BillionaireNet
Zuk
Nir Zuk
Rank #2253
UNITED STATESTechnologysoftware

Nir Zuk

Net Worth
$1.669B
+0.94% (24h)
Nir Zuk is a prominent figure in the technology sector, best known as the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Palo Alto Networks, a leading cybersecurity company. With an estimated net worth of $1.7 Billion as of December 2025, Zuk's wealth stems primarily from his contributions to the software industry. His career began in the early 1990s, and he played a key role in developing stateful inspection technology. Zuk's entrepreneurial journey includes founding OneSecure and serving as CTO at NetScreen Technologies before co-founding Palo Alto Networks in 2005. In August 2025, he retired from his position as CTO, marking the end of an era of innovation in cybersecurity.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Nir Zuk was born in Rehovot, Israel. He started working with computers at the age of 16, teaching himself programming and writing commercial software. During this time, he also explored the development of computer viruses, gaining valuable insights into computer security. This early exposure to both programming and security laid the foundation for his future career.

Rise to Success

After his mandatory service in the Israeli military, Zuk joined Check Point Software Technologies. He later co-founded OneSecure, which was acquired by NetScreen Technologies. Following this acquisition, Zuk became CTO of Juniper Networks. In 2005, he co-founded Palo Alto Networks, where he served as CTO, contributing significantly to the development of its advanced firewall technology. The company has become a leader in cybersecurity.

Key Business Strategies

At Palo Alto Networks, Zuk spearheaded the development of a next-generation firewall that integrated application awareness, user identification, and threat prevention into a single platform. This innovative approach transformed how organizations approached network security. His focus on innovation and a culture of challenging conventions propelled the company to the forefront of the cybersecurity industry.

Philanthropy

Specific details on Nir Zuk's philanthropic initiatives and amounts are not readily available in the provided search results.

Career Timeline

1990s

Check Point Software Technologies

Worked at Check Point Software Technologies, where he contributed to the development of stateful inspection technology.

2004

Co-founded OneSecure

Co-founded OneSecure, a pioneer in intrusion prevention.

2004

CTO at NetScreen Technologies

Served as CTO after OneSecure was sold to NetScreen.

2005

Co-founded Palo Alto Networks

Co-founded Palo Alto Networks, a leading cybersecurity company, and served as CTO.

Philanthropic Impact

Information not available$XB

Information not available

Information not available

Wealth Trajectory