Google Buys Cybersecurity Firm Wiz for $32 Billion
In a landmark move, Google’s parent company Alphabet has announced its largest acquisition to date: the purchase of cloud cybersecurity startup Wiz. The New York-based company, founded by Israeli entrepreneurs, will now become part of the Google Cloud division. The deal—reportedly valued above the previous $23 billion offer that fell through last year—represents a strategic leap forward for Google in the competitive cloud services sector.
This is Alphabet’s second attempt to acquire Wiz, following an earlier breakdown in talks in 2024. Back then, concerns over antitrust hurdles and valuation disagreements kept the two parties apart. But with Wiz's valuation soaring from $12 billion in May 2024 to $16 billion later in the year, and an IPO on the horizon, the stars have aligned for a historic agreement—one that eclipses Alphabet’s previous record $12.5 billion Motorola Mobility acquisition in 2012.
Wiz has quickly become one of the most sought-after cybersecurity platforms in the cloud ecosystem, serving major players like Microsoft and Amazon. Its rapid ascent is driven by a growing demand for robust, cross-platform security solutions in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
“We expect this change to enable us to execute and innovate even faster,” said Wiz cofounder and CEO Assaf Rappaport. “Becoming part of Google Cloud is effectively strapping a rocket to our backs.”
The acquisition aligns with Google Cloud’s broader ambition to outpace competitors in the enterprise cloud space. It also strengthens its defense against Microsoft, which continues to face scrutiny over high-profile cybersecurity missteps. With previous acquisitions like Siemplify and Mandiant already under its belt, Google is assembling a formidable security stack within its cloud offering.
But the move isn’t without challenges. Alphabet remains under intense regulatory scrutiny, facing two antitrust lawsuits from the U.S. Department of Justice over its dominance in search and digital advertising. And the Wiz deal itself could trigger additional review, especially given the firm’s position as a multicloud vendor. To mitigate concerns, Google has emphasized that Wiz’s tools will remain available on rival platforms including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud.
“Wiz needs to remain a multicloud platform,” Rappaport stressed, highlighting the company’s commitment to interoperability. Google Cloud has also confirmed that it will continue to support a wide range of third-party security solutions through its marketplace.
The timing of this acquisition is also notable. With Andrew Ferguson recently appointed as FTC Chair, the regulatory climate is in flux. While some observers speculate a softer stance toward big tech under the current administration, Ferguson has signaled he will remain vigilant, particularly in ongoing probes involving Microsoft.
Ultimately, Alphabet’s acquisition of Wiz isn’t just a big-money deal—it’s a clear statement of intent. Google is betting big on cloud security as a differentiator, and it’s positioning Wiz as the catalyst to accelerate that mission. If the deal clears regulatory hurdles, it could redefine the competitive dynamics of cloud computing for years to come.
