Shaposhnykov's professional development began with Israel's most demanding military technology program, a six-month programmer course that ranks among the Israeli Defense Forces' most selective training opportunities. The program prepared him to manage Microsoft-based IT systems supporting 150,000 users, a scale of responsibility that few cybersecurity professionals encounter early in their careers.
Elite Military Foundation Meets Civilian Reality
The progression from programmer to team leader followed the traditional path for high-performing military technologists. Between 2015 and 2017, Shaposhnykov advanced to officer status and managed the same Microsoft Technologies team he had previously served on. This experience provided an operational perspective on large-scale cybersecurity implementation, understanding both technical requirements and organizational dynamics that influence security effectiveness.
"I have started my professional journey at a programmers course in the Army which is the one of the most prestigious and challenging courses taking 6 months to complete," Shaposhnykov explains. The military foundation established technical competence while developing a disciplined approach to problem-solving that characterizes effective cybersecurity professionals.
The transition from military service to civilian cybersecurity consulting required adapting elite training to commercial environments with different constraints and objectives. After military service, Shaposhnykov joined CST-360, a boutique cybersecurity firm serving startups, corporations, and government agencies between 2019 and 2021.
Bridging Military Skills to Corporate Consulting
This experience exposed him to the practical challenges facing organizations attempting to implement effective cybersecurity without military-level resources or personnel. Unlike military environments where security often takes precedence over other considerations, civilian organizations must balance protection against operational efficiency, cost constraints, and user experience requirements.
The boutique firm experience provided comprehensive exposure to cybersecurity challenges across different organizational types. Startups required cost-effective solutions that could scale with rapid growth, while established corporations needed comprehensive protection that integrated with existing systems. Government agencies brought unique compliance requirements alongside budget constraints that demanded creative problem-solving.
CST-360's merger with Cyber Styx created opportunities for expanded operations and more complicated projects. Shaposhnykov's promotion to Co-Founder and CTO status reflected both his technical expertise and leadership capabilities. However, the position also revealed the limitations facing smaller cybersecurity firms attempting to serve enterprise-scale clients with sophisticated requirements.
Corporate Integration and Strategic Leadership
The merger with PwC Israel in March 2022 represented more than business consolidation; it created the platform for implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies at enterprise scale. The creation of PwC NEXT Technology Solutions as a subsidiary focused on cybersecurity, cloud services, and business automation provided the resources and global network necessary for sophisticated client engagements.
"Since then I have been leading the Cyber Security Practice in Israel," Shaposhnykov notes, describing his current role within the global consulting framework. This position combines his military-developed technical expertise with the business acumen required for enterprise consulting while maintaining focus on practical security implementation.
PwC's recognition as a Leader in IDC's MarketScape for Worldwide Systems Integrators and Consultancies Cybersecurity Services validates the strategic approach. The report specifically highlights industry and regulatory expertise with protocols aligned to sector requirements, supporting Shaposhnykov's emphasis on tailored rather than generic security solutions.
Education as Strategic Workforce Development
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Shaposhnykov's leadership goes above immediate client services to address systemic workforce development challenges. The cyber analyst course, created in partnership with Google and Reichman Tech School, targets students from Israel's periphery communities who traditionally lack access to cybersecurity education.
Israel's cybersecurity sector comprises over 500 active companies, yet faces persistent talent shortages despite producing approximately one thousand cyber personnel annually from military units. The concentration of talent development in military programs and elite educational institutions limits the diversity of perspectives and experiences available to the industry.
The program's rapid success, with the first cohort achieving employment and the second cycle already launched, demonstrates both market demand and educational effectiveness. Graduates bring different perspectives and experiences that enhance organizational capabilities while accessing career opportunities previously unavailable in their communities.
ⓒ 2025 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
