Google’s recent consideration to spend $23 billion to acquire Wiz, a cloud cybersecurity startup, could potentially be a game changer in the tech industry. This move, reported by The Wall Street Journal, is at close to twice the amount Google spent to acquire Motorola Mobility in 2012, making it the most expensive acquisition in the company’s history.
Based in New York City, Wiz offers unique “siloed security tools and scanners” designed for the enterprise space. The company prides itself on securing corporate cloud infrastructure by creating a normalizing layer between cloud environments, allowing businesses to quickly identify and eliminate critical risks. This specialized approach to cybersecurity is particularly important in a time when companies are facing increasing vulnerabilities and security breaches.
The driving force behind Google’s pursuit of Wiz is said to be Thomas Kurian, the Google Cloud boss. This acquisition could not only solidify Google’s reputation as a secure cloud platform but also strategically position the company in the cybersecurity market. This move seems to be part of a larger trend, with Google’s past acquisitions of cloud security startups and companies like Mandiant, known for uncovering major cyber attacks.
While the deal between Google and Wiz looks promising, there is still a possibility that it could face challenges, including regulatory reviews from US authorities. The Biden administration has been actively involved in antitrust actions, as seen in lawsuits against tech giants like Google and Microsoft. Any acquisition of this magnitude would undoubtedly undergo scrutiny to ensure fair competition in the industry.
Google’s potential acquisition of Wiz for $23 billion could have far-reaching implications for the tech and cybersecurity sectors. This bold move reflects Google’s commitment to strengthening its cloud platform and addressing the growing security concerns faced by businesses today. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this acquisition shapes the future of cybersecurity and technology as a whole.