How Google’s $32 Billion Acquisition of Wiz is Set to Transform Cloud Security with AI

A few days ago, on March 18th, 2025, the tech world was shaken by an announcement that seemed almost surreal. Breaking headlines flooded the internet: “Google has acquired Wiz.” This news sent ripples through the entire tech industry, particularly in the world of cybersecurity and cloud computing. Like many others, I couldn’t help but rush to my laptop to dig into the details.

This wasn’t the first time we’d heard of such a deal. A few months ago, a similar acquisition was in the works, pegged at $22 billion. But it fell through, mainly due to regulatory concerns faced by Google. The deal seemed doomed. So, when I saw the headlines again—this time with a $32 billion price tag—I was both surprised and intrigued. What changed? Why is this happening now? And what does this mean for the future of cybersecurity and cloud computing?

The $32 Billion Deal: Google Acquires Wiz

On March 18, 2025, Google officially announced it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Wiz, a cloud security firm based in New York. The deal, valued at $32 billion (subject to closing adjustments), was an all-cash transaction, and once finalized, Wiz will become part of Google Cloud.

This acquisition is not just a major financial move—it’s a strategic one. Google is strengthening its position in the highly competitive cloud security space. As CEO Sundar Pichai mentioned in a March 18 webcast: “Security is a fundamental priority for CEOs and government leaders around the world. The security landscape has changed, and the pace and impact of breaches are accelerating. AI brings new risks, but also new opportunities.”

Wiz’s Origins: From Adallom to Cloud Security Powerhouse

Before founding Wiz, Assaf Rappaport (CEO), Ami Luttwak (CTO), Yinnon Costica (VP Product), and Roy Reznik (VP R&D), Mika (Chief Dog Officer) were already familiar names in the tech industry. In 2012, they founded Adallom, a cloud security firm based in Tel Aviv. Just three years later, Microsoft acquired Adallom for $320 million, at the time marking its largest-ever Israeli tech acquisition. Following the acquisition, the four co-founders led Microsoft Azure’s Cloud Security Group, playing a key role in shaping cloud security at Microsoft. However, in 2020, as the world shifted toward remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, they saw an opportunity to build something new. Wiz was born—a solution designed to secure multi-cloud environments at scale.

Wiz’s Rapid Growth: A Cloud Security Leader

Wiz quickly gained traction, offering a fast-growing, AI-powered, multi-cloud security platform. With cloud adoption skyrocketing, businesses sought more robust security solutions, and Wiz was perfectly positioned to meet this demand.

Today, Wiz’s customer base spans over 40% of Fortune 100 companies, including major names like BMW, Slack, Agoda, and Plaid. By 2024, the company’s valuation had soared to $12 billion, with revenue jumping from $1 million in 2022 to $350 million by the end of 2024.

The company’s rapid success has also catapulted its founders into the billionaire ranks, each now worth around $1 billion.

The Technology Behind Wiz: Securing the Cloud with AI

One of Wiz’s biggest differentiators is its agentless security model. Traditional security platforms require companies to install agents on every device—a time-consuming and resource heavy process. Wiz eliminates this hassle by offering direct cloud integration using digital twin technology.

With this approach, Wiz creates a simulated model of an organization’s cloud environment, allowing security teams to analyze risks, prioritize threats, and respond proactively.

Additionally, Wiz’s intuitive user interface makes it easy for businesses to monitor their security posture. One of its standout tools is a visual web chart that maps out cloud connections, helping security teams understand how a potential breach could impact an entire system.

This combination of agentless security, AI-driven risk detection, and a user-friendly interface is what sets Wiz apart in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Google’s Strategic Move: What This Acquisition Means for Google Cloud

This acquisition is a game-changer for Google Cloud. Competing against Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure has been an uphill battle. In 2024, Google Cloud’s revenue was $43 billion, significantly lower than AWS’s $105.4 billion and Azure’s $107.6 billion. By acquiring Wiz, Google is making a bold move to narrow this gap and offer enterprises a compelling, AI-powered cloud security solution.

Wiz now joins Google’s security portfolio, which includes Mandiant, VirusTotal, and Chronicle (now Google Security Operations). This acquisition signals Google’s commitment to integrating AI into security operations, enhancing its reputation as a top-tier cloud provider.

Challenges and Risks

Ahead Despite the opportunities, the deal is not without its challenges.

• Regulatory scrutiny: Google is already facing antitrust cases, and this acquisition could attract further regulatory attention.
• Patent lawsuit: Wiz is currently involved in a legal dispute with Orca Security, which claims Wiz has used patented technology without authorization. If unresolved, this lawsuit could complicate the acquisition process.
• Reverse termination fee: Google has agreed to a $3.2 billion termination fee, one of the highest ever recorded, highlighting the high stakes of this deal.

My Take: The AI Surge & Cybersecurity’s Growing Importance

AI is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, making technology more efficient, seamless, and deeply integrated into everyday operations. Tasks that once took hours can now be automated in seconds, allowing businesses to operate faster and smarter.

But with rapid AI advancement comes new risks. Cybercriminals are also leveraging AI, using it to identify vulnerabilities faster, automate attacks, and exploit security gaps more effectively. The same technology that strengthens security can also be used to break it.

This makes cybersecurity more crucial than ever. No matter how AI reshapes industries, protecting digital infrastructure remains a top priority. Google’s acquisition of Wiz is a strategic power move, positioning Google Cloud as a stronger competitor against AWS and Azure. By integrating AI-powered security capabilities, Google is enhancing both its cloud offerings and its ability to tackle evolving cyber threats.

But this leads to a larger debate:

As AI becomes a key player in cybersecurity, is this a boon or a bane? Will AI-driven security make businesses safer, or are we entering a cycle where security advancements are always one step behind evolving threats?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below—how do you see AI shaping the future of cybersecurity?