Mastercard acquires threat intelligence firm Recorded Future for $2.6 billion
The financial services giant has said the acquisition will complement the company’s current suite of security services.
Mastercard announced overnight its intention to acquire renowned threat intelligence firm Recorded Future for $2.65 billion.
Recorded Future has more than 1,900 clients in 75 countries. Half of the Fortune 500 companies, as well as 45 governments around the world, work with the company.
Mastercard and Recorded Future have already collaborated on an AI-based service that can warn banks when a card has been compromised, so the acquisition would seem like a natural step.
“Trust is the foundation of any relationship. Recorded Future contributes to how we provide that greater peace of mind before, during and after the payment transaction,” said Craig Vosburg, chief services officer at Mastercard, in a statement.
“Together, we will innovate faster, build smarter models, and anticipate emerging threats before cyberattacks occur, in payments and beyond.”
Christopher Ahlberg, CEO of Recorded Future, said in the statement that the move is a good opportunity for both companies.
“Fifteen years ago, we created Recorded Future with the simple goal of protecting the world with intelligence,” Ahlberg said.
“By joining Mastercard, we see an opportunity to help more businesses and governments determine the steps to reach their full potential and enable everyone to feel more secure in their daily lives.”
Speaking in more detail about the acquisition in an X thread, Ahlberg added that Recorded Future would remain independent.
“We will remain an open and independent intelligence platform, operating as an independent subsidiary of Mastercard,” Ahlberg said.
“My dinner with their CEO, Michael Miebach, last week convinced me that we have an incredible partnership ahead.”
Josh Lefkowitz, CEO of threat intelligence firm Flashpoint, said the acquisition is “validation of the widespread and growing recognition of the mission criticality of threat intelligence at the center of an organization’s security posture.” .
“Threat intelligence has steadily increased in importance over the years, moving to the center of the radar for CISO, CSO and board of directors to protect people and assets from a growing variety of threats, from breaches and ransomware to the consequences of geopolitical conflicts. all over the world,” Lefkowitz said.
