Mikhail Kader Joins UserGate as Future Customer Experience Architect

We are pleased to announce a new appointment. Mikhail Kader has joined our team as one of Russia’s leading experts in network architecture and cybersecurity systems. At UserGate, Mikhail will serve as the architect of the customer experience of the future, overseeing a wide array of business development matters related to client interactions and new technology innovations. He is tasked with enhancing clients’ perceptions of UserGate as a vendor that not only meets the most stringent demands but also surpasses expectations with its expertise and vision for the future of information security systems.

Another area of responsibility for Mikhail Kader will be the development of the company’s product strategy. In this capacity, he will act as an expert managing technological capabilities while strengthening cross-functional links between development, technical marketing, and the presales discipline in the interests of our clients. Ultimately, UserGate aims to leverage Mikhail’s extensive experience as a network architect to deliver innovative and effective solutions for creating complex and highly secure network systems.

“It’s quite challenging to define Mikhail’s role in a single phrase,” says Alexander Levchenko, co-founder and director of UserGate. “Our team has welcomed a visionary, a unique specialist who will advance our technologies and product portfolio. Additionally, Mikhail brings with him a wealth of experience working with high-level clients. This appointment also carries a unique significance; Mikhail Kader represents a ‘quality mark’ for specialists aiming to grow alongside a recognized expert and acquire his competencies.”

Mikhail Kader has previously automated the financial operations of the Ministry of Oil and Gas, now PJSC Gazprom, and has held positions at Russian IT firms Unitech and Stinscom.

Over 25 years, Mikhail Kader worked at Cisco, where he earned a reputation as one of Russia’s foremost authorities in network architecture development and information security systems. He was the first engineer in Cisco’s Moscow office responsible for partner training, developed the company’s first certification for the FSTEC, participated in launching Cisco products in Russia, and authored brochures addressing information security challenges. Mikhail’s contributions earned him global recognition—he was the first Cisco employee in Russia and the CIS to receive the title of Distinguished Systems Engineer, a designation held by fewer than 30 individuals worldwide at that time.

Mikhail Kader is also the author of several dozen articles focused on information security issues and has spoken at numerous industry forums, earning multiple professional awards.

In recent years, Mikhail worked with Positive Technologies, specializing in the architecture of information security systems while continuing his educational efforts as an expert, publishing scientific articles, and presenting at prominent conferences.

“In our country, many companies are developing information security solutions, but only a select few, especially UserGate, can offer the market not only effective tools but also a unique vision of the future of the information security industry. The corporate philosophy and values of UserGate greatly influenced my decision. During initial negotiations, I realized that I share a common vision of developing the product portfolio, technologies, and customer experience with the company’s top management. This sets the stage for significant and positive expectations for our upcoming collaboration,” says Mikhail Kader.

Background Information:

Mikhail Kader graduated from the Russian State University of Oil and Gas, specializing in Automated Control Systems.

He has authored over 30 articles on information security and participated in many Russian and international cybersecurity conferences.

In 2006, Mikhail Kader received the annual G.G. Starodubtseva award, established by the public-government association “Association of Documentary Telecommunications,” recognizing his role in the international project “Basic Level of Information Security for Telecom Operators” and in drafting documents for inter-operator incident analysis groups. Additionally, Mikhail has been a two-time laureate of the professional award “Infoforum”: in 2002, he was named the best specialist in network security as “Expert of the Year,” and six years later, he received the “Silver Horseshoe.”

He holds a first adult category in alpine skiing and is a candidate for master of sports in motorsport. Mikhail is married and has children.

He joined UserGate on July 1, 2025, as the architect of the customer experience of the future.