Google confirms acquisition of Mandiant Network Security for $5.4 billion

Google has announced that it will buy Mandiant, a security company known for discovering SolarWinds hackers, which will eventually become part of Google Cloud.

After recent rumors, Google announced that it had confirmed its acquisition of Mandiant. The security company is estimated to be worth $4.5 billion, and Google is buying it for $5.6 billion.

"organizations around the world face unprecedented cyber security challenges because the complexity and severity of attacks previously used against major governments are now being used to target companies in all industries," Google CEO Thomas Kurian said in a statement.

"We look forward to Mandiant joining Google Cloud to further enhance our security operations suite and consulting services," he continued, "and help customers address their most important security challenges."

Google said Mandiant's technology and employees would "complement the existing security advantages of Google Cloud". Mandiant's cyber security record includes its discovery of SolarWinds hackers, which led the Department of Homeland Security to investigate extensive hacking attacks on the U.S. Treasury.

"Cyber security has never been more critical," said Kevin Mandia, chief executive of Mandiant. Since its inception in 2004, Mandiant's mission has been to combat cyber attacks and protect our customers from the latest threats. "

"to that end, we are pleased to join forces with Google Cloud," he continued. "together we will provide large-scale expertise and intelligence to change the security industry."

Google's acquisition still depends on approval from Mandiant shareholders and regulators. Antitrust law enforcers may carefully examine whether the acquisition will restrict competitors or customers' access to Mandiant services and products.