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Google Reignites Acquisition Talks for Wiz with Increased Valuation
Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is in advanced talks to acquire cloud cybersecurity startup Wiz, potentially boosting Google Cloud’s security offerings. Previous negotiations last summer valued the deal at $23 billion, but current discussions suggest a valuation around $30 billion. Led by Thomas Kurian, Google Cloud’s head, the acquisition aligns with Wiz’s impressive annual recurring revenue of $500 million, aiming for $1 billion by 2025. Challenges in past negotiations included operational structure disagreements and regulatory scrutiny. Founded in 2020 by former Israeli military officers, Wiz is backed by prominent investors and has declined to comment on the ongoing talks.
Dataminr Secures $85 Million Funding Round to Accelerate Growth in Analytics Solutions
Dataminr, a data analytics firm serving clients like NATO and OpenAI, has secured $85 million in financing to enhance its offerings and expand globally. This funding follows a significant $475 million round in 2021 and comes after the company laid off 20% of its workforce to adapt to economic pressures. CEO Ted Bailey highlighted plans to broaden international reach and develop new products. The financing, led by NightDragon and HSBC, is categorized as “pre-IPO convertible financing.” Dataminr, founded in 2009, specializes in real-time event monitoring, boasting over 800 clients and a $282 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Armis Acquires Otorio for $120M to Enhance Cybersecurity in Physical Environments
Armis, valued at $4.2 billion, has acquired Tel Aviv-based Otorio for approximately $120 million in cash and shares. Otorio specializes in securing industrial environments, and its flagship product, Titan, will be integrated into Armis’ Centrix platform. This acquisition enhances Armis’s capabilities in industrial cybersecurity, addressing vulnerabilities as machinery becomes more connected. The deal also strengthens Armis’s zero-trust security offerings, following its successful efforts against AI-driven threats. This marks Armis’s third acquisition in a year, reflecting a trend of consolidation in the cybersecurity sector, as companies seek to enhance their expertise through strategic mergers.
FBI Warns: Scammers Target US Executives with Deceptive BianLian Ransom Notes
The FBI has issued a warning about a new scam where fraudsters impersonate the BianLian ransomware gang, targeting U.S. corporate executives with fake ransom notes. These notes claim sensitive data has been stolen and threaten to leak it unless ransoms between $250,000 and $500,000 are paid via QR codes linked to Bitcoin wallets. The BianLian gang, active since June 2022 and linked to Russian cybercrime, primarily targets the healthcare sector. While the FBI investigates, it has not confirmed any connections between the scammers and the actual gang or identified specific victims. Organizations are advised to remain vigilant against such threats.
Critical Alert: Palo Alto Networks Discovers New Firewall Vulnerability Targeted by Hackers
Palo Alto Networks has issued a critical warning about a new vulnerability in its firewall software, identified as CVE-2025-0108, which is being actively exploited by hackers. Discovered by Assetnote, the vulnerability affects unpatched PAN-OS customer networks. The company has urged customers to apply patches urgently, as attackers are chaining this vulnerability with two others, CVE-2024-9474 and CVE-2025-0111. A significant increase in exploitation activity has been noted, with 25 IP addresses involved. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added this vulnerability to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, highlighting the urgency for organizations to respond.
Ultimate TechCrunch Cyber Glossary: Your Comprehensive Guide to Tech Terminology
In the dynamic realm of cybersecurity, understanding key terminology is essential for both professionals and enthusiasts. A comprehensive glossary has been created to clarify common jargon and concepts, benefiting both seasoned experts and newcomers. Key terms include Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), which involve sophisticated hacking groups, and man-in-the-middle attacks, where unauthorized parties intercept communications. Other critical terms include backdoors, botnets, data breaches, and ransomware. The glossary also addresses emerging threats like cryptojacking and deepfakes. This evolving resource aims to enhance cybersecurity knowledge and encourages user feedback for further improvement.