Perimeter 81

Perimeter 81 is a network security company, now part of Check Point and named "Harmony SASE", that provides a converged networking and security platform based on a zero-trust architecture. The company was founded in 2018 by Amit Bareket and Sagi Gidali, who met as computer science students at Tel Aviv University. Their journey began with a shared passion for network security, leading them to first create SaferVPN in 2013, a consumer-focused VPN service, which they sold in 2019. The infrastructure developed for SaferVPN served as the foundation for Perimeter 81. Bareket, the CEO, previously worked as a software engineer and served in the IDF's elite cyber intelligence Unit 81, which inspired the company's name. Gidali, the CGO, has a background in user experience and also served in an elite IDF visual intelligence unit. The company's goal was to address the complexities and security gaps of legacy solutions like VPNs and firewalls, especially with the rise of remote work and cloud computing.

The firm operates on a subscription-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, generating recurring revenue from its clients which range from small and medium-sized businesses to Fortune 500 companies. The business targets a market that requires secure remote access for a distributed workforce, connecting users to resources located on-premises or in the cloud. The platform is designed for rapid deployment, enabling businesses to establish a secure corporate network over a private global backbone within minutes, without requiring hardware. Management is centralized through a unified cloud-based console.

The core of Perimeter 81's offering is a Security Service Edge (SSE) platform that unifies several key security functions. Its product suite includes Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), which replaces traditional VPNs by granting access based on role and context, Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), and a Secure Web Gateway (SWG) for internet access control and malware protection. Other features include device posture checks, multi-factor authentication, single sign-on integration, and detailed activity auditing. The platform provides end-to-end encryption and allows for network segmentation to enforce least-privilege access. A significant milestone was its acquisition by Check Point in September 2023 for approximately $490 million. This strategic acquisition was aimed at integrating Perimeter 81's capabilities into the Check Point Infinity architecture to deliver a comprehensive SASE solution.

Keywords: Harmony SASE, Security Service Edge, SSE, Zero Trust Network Access, ZTNA, Firewall as a Service, FWaaS, Secure Web Gateway, SWG, SASE, cloud security, network security, remote access, cybersecurity, Amit Bareket, Sagi Gidali, Check Point, software-defined perimeter, cloud VPN, endpoint security, identity management, multi-tenant cloud, network visibility, access control