Check Point Releases New R71 Training and Certification Programs for the Software Blade Architecture

New training and certification programs teach IT professionals how to prevent data loss and protect against emerging Internet threats

Redwood City, CA - Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: CHKP), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet, today announced the availability of its new R71 training and certification programs that teach customers how to effectively deploy, maintain and optimize Check Point’s revolutionary Software Blade Architecture. The new programs are designed to help security professionals leverage the latest protections among a library of over 30 software blades available, including Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), SmartWorkFlow and SmartEvent.

The latest Security Gateway R71 course materials include hands-on exercises and an online library with downloadable study guides and practice exams. Throughout the curriculum, students will learn how to configure security policies, secure communications across the network and defend against emerging Internet threats from the convenience of their own computer - without travel or time loss. Check Point’s new Online Live training platform also enables security administrators to study and collaborate with peers in a dynamic, virtual learning environment that leverages new online classes and labs.

With over 50,000 Check Point certified security professionals worldwide, the company’s Security Administrator (CCSA) and the advanced Security Expert (CCSE) certifications are highly recognized and respected in the security community. According to a recent report conducted by Foote Partners, an independent IT benchmarking research and advisory firm, Check Point CCSA and CCSE certifications rank among the “Top 10 hottest IT Certifications” and significantly increased in 2010, as reported by eWEEK. In addition, the firm noted the market value of IT security certifications has increased over the last few years showing a jump in pay premiums for certified security professionals. Check Point’s updated CCSA, CCSE, as well as Certified Master Architect (CCMA) certifications, offer the highest level of certification for security experts who design and manage complex end-to-end security architectures.

“We’ve already seen a lot of interest from customers in the new Software Blade training and certification programs and we are proud to offer them first-class training programs from Check Point,” said Martin Hall, training division manager at Computerlinks, a leading distributor of IT security. “It truly helps our customers better prepare to handle - and alleviate - the security challenges and complexities that come with being an IT administrator.”

The Check Point Software Blade Architecture enables business of all sizes to customize their network security infrastructure to meet their exact functional and performance needs with centralized management, simple deployment and full extensibility. Professionals interested in becoming certified can receive the recommended training from a global network of Check Point Authorized Training Centers (ATC) or direct from Check Point. For more information and a full list of Check Point solutions covered in the training certification programs, visit: http://www.checkpoint.com/services/education/index.html.

“Check Point’s unique software blade approach gives customers the flexibility to protect against a wide variety of security threats,” said Ofer Wolf, vice president of technical services at Check Point Software Technologies. “Our virtual lab environments add a new dynamic to our training programs, where security administrators can see the technology in action and leverage the software blades to prepare for real-world security situations.”

About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet, is the only vendor to deliver Total Security for networks, data and endpoints, unified under a single management framework. Check Point provides customers with uncompromised protection against all types of threats, reduces security complexity and lowers total cost of ownership. Check Point first pioneered the industry with FireWall-1 and its patented stateful inspection technology. Today, Check Point continues to innovate with the development of the Software Blade Architecture. The dynamic Software Blade Architecture delivers secure, flexible and simple solutions that can be fully customized to meet the exact security needs of any organization or environment. Check Point customers include tens of thousands of businesses and organizations of all sizes including all Fortune 100 companies. Check Point’s award-winning ZoneAlarm solutions protect millions of consumers from hackers, spyware and identity theft.