Google is making its biggest acquisition yet, sealing a $32 billion deal to buy cloud security powerhouse Wiz. The move, announced Tuesday, is aimed at bolstering cybersecurity as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more deeply embedded in tech infrastructure.
The all-cash deal will integrate Wiz into Google Cloud, enhancing security for businesses using multiple cloud services. “This acquisition provides an end-to-end security platform for customers of all sizes in the AI era,” Google and Wiz said in a joint statement.
As AI’s influence grows, so do cybersecurity risks, making protection against emerging threats more critical than ever. Google’s purchase of Wiz—founded in 2020 by Israeli-born CEO Assaf Rappaport—underscores the rising demand for advanced cloud security solutions.
Wiz’s technology continuously scans organizations’ cloud environments in real time, prioritizing and neutralizing high-risk threats. Despite the acquisition, Wiz will continue offering services to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, similar to how Google operates Mandiant, another cybersecurity firm it acquired in 2022.
Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian emphasized the deal’s importance: “With Wiz, we believe we will revolutionize security by making it more proactive, automated, and comprehensive across all major cloud platforms.”
The purchase signals a potential resurgence in big-tech mergers following the departure of Lina Khan, the former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chair known for her tough stance on tech consolidation. Analysts predict this could trigger a wave of acquisitions in the cybersecurity sector as companies rush to fortify their digital defenses.
Despite the bold move, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, saw its stock drop 3.8% in morning trading. However, with Google Cloud raking in over $43 billion in 2024—up nearly 31% from the previous year—the company appears confident that securing Wiz is a long-term win.
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