Google announced on Tuesday that it will acquire cloud security platform Wiz for $32 billion, aiming to strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into technology infrastructure.
The all-cash deal will bring Wiz under Google Cloud, enhancing its ability to support customers using “multiple clouds” and providing a comprehensive security platform for organizations of all sizes in the AI-driven era, according to a joint press release from both companies.
As AI continues to expand its influence, the companies emphasized the growing importance of cybersecurity in defending against emerging risks and safeguarding national security.
This acquisition marks the largest-ever deal for Google or its parent company, Alphabet, and it will be closely watched for its potential impact on President Donald Trump’s stance on large mergers, especially after the Biden administration expressed resistance to similar transactions.
Alphabet had previously come close to acquiring Wiz last summer, but the deal fell apart due to regulatory concerns, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Founded in 2020 by Assaf Rappaport and a team that had previously sold a venture to Microsoft, Wiz will continue to operate and provide services to other major cloud platforms, including Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.
Wiz, based in New York with offices in Tel Aviv and three other U.S. cities, offers services that “continuously scan an organization’s code and cloud environments, monitoring them in real-time,” as Rappaport explained during a webcast. The platform helps organizations prioritize the most critical risks based on real-world impact and block active threats.
AFP
