Google cloud snaps up Mandiant

Google has seen off rival Microsoft to acquire cybersecurity vendor Mandiant for $5.4 billion.

For those not in the know, Mandiant provides threat intelligence to protect against cyber-attacks and will.  Google claims it will play nicely with Google Cloud’s “existing security strengths”.

Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian said that organisations around the world were facing unprecedented cybersecurity challenges as the sophistication and severity of attacks that were previously used to target major governments are now being used to target companies in every industry.

“We look forward to welcoming Mandiant to Google Cloud to further enhance our security operations suite and advisory services, and help customers address their most important security challenges.”

Google says the cybersecurity firm’s offering will now be used to “enhance” its existing cloud security capabilities – including BeyondCorp Enterprise for Zero Trust, VirusTotal for malicious content and software vulnerabilities and Chronicle’s planet-scale security analytics and automation.

It claims the deal will “enable system integrators, resellers and managed security service providers to offer broader solutions to customers”.

Mandiant CEO Kevin Mandia said: “There has never been a more critical time in cybersecurity. Since our founding in 2004, Mandiant’s mission has been to combat cyber-attacks and protect our customers from the latest threats. We are thrilled to be joining forces with Google Cloud. Together, we will deliver expertise and intelligence at scale, changing the security industry.”