What Google's Acquisition of Wiz Means for Cybersecurity

Google has signed a definitive agreement to acquire cloud security startup Wiz for US$32bn, subject to closing adjustments. 

Once closed, Wiz will join Google Cloud under the shared ambition of accelerating two key trends in the AI era: improving cloud security and providing the ability to use multiple clouds.

The latter, known as multicloud, involves distributing cloud assets and applications across multiple cloud environments, using different cloud computing platforms to support either a single application or an ecosystem of applications. 

“Google Cloud and Wiz share a joint vision to make cybersecurity more accessible and simpler to use for organisations of any size and industry,” says Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian. 

“Enabling more companies to prevent cyber attacks, including in very complex business software environments, will help organisations minimise the cost, disruption and hassle caused by cybersecurity incidents.”

Complexity in enterprise cloud security

Cybersecurity and cloud computing are evolving at pace, with the introduction of a vast range of solutions and technologies adding complexity to the business environment. 

For CISOs and business leaders, the increased role of AI and the adoption of cloud services has shifted the cybersecurity landscape and heightened the importance of effectively defending against a broader range of threats.

Traditional approaches to cybersecurity struggle to maintain pace with this changing operational context, with the embedding of AI and software across products and operations bringing new risks for private enterprises, governments and other public sector organisations.

To ensure effective protection, organisations with modern IT environments need a security solution that spans multiple clouds, as well as hybrid and on-premise environments. 

It must also defend against threats to and from AI, use AI as part of its defence approach, and be able to easily integrate software development and operations into the existing security portfolio.

Turbocharging enterprise cybersecurity

Google Cloud and Wiz share a vision to reduce the complexity inherent in this environment, making it easier and faster for organisations to protect themselves end-to-end and across all major clouds. 

Wiz provides organisations of all sizes with a security platform that connects to all major clouds and code environments to help prevent cybersecurity incidents. 

Its solutions rapidly scan the operating environment, carrying out comprehensive analysis and identifying potential threats and attacks. It also helps security teams collaborate with developers to mitigate and block ongoing attacks. 

Google Cloud is a leader in cloud infrastructure, with deep expertise and industry experience in AI and security innovation. 

In the cybersecurity space, its solutions help organisations to detect and respond to attackers through SaaS-based services and cybersecurity consulting. 

This includes Google Threat Intelligence, which provides accurate and actionable threat intelligence, Google Security Operations and Mandiant Consulting, which combines consulting services, threat intelligence and attack surface management. 

“From its earliest days, Google’s strong security focus has made us a leader in keeping people safe online. Today, businesses and governments that run in the cloud are looking for even stronger security solutions, and greater choice in cloud computing providers,” says Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google.

“Together, Google Cloud and Wiz will turbocharge improved cloud security and the ability to use multiple clouds.”

Making magic together

By coming together, the two companies will strengthen multicloud security for customers, and help spur the adoption of multicloud cybersecurity across industries. 

This will provide customers with better security for enterprise systems and lower the cost of maintaining a strong security posture across on-premise and multicloud environments.

Specific benefits to customers include: 

• Offering a next-generation unified security platform combining Wiz’s Cloud Security Platform with Google Security Operations to secure cloud-native applications. 
• Scaling cybersecurity teams through the provision of an automated platform.
• Protection against new threats with advanced AI and improved threat response. 
• The use of AI-powered agents that act as an extension of in-house teams.
• Cybersecurity consulting and expertise, including in incident response, strategic readiness and managed defence.

Wiz’s products will continue to work and be available across all major clouds, including Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud and Amazon Web Services – they will be offered through an array of partner security solutions. 

Discussing the agreement, Co-Founder and CEO of Wiz Assaf Rappaport notes: “Wiz and Google Cloud are fully committed to continue supporting and protecting customers across all major clouds, helping keep them safe and secure wherever they operate. 

“This is an exciting moment for our company, but an even more important one for customers and partners, as this acquisition will bolster our mission to improve security and prevent breaches by providing additional resources and deep AI expertise.!

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