No one can cope with the size and complexity of the data anymore
On a more personal note, Aviv shares his surprise and delight at being named in Forbes 30 Under 30. Describing the moment as "really exciting" and somewhat "out of the blue," he reflects on the honor of being listed among remarkable individuals across diverse fields. This recognition is not just about personal achievement but also a celebration of innovation, creativity, and leadership across industries. For Aviv, it symbolizes the journey of Cynamics, a mix of technology, business, and a vision for a safer digital future, echoing his belief in the power of diverse ideas and approaches to shape the world.
Aviv's Stride in Cybersecurity: A Sprint from Vision to Global Impact
Imagine being out for a run and getting a call that changes everything. For Aviv, this was the moment he learned he made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. "It was a nice moment," he recalls, with the secrecy of the news adding to its thrill. This was more than just recognition; it was a milestone that marked his ascent in the world of tech innovation. But Aviv couldn’t immediately share his excitement with the world - a mix of elation and anticipation that many dreamers can relate to.
Transitioning back to Cynamics, Aviv delves into the company's exciting trajectory. Starting with a focus on small and medium businesses in North America, Cynamics soon expanded its reach. Aviv's pride is evident as he talks about the company's growth: "We started with local governments and then expanded to the private sector in the U.S., and now we’re going global." What stands out is their ability to adapt their technology to various network sizes and environments, a versatility that has catapulted them from a local player to a global contender in cybersecurity.
We started with local governments and then expanded to the private sector in the U.S., and now we’re going global
The journey of Cynamics is a narrative of relentless innovation and strategic partnerships. Aviv highlights two significant breakthroughs: their collaboration with Nvidia and their foray into the federal market in the U.S. "We are just about to be FedRAMP compliant," he shares, underscoring a crucial step towards working with federal agencies. This compliance isn't just a regulatory milestone; it's a testament to Cynamics' commitment to security and scalability. With these advancements, Cynamics isn't just growing; it's redefining the boundaries of what's possible in network detection and response, paving the way for a more secure digital world.
Aviv's Entrepreneurial Odyssey: Embracing Growth, Challenges, and Transforming Cybersecurity
Aviv's journey with Cynamics is nothing short of a whirlwind, marked by rapid growth and unexpected turns. Reflecting on the company's swift ascent, he reveals a truth known to all true entrepreneurs: embracing the rush is part of the game. "If you have the entrepreneurial spirit, you're ready for it," Aviv shares, his voice tinged with the excitement and resilience that define startup culture. Facing the challenges head-on, Aviv and his team have not only navigated Cynamics through uncharted waters but have also thrived, scaling new heights in the cybersecurity world.
If you have the entrepreneurial spirit, you're ready for it
Aviv's ambition wasn't a sudden revelation; it was a dream nurtured from a young age. He recalls, "I knew I wanted to earn a PhD and then found my own startup." His vision was clear: to tackle deeply challenging problems with innovative technology. This blend of academic rigor and real-world application has been the cornerstone of Cynamics. Aviv's commitment to transforming the stagnant field of network security into a dynamic and appliance-less landscape is a testament to his foresight and determination. Under his leadership, Cynamics has redefined network protection, offering complete visibility and security with groundbreaking AI technology.
Every entrepreneur has a mantra, and Aviv shares his co-founder's uplifting expression: "This is going to be the best day ever." It's more than just words; it's an attitude that fuels the Cynamics team's daily endeavors. Amidst the highs and lows, this mantra serves as a constant reminder to approach each day with optimism and resilience. As Aviv wraps up the interview, he extends an invitation to like-minded individuals passionate about cybersecurity, highlighting opportunities at Cynamics' global offices. His final words echo the spirit of a true leader, always looking forward, always growing, and always in pursuit of the next big breakthrough in cybersecurity.
