Fortinet has recently made a significant announcement regarding its plans to acquire Lacework, a cloud security firm. The aim of this acquisition is to boost Fortinet’s secure access service edge (SASE) offerings through the incorporation of cloud-native security services.
Lacework has built a strong reputation by providing cloud-native application protection platform services that focus on safeguarding the inner workings of cloud infrastructure. By collecting and analyzing data from various cloud environments, Lacework enables customers to effectively manage and secure their cloud workflows. The platform stands out for its ability to detect and report on any abnormal or unexpected activities that could potentially signify a security threat. With features such as artificial intelligence and machine-learning technology, data collection capabilities, a data lake, and code security tools, Lacework is at the forefront of cloud security innovation.
According to John Maddison, the chief marketing officer at Fortinet, the plan is to integrate Lacework’s cloud-native application protection platform capabilities into Fortinet’s existing SASE portfolio. By combining these capabilities with Fortinet’s firewall, Web application, and API protection (WAAP) offerings, customers will have a comprehensive security solution that not only protects the internal workings of cloud applications but also secures the interactions between applications and external networks.
In 2021, Lacework garnered significant attention when it was valued at an impressive $8.3 billion. Recent reports had suggested that Wiz was in discussions with Lacework for a potential acquisition at a fraction of the company’s valuation. The terms of Fortinet’s acquisition deal have not been publicly disclosed, but it is expected to be finalized in the second half of the year.
The acquisition of Lacework marks a strategic move by Fortinet to strengthen its position in the cloud security market. With the increasing reliance on cloud infrastructure and the rise of complex cyber threats, companies are recognizing the importance of investing in advanced security solutions. By incorporating Lacework’s cutting-edge technologies and expertise into its SASE offerings, Fortinet is poised to offer customers a comprehensive security solution that addresses the evolving challenges of cloud security.
As the industry awaits further details about the integration of Lacework into Fortinet’s portfolio, it is clear that this acquisition represents a significant milestone for both companies. With cybersecurity becoming an increasingly critical aspect of modern business operations, partnerships and mergers such as this one are expected to shape the future of cloud security.