The winners of the Homeland Security and Cyber Security Innovation Competition, whose aim is to foster leadership from research to commercial implementation for the benefit of Israel’s economy and industry, were announced by the Chief Scientist at Israel’s Ministry of Economy at the annual Homeland Security (HLS) Conference in Tel Aviv.

First Place in Homeland Security and Cyber-security was awarded to Windward, an intelligence and information technology company supplying analysts with data on the movement of ships around the world. Windward will receive a $3,000 grant for participation in an expo in its field, as well as a place in the prestigious program sponsored by the California-based Merage Institute and a one-year membership of the Israel Export Institute.

Second Place was awarded to CyberSeal, a company that provides cyber-security solutions to mission critical networks and applications. The company will participate in the unique and prestigious program sponsored by the California-based Merage Institute and will receive a one-year membership at the Israel Export Institute.

Due to the strategic importance of cyber-security, the Office of the Chief Scientist established the KIDMA program (Advancing Information Security in Israel) in collaboration with the Israeli National Cyber Bureau. The program seeks to reach out to Israeli entrepreneurs and companies developing new technological solutions for defense in different cyber areas.

Dozens of companies with novel cyber-security initiatives registered to compete in the cyber and HLS competition, organized by the Chief Scientist through the Israeli Industry Center for R&D (MATIMOP) and the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute. The criteria for choosing the winners include innovation, international-level breakthroughs, ability to implement technological solutions in the State of Israel, commercialization, the company’s economic/commercial potential and the company’s commitment to the issue of cyber-security.

Chief Scientist Avi Hasson: “Novel Israeli solutions are raising a great deal of interest around the world. Thanks to the unique capabilities developed by the security establishment and through the government’s recognition and support for the issue, Israel is a world leader in information security. Israeli companies’ impressive research and achievements are a source of pride throughout the world – these achievements reflect the direct support and the encouragement this field receives.”

Windward was established in 2010 by Matan Peled and Ami Daniel (both veterans of the Israeli Navy), shortly after commercial satellites began to be used to pinpoint the precise location of ships on the open sea.

The company combines “old world” naval skills with modern data science, offering technology and intelligence that enables analysts to monitor the movement of all ships around the globe and automatically determine whether a particular vessel may be involved in illegal activities. Additionally, the company is developing new technology which can map the global movement of goods and help traders on Wall Street and other financial entities identify and determine trade opportunities in real-time.

CyberSeal supplies cyber-security solutions for mission critical networks and applications. The company offers tailor-made solutions for its clients as well as a unique line of products for protection of landline and cellular communications networks. The company’s technology for identifying cellular attacks offers an efficient solution for dealing with cyber threats in these networks. CyberSeal was established in 1998 under the name WebSilicon and was bought in late 2012 by Magal Security Systems, a world leader in security solutions. With the addition of CyberSeal, Magal offers a comprehensive solution for protecting infrastructure and critical installations.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)