In a strategic move to enhance its native cloud security offerings, Google has acquired Wiz for a staggering $32 billion. This acquisition reduces Google’s reliance on external vendors for multi-cloud security solutions, paralleling Microsoft’s strategy with Defender for Cloud, as noted by Gartner’s Charlie Winckless. The purchase highlights Google’s ambition to strengthen its security operations by integrating Wiz’s advanced capabilities, which include cloud security posture management, cloud detection and response, and application security.
Wiz has established itself as a leader in the pure-play cloud security market due to its robust product architecture. The integration of Wiz’s capabilities into Google’s security operations stack is akin to Palo Alto Networks’ strategy of aligning its cloud security unit with its broader security operations. This alignment is expected to enhance Google’s overall security posture, providing a comprehensive suite of tools for cloud security management.
However, the acquisition raises concerns about Wiz’s commitment to multi-cloud neutrality. As Google incorporates Wiz’s technology, questions arise about whether there will be equal investment in supporting other cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). While Winckless suggests that this may not change in the short term, it remains a critical point to monitor as the integration progresses.
In an interview with Information Security Media Group, Winckless delves into how Wiz achieved its leadership status in cloud security. He discusses the convergence of cloud security with security operations and addresses the perception of Wiz potentially shifting its focus away from multi-cloud neutrality. This shift could impact how customers view the integration of Wiz’s offerings within Google’s ecosystem.
Winckless’ expertise spans zero trust strategies, secure cloud usage, and delivering network security outcomes from the cloud. His research encompasses various domains such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) security, alongside governance and related markets like CSPM, SSPM, CWPP, and CNAPP. As Google and Wiz navigate this new partnership, the cloud security landscape is set for significant transformation.