The Take Another Take: How Israeli spy veterans are shaping US big tech
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Jan 17, 2026 Murtaza Hussain, a national security reporter and investigative journalist, dives into the intriguing world of Israeli intelligence veterans shaping U.S. tech. He discusses how Unit 8200, Israel’s elite cyber-intelligence division, has influenced major U.S. corporations and their data practices. Murtaza reveals over a thousand veterans are now embedded in tech, impacting privacy and surveillance. He highlights significant deals like the Palo Alto Networks–CyberArk takeover and explains the military roles of Unit 8200 that affect global security.
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Employee Origins Shape Platform Power
- The identity and backgrounds of tech employees shape how platforms manage speech, surveillance, and personal data.
- Understanding who works at tech companies matters for assessing privacy and security outcomes.
High-Profile Takeover Connects Two Veterans
- Murtaza Hussain highlights a recent multi-billion dollar takeover linking two Unit 8200 veterans in leadership at Palo Alto Networks and CyberArk.
- He uses that deal to illustrate the broader pattern of intelligence alumni consolidating power in Silicon Valley.
Unit 8200 Alumni Populate U.S. Tech
- Hundreds of veterans from Israel's Unit 8200 have moved into senior roles across major U.S. tech firms and cybersecurity companies.
- This migration links military-grade surveillance expertise directly into corporate control of global data and security.