Microsoft is acquiring RiskIQ for threat intelligence and cybersecurity capabilities. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal was valued at more than $500 million in cash, Bloomberg reports.
This is technology M&A deal number 396 that MSSP Alert and sister site ChannelE2E have covered so far in 2021. See all technology M&A deals for 2021 and 2020 listed here.
The potential deal's synergies are clear from the get-go: Indeed, RiskIQ helped customers and partners respond to the Microsoft Exchange Server exploit in early 2021.
The deal surfaces just ahead of Microsoft Inspire 2021, the software and cloud computing company's virtual worldwide partner conference (WWPC).
RiskIQ MSSP Partnerships, Threat Intelligence Business Background
RiskIQ's partner program spans channel partners, technology partners and MSSPs. Moreover, Microsoft works with a growing ecosystem of MSSPs as part of the MISA (Microsoft Intelligent Security Association) strategy.
RiskIQ, founded in 2009, develops digital threat management software. The company, based in San Francisco, California, specializes in cyber threat intelligence, incident response, third-party intelligence and vulnerability management.
RiskIQ's latest platform launch, unveiled in April 2021, is called the Illuminate Internet Intelligence Platform, which "provides a tailored view of the global Internet attack surface and pinpoints security exposures most critical for an organization, all in one place," the company says.
RiskIQ raised $15 million in Series D funding in June 2020. National Grid Partners (NGP) led that round, with participation from existing investors Summit Partners, Battery Ventures, Georgian Partners, and MassMutual Ventures.
Microsoft Security Acquisitions
This is Microsoft's second security-related acquisition in recent months. The other deal involved Internet of Things (IoT) security company ReFirm Labs, which develops software tools for device vulnerability management and firmware security analysis.
Microsoft typically spends considerable time emphasizing security during the company's Inspire partner conference.
