Core Insights - Check Point Software Technologies has been recognized as a Recommended vendor in the NSS Labs 2025 Enterprise Firewall Comparative Report, achieving the highest security effectiveness score of 99.59% [1][2] - The company demonstrated superior performance in exploit coverage with a score of 99.91% and complete protection from evasion strategies, highlighting its leadership in prevention-first security [1][6] - NSS Labs noted a significant increase in cyber attacks, up 44% year-over-year, emphasizing the growing need for effective security solutions [2] Security Effectiveness - Check Point's network security firewall achieved a 100% evasion resistance during prolonged attacks and high-load situations, ensuring consistent policy enforcement [3][6] - The company reported only 1 vulnerability during the evaluation period, compared to competitors who had 10X to 23X more exploited product vulnerabilities, showcasing its product integrity [3] Industry Recognition - This recognition adds to Check Point's accolades, including being named the top provider in the 2025 Miercom Enterprise and Hybrid Mesh Firewall Security Report, further validating its commitment to prevention-first cyber security [4] - The company utilizes AI-powered solutions to protect over 100,000 organizations globally, reinforcing its position as a leader in the cyber security industry [5]

Futures taking a leg lower this morning. And joining us right now is Joanne Feny, partner and portfolio manager at Advisors Capital Management. Of course, the question Joanne is when we're talking about a bubble, every time people talk about a bubble, including myself talking about a bubble these days, whether that means we're really not in one yet or at least that it's not ready to pop.What do you think. >> Well, you know, Andrew, I don't I don't think we're in a bubble. Uh we look at, you know, history of ...

Core Insights - The recent Fortune Global Forum in Riyadh highlighted discussions on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence across various industries, featuring prominent speakers from major companies [1] - Anjney Midha from Andreessen Horowitz identified a new "golden age" of investment opportunities in AI, driven by the emergence of innovative frontier teams [2] - Midha emphasized the significance of reasoning models in AI, which enhance problem-solving capabilities by mimicking logical reasoning and reflection [3] - The potential of reinforcement learning in creating multibillion-dollar companies was discussed, particularly when startups deeply understand industry-specific challenges [4] - Despite concerns about a potential AI bubble, investment in the sector continues to surge, with significant funding levels reported [5] Investment Trends - Venture capital investment in generative AI is projected to exceed $73.6 billion in 2025, more than doubling from the previous year, with total investment in the AI ecosystem reaching $110.17 billion, an eightfold increase since 2019 [6] - Major foundation model providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Mistral AI are attracting substantial funding, with OpenAI securing $40 billion, Anthropic $13 billion, and Mistral €1.7 billion [7] Industry Developments - The Cyber 60 list, ranking promising cybersecurity startups, showcases new entrants developing tools to combat AI threats, alongside established companies expanding their customer bases [8]

Core Viewpoint - RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. is facing a class action lawsuit due to allegations of bribery and tax fraud, which has significantly impacted its stock price [1][3]. Allegations - The lawsuit claims that RCI executives engaged in tax fraud and bribery to conceal this fraud, leading to an understatement of the legal risks associated with the company [3]. - Following the announcement of the indictment by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, RCI's stock price dropped by $5.53 (16%) to close at $28.79 on September 16, 2025, and further fell by $2.99 (10.38%) to close at $25.80 on September 17, 2025 [3]. Class Action Participation - Shareholders interested in participating as lead plaintiffs in the class action must submit their papers by November 20, 2025, but they can also remain absent class members without taking action [4]. - The representation in the class action is on a contingency fee basis, meaning shareholders will not incur any fees or expenses [5].

Core Insights - The article highlights the partnership between Lumen Technologies and Commvault aimed at enhancing data protection for enterprises in the face of increasing cyberattacks [1] Company Overview - Lumen Technologies integrates its secure global network infrastructure with Commvault's advanced cyber resilience platform [1] - This collaboration is designed to help enterprises safeguard critical information, reduce risks, and accelerate recovery in complex digital environments [1]

Core Insights - Check Point Software Technologies has launched AI Cloud Protect, an integrated security solution for AI factories, in collaboration with NVIDIA, aimed at safeguarding AI models, workloads, and applications from cyber threats [1][2][3] Group 1: AI Cloud Protect Features - AI Cloud Protect is designed for on-premises enterprise deployments, ensuring security for AI model development and inference workloads without impacting performance [1][3] - The solution operates on NVIDIA BlueField technology, providing full-stack security while eliminating the performance trade-offs associated with traditional security solutions [3][4] - It utilizes network-level protection to secure AI infrastructure from unauthorized access, reducing risks such as data poisoning and model exfiltration [3][11] Group 2: Market Context and Challenges - Over half of enterprise networks now utilize AI tools, making them attractive targets for cyber attacks, with 32% of organizations experiencing AI-related attacks in the past year [2] - The urgency to protect the entire AI pipeline, from development to production, has become critical as businesses rapidly deploy AI technologies [2][6] Group 3: Strategic Partnerships and Pilot Programs - Check Point is currently piloting AI Cloud Protect with financial services customers and partners like World Wide Technology, focusing on AI data centers for large language model development [6][7] - The collaboration with NVIDIA aims to integrate advanced security frameworks into the AI Cloud Protect platform, enhancing enterprise confidence in AI deployment [4][7] Group 4: Comprehensive Security Portfolio - In addition to AI Cloud Protect, Check Point offers a range of security solutions, including CloudGuard Web Application Firewall and Infinity GenAI Protect, to secure the entire AI supply chain [5][11] - These solutions provide end-to-end security across infrastructure, applications, and user layers, ensuring safe AI deployment at every stage [5][11]

Core Insights - Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. and Lakera have announced the release of the backbone breaker benchmark (b3), an open-source security evaluation specifically designed for assessing the security of large language models (LLMs) within AI agents [1] Company Overview - Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. is recognized as a pioneer and global leader in cyber security solutions [1] - Lakera is identified as a world-leading AI-native security platform focused on Agentic AI applications [1] Industry Context - The collaboration between Check Point and Lakera, along with researchers from The UK AI Security Institute, highlights the growing importance of security evaluations in the rapidly evolving field of AI [1] - The b3 benchmark aims to address security concerns related to LLMs, which are increasingly integrated into various AI applications [1]

Core Insights - Climb Channel Solutions has launched a partnership with Halcyon to enhance the distribution of anti-ransomware solutions across various market segments [1][2] Group 1: Partnership Overview - The partnership allows Halcyon to rapidly scale its anti-ransomware solutions across SMB, commercial, and enterprise markets by leveraging Climb's extensive partner network [2] - This collaboration aims to increase awareness and adoption of advanced ransomware prevention technologies among organizations of all sizes [2][3] Group 2: Technology and Services - Halcyon's anti-ransomware platform is designed to prevent ransomware execution, eliminate ransom negotiations, and protect critical systems and data from extortion [2][4] - The platform includes multiple prevention engines, automated recovery, enhanced third-party security controls, and a ransomware warranty, ensuring operational continuity for businesses [4] Group 3: Company Profiles - Climb Channel Solutions is a global specialty technology distributor focusing on various IT technologies, including security and data management, and is committed to transforming distribution through exceptional service [6] - Halcyon specializes in anti-ransomware solutions, employing an end-to-end approach to disrupt threats throughout the attack lifecycle, ensuring operational continuity and eliminating ransom payments [7][8]

Core Insights - Check Point Software Technologies reported strong financial results for Q3 2025, driven by increased demand for its security portfolio and the strategic acquisition of Lakera to enhance its AI capabilities [3][4][7]. Financial Highlights - Earnings per diluted share (EPS) for Q3 2025 were $3.94 (Non-GAAP) and $3.28 (GAAP), compared to $2.25 and $1.83 in Q3 2024, reflecting a significant year-over-year increase of 75% and 79% respectively [4][11]. - Total revenues reached $678 million, marking a 7% increase year-over-year, while calculated billings were $672 million, a 20% increase [11]. - Security subscriptions revenues were $305 million, a 10% increase year-over-year [11]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - Cash flow from operations in Q3 2025 was $241 million, which included a one-time tax payment of approximately $66 million; excluding this payment, cash flow increased by 23% compared to Q3 2024 [6]. - As of September 30, 2025, cash balances, marketable securities, and short-term deposits totaled $2,817 million, slightly down from $2,873 million a year earlier [5][23]. Strategic Developments - The acquisition of Lakera, completed on October 22, 2025, positions Check Point to deliver a comprehensive AI-powered security platform, enhancing its capabilities in next-generation cyber defense [3][7]. - The company executed a share repurchase program, buying back approximately 1.6 million shares for about $325 million during Q3 2025 [5]. Operational Metrics - GAAP operating income was $199 million, representing 29% of total revenues, while Non-GAAP operating income was $282 million, or 42% of total revenues [11]. - The company reported a net income of $358.7 million for Q3 2025, compared to $206.9 million in Q3 2024 [18].

Core Points - BlackBerry Limited and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a multi-year education partnership aimed at developing cyber-leaders and embedded software engineers in Malaysia [1] - The partnership supports Malaysia's objectives to enhance digital talent, improve industry competitiveness, and strengthen regional cyber resilience within ASEAN [1] - The signing of the MOU was attended by key officials, including Malaysia's Minister of Higher Education and Canada's Minister of International Trade, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur [1]