Google buys threat intel giant Mandiant for $5.4bn

Google is buying preeminent threat intel firm Mandiant for $5.4bn, the two companies announced this morning. The purchase, which will bring the infosec giant into Google Cloud, is one of the largest ever made by Google, coming second to its $12.5bn purchase of Motorola phone division Mobility in 2011. "Cyber security is a …

[Gene Cash]

12.5bn purchase of Motorola phone division Mobility

Oh yeah, the one where they bought Motorola and shut it down. I had a US-made Moto G for a hot second. Hope they don't do the same here.

[Mike 137]

"As long as Google doesn't do to Mandiant what it did to Google+, all should go well"

Even if it lasts, I predict an at least gradual decline in quality. It's hard for a high end specialist entity to retain its independent standards once subsumed into a behemoth money-at-any-cost machine.

[LDS]

Given the level of access Mandiant tools have, it's not a good news. I won't by security tools and service by ads delivery company.

[badflorist]

I feel this purchase is only to promote their cloud B.S., which now makes Mandiant nothing more than a poster boy.

"...securing the cloud, accelerating the adoption of cloud computing, and ultimately make the world safer."

Keywords: cloud, cloud, safer.

However, maybe Mandiant knew it's future was to sell out. From the look of it, nobody employed at Mandiant is complaining (golden parachutes help I guess).

[Swarthy]

"We have found records that Basque Separatists have plans to target your company, if you upgrade to Platinum CYA coverage, we can help mitigate this threat.

With your current Gold coverage, we will help notify your insurance of the data loss and damage to your business.

If you upgrade to Iridium Triple-Bum Coverage, we will make sure your insurance will never hear of this."

[Clausewitz 4.0]

With the Adamantium coverage, we can fund a local hit squad and take care of the Basque Separatists for you.

[Anonymous Coward]

Boring Quibble

Amusing, except for the choice of Basque Separatists. My mother was Basque and I support an independent Basque state. But we're too close to the days of the violent ETA Basque Separatists (which I didn't support).

I would suggest a group with a more benign history like the Welsh Separatists.

[Throatwarbler Mangrove]

Re: Boring Quibble

Quebec Liberation Front? The QLF is gonna rock you.

[stiine]

Re: Boring Quibble

Damn, now I have to listen to that one again.

[David 132]

Re: Boring Quibble

May I recommend this one instead? It's got Tammy Wynette in it. And now you know exactly which one I've linked to.

[Anonymous Coward]

That was amusing, but I think you're wrong. I think Google bought Mandian to gain access to one of Mandiant's customers' data. But I'm a cynical bastard so what do I know.

[Sloppy Crapmonster]

Sales tax?

So did they buy it in the locality of nowhere, and have a 0% sales tax bill?

[DS999]

Re: Sales tax?

I don't know anyplace that charges sales tax when you buy a company.

[stiine]

Re: Sales tax?

Why not?

[Dinanziame]

Re: Sales tax?

I assume that companies, like real estate, are considered investment. You don't pay sales tax or VAT when you buy and sell stocks, or when you sell your house.