Biography:
Dorit Dor, an Israeli executive and computer scientist, is best known as the Chief Technology Officer of Check Point Software Technologies Ltd, where she has made significant contributions to the field of cybersecurity. Born to Shaya Dolinsky, a statistics manager at the Israel Port Authority, and Lea Dolinsky, an architect turned artist, Dorit grew up in a family that valued education and creativity.
Dorit’s passion for technology and problem-solving emerged early on, leading her to enroll in the physical-technological track at the prestigious Ben-Zvi secondary school in Kiryat Ono. She excelled in her studies and went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and mathematics as part of the Atuda program. In 1987, Dorit’s talents caught the attention of the Israel Defense Forces, and she was enlisted to Unit 8200, known for its elite intelligence and cybersecurity operations. Rising through the ranks, she eventually reached the position of major, serving as a section head.
In 1993, at the age of 25, Dorit received the prestigious Israel National Defense Award, a recognition of her exceptional contributions to the country’s defense. Fueling her desire to further her knowledge and expertise, she pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Science with honors and a Master of Science in computer science from Tel Aviv University. In 1996, she successfully completed her Ph.D. in computer science, focusing her research on selection algorithms under the guidance of Uri Zwick. Throughout her academic journey, Dorit published several papers in reputable scientific journals, showcasing her expertise in various areas of computer science, such as median selection, d-dimensional space, geometric pattern matching, and graph decomposition.
Dorit’s career took an exciting turn when she was approached by Shlomo Kramer, one of the founders of Check Point, to join the company in 1995. Initially joining as the head of a small development team, she quickly established herself as a prominent figure within the organization. Her unparalleled dedication and leadership qualities led to her rapid ascent within the company, ultimately culminating in her appointment as the Chief Technology Officer and the chairperson of Check Point Rockets in 2023.
Over the course of her 27-year tenure at Check Point, Dorit has played an instrumental role in shaping the company’s products and driving innovation in the cybersecurity industry. Her responsibilities have encompassed leading the company’s product management, research and development, and quality assurance initiatives. Additionally, she has been actively involved in forging strategic partnerships and shaping the company’s technology roadmap.
Dorit’s expertise and insights have not gone unnoticed within the industry. She has been invited to speak at prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum, the RSA Conference, and the Goware conference, where she shared her knowledge and perspectives on cybersecurity. Beyond her work at Check Point, Dorit has committed herself to various initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusivity in the field. She has served as a director of the Cyber Threat Alliance and sat on the board of She Codes, an organization dedicated to increasing the number of female programmers in Israel. As a member of the TOP 15 steering committee, a program initiated by the Israeli Ministry of Education, Dorit actively contributes to expanding opportunities for high school students of excellence.
Dorit’s contributions to the field of cybersecurity have earned her numerous accolades and recognitions. She was featured in The Software Reports’ list of the top 25 women leaders in cybersecurity in both 2019 and 2020, highlighting her influence and impact within the industry. Similarly, Solutions Review included her on their list of the 10 key female cybersecurity leaders to know in 2020, further solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the field.
Outside of her illustrious career, Dorit is a devoted wife to Tomer Dor and a loving mother to their two sons. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring professionals, especially women, seeking to excel in the field of technology and make their mark on the world.
Awards:
– Israel National Defense Award (1993)