Google’s recent announcement to acquire cloud security giant Wiz for a staggering $32 billion in cash is sending shockwaves through the industry. This move comes nearly a year after Wiz walked away from an earlier $23 billion offer from Google, choosing instead to chase an IPO. But now, the deal is back—and bigger than ever.
According to Google, the acquisition will supercharge its cloud security capabilities while enhancing multicloud support. Both companies insist Wiz’s tools will remain available across all major cloud platforms. However, the industry is already questioning how this massive deal—the largest cybersecurity acquisition ever—will reshape the cloud security landscape.
Industry experts wasted no time weighing in on the deal’s broader impact.
Mark Kraynak, Co-founder and Partner at Acrew Capital, called the acquisition a game-changer. “This is monumental, not just because it’s the largest cybersecurity deal ever, but because it follows closely behind Cisco’s $28 billion Splunk acquisition,” he pointed out. For Kraynak, this signals that multi-billion-dollar deals could soon become the new standard in cybersecurity.
He also noted that, with IPO markets still shaky, such mega-deals offer relief to investors. Yet, Kraynak warned that regulators are likely watching closely, especially amid the DOJ’s ongoing antitrust scrutiny of Google. The deal could reshape the cloud security market’s structure by absorbing an independent player into Google’s ecosystem, raising questions about Wiz’s future neutrality.
Shai Morag, Chief Product Officer at Tenable, echoed those concerns. He believes Wiz’s independence is effectively over. “Neutrality will be tough to maintain. Product decisions might now tilt in Google Cloud’s favor, sparking competitive conflicts,” he said. Morag stressed that customers should stay alert as this deal could fundamentally alter cloud security dynamics.
Seal Security CEO Itamar Sher added a historical lens, calling Wiz “the symbol of the mean startup” model where aggressive VC funding fuels rapid industry disruption. “Google bought a once-in-a-generation company. The big question is—will they leverage Wiz like YouTube or fumble it?” he asked. Sher believes Wiz’s success at Google depends on keeping it independent and multicloud-focused.
Deepwatch’s Senior Director of Product, Parth Shah, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal for Google. “They’ve spent nearly $40 billion trying to cement their security leadership,” he noted. Shah credited Wiz’s rapid revenue growth—$100 million in 18 months and an estimated $700 million at acquisition—as a major attraction. He sees this as a turning point that could reshape Google’s security future.
Rob Gurzeev, CEO of CyCognito, sees Google’s move as a calculated bet on quality. “Security leaders today are fed up with empty promises. They want tools that actually work,” he said. Gurzeev praised Wiz’s ability to solve critical cloud visibility issues—problems worsened by AI adoption and fragmented multicloud environments. In his view, Google’s acquisition shows a clear understanding of what modern enterprises need to stay secure.
Meanwhile, Eric Schwake, Director of Cybersecurity Strategy at Salt Security, sees both pros and cons. He believes Google Cloud customers will benefit from a more robust, AI-powered security platform. But Schwake also warned about the risks of vendor lock-in, reduced competition, and potential roadblocks to innovation.
Fenix24 Co-founder Heath Renfrow called the acquisition a defining moment for cloud security. He said it mirrors a broader trend where tech giants are integrating top-tier security solutions. “The key question now is—will Wiz stay platform-agnostic or get pulled deeper into Google’s orbit?” he asked. Renfrow also flagged that startups pitching themselves as neutral players could now gain ground.
Ariel Litmanovich, CTO at Aryon Security, believes the deal creates opportunities for rivals. “Some customers may leave Wiz, opening the door for other cloud security firms to grow,” he said. He added that this could trigger further acquisitions as competitors scramble to capture market share.
ARMO CEO Shauli Rozen zoomed in on a critical angle—runtime security. “Wiz made strides into runtime security but was far from complete,” Rozen explained. He now wonders whether Google’s ownership will accelerate that progress or slow it down. For smaller startups in the runtime space, Rozen sees a unique opportunity to shine.
Ultimately, Rozen sees this deal as another proud moment for Israel’s cybersecurity scene. Wiz’s rapid rise and blockbuster exit underscore the country’s role as a global cyber innovation powerhouse.
With this acquisition, Google isn’t just making a financial statement—it’s staking its claim in the cloud security arena. While Wiz’s multicloud neutrality hangs in the balance, the deal undeniably strengthens Google’s hand against AWS and Microsoft. As the dust settles, the industry will be watching closely to see if Google can preserve Wiz’s independent edge or risk alienating customers looking for truly cloud-agnostic security.
