Cybersecurity technology acquisitions continue to grow

The cybersecurity technology sector continues to experience a wave of acquisitions. Leading technology vendors and security service providers continue to strengthen their portfolios by acquiring technology and capabilities to address opportunities in cloud security, threat detection, orchestration and automation.
Over the last 2-3 years, the cybersecurity sector has experienced significant acquisition activity. Within the last year GlobalData has counted a minimum of five acquisitions per leading vendor for 2019. If we equate this in monetary terms external sources report that quarter one in 2019 on its own generated more than US$7Bn in deals. Investment in startups also continues to gain momentum with global investments totaling more than US$6Bn. All this indicates a real demand for cybersecurity to address the threats placed on IT systems globally across consumer, business and government entities.
Drivers of M&A activity
From a technology perspective, there are a number of factors that are driving Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) activity. In cybersecurity. Two key end user enterprise business drivers stand out. Firstly, the advancement of enterprise IT in leveraging cloud delivery, and secondly the emergence of Internet of Things (IoT). Applications are transforming traditional connectivity and application delivery models to create flexibility and agility in networks at lower price points.
Addressing cloud security
Although public cloud providers include security to fortify their cloud infrastructure, the end user enterprise is ultimately responsible to ensure that their data and applications on the public cloud are secure. In reality, a large proportion of organizations do not have adequate security measures in place. A number of these companies have experienced some form of cloud security incidents. These include unauthorized cloud access, misconfiguration of cloud platforms, account hacking, and insecure interfaces. In addition, a large number of end user enterprises are struggling with operational and compliance risk issues with respect to their cloud infrastructure. All of this is creating more uncertainty for businesses.
Security market offers business opportunities
Taking into consideration these types of enterprise challenges, the cybersecurity market continues to create significant opportunity for technology vendors and service providers to develop robust solutions to address cloud security. However, the cybersecurity market is still in catch up mode in terms of maturity and in having defined portfolios that address emerging areas.
In addition, many leading global vendors are placing more emphasis and investment in developing their portfolio roadmaps. These are next generation solutions addressing cloud delivery. Because of this, traditional service providers that are jumping on the cybersecurity bandwagon by looking to acquire cloud security technologies to extend their managed IT service portfolio solution offerings.
Key cybersecurity acquisitions
Some of the companies that have been highly active in acquisitions include Palo Alto Networks, a company that made a number of acquisitions in 2019. These include acquiring Twistlock and PureSec, to extend its Prisma™ cloud security strategy, and the acquisition of Demisto, a leading cybersecurity company specializing in security orchestration, automation, and response.
Other examples include Check Point Software acquiring Cymplify to build its IoT security offering. Lastly, Accenture acquired Symantec’s cybersecurity services business from Broadcom, to build out its managed security threat intelligence services business by combining its expertise in advanced analytics, automation and machine learning.
Skills are in high demand
A key observation from all of these acquisitions is that many of these buyers are leading global companies with deep pockets. In a market where skill sets are in demand and product development life cycles are long, it makes business sense to bring in these capabilities. It is achieved through acquiring niche, but highly credible technology-savvy vendors that are focusing on specific areas within the cybersecurity value chain. Many of these target acquisitions have also gone through a series of investment funding and are now investment-ready as part of their exit strategy. These investment trends in cybersecurity are somewhat different when compared to general IT, where leading vendors aim to consolidate the market and take out smaller competitors.
More acquisitions on the way
As acquisitions move forward in 2020 and beyond we see investments happening. Within cloud security, in the next two years GlobalData expects acquisition opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Base Detection, Internet of Things (IoT) Threat Detection, Workload Protection Platforms, Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs), and Cloud Security Posture Management. Additionally, we see vendors with credible solutions in Threat Management, Identity Access Management, and improvements to platforms that improve translation of security data for multi-cloud delivery, multi-cloud, zero-trust application and security platform, gaining traction in the market. This will make them interesting targets for investors.
Integration is the challenge
So, acquisitions in the cybersecurity sector at this moment in time will continue to gain momentum as we move forward 2020 and beyond. For leading vendors with aggressive acquisition strategies the challenge is always going to be how successfully they can integrate the different technologies as they move forward with their portfolio roadmaps. On the other hand, competitors that do not see M&A initiatives to be strategic to their corporate strategy surely must consider how they will capitalize on cloud cybersecurity opportunities.
Evaluation is needed
These trends create even more complexity for end user enterprises that are attempting to reduce and consolidate different security solution vendors across their network and move to become more self-sufficient in managing the security layer for the cloud environment. Therefore, as part of an enterprise’s sourcing strategy, companies must evaluate and measure the mid-long term benefits that its selected cybersecurity vendor has to the needs of the business, and carry out a full risk contingency assessment on newly launched cloud cybersecurity portfolio suites that have been developed through acquisitions.
source verdict
Industry: Cyber Security

Latest Jobs
-
- Account Manager - IT Services
- Germany
- €90000 plus OTE and Car
-
Are you a deal closer with a hunter mindset? Do you know how to uncover business pain points, and turn them into long-term digital transformation partnerships? Our Client are growing their sales force across Germany and looking for an ambitious, straight-talking Account Manager to take the lead on new client acquisition. You’ll focus on mid-sized to large enterprises across Germany helping to shape their digital future with tailored IT solutions in Workplace, Cloud, and Security. • Drive Growth: Own the full sales cycle for new business across your region. • Solution Sell: Build bespoke offers in Security, Digital Workplace and Cloud solutions • Build Relationships: Establish a solid pipeline through smart prospecting, marketing-driven leads, and your own network. • Represent a brand known for trust, delivery, and tech excellence—with 4,000 employees globally and a growing team within Germany. What You Bring • Proven new logo sales experience in the IT services space (not hardware!) • Deep knowledge in one or more of: Cybersecurity, Digital Workplace, or Cloud • Confidence to lead enterprise deals and pitch directly to senior stakeholders • Fluent German and good English skills Sind Sie ein Abschlussprofi mit Hunter-Mentalität? Wissen Sie, wie man geschäftliche Pain Points identifiziert und in langfristige Partnerschaften zur digitalen Transformation verwandelt? Unser Kunde baut derzeit sein Vertriebsteam in ganz Deutschland aus und sucht eine ambitionierte, ehrliche Persönlichkeit als Account Manager, die den Lead bei der Neukundengewinnung übernimmt. Ihr Fokus liegt auf mittelständischen bis großen Unternehmen in Deutschland, denen Sie mit maßgeschneiderten IT-Lösungen in den Bereichen Workplace, Cloud und Security den Weg in die digitale Zukunft ebnen. Ihre Aufgaben • Wachstum vorantreiben: Verantwortung für den gesamten Vertriebszyklus im Neugeschäft Ihrer Region. • Lösungsorientierter Vertrieb: Entwicklung individueller Angebote in den Bereichen Security, Digital Workplace und Cloud-Lösungen. • Beziehungen aufbauen: Aufbau einer stabilen Pipeline durch gezielte Ansprache, marketinggenerierte Leads und Ihr eigenes Netzwerk. • Marke repräsentieren: Werden Sie Teil eines Unternehmens mit 4.000 Mitarbeitenden weltweit und einem stark wachsenden Team in Deutschland – bekannt für Vertrauen, Verlässlichkeit und technologische Exzellenz. Was Sie mitbringen • Nachgewiesene Erfahrung in der Neukundenakquise im Bereich IT-Services (kein Hardwarevertrieb!) • Fundiertes Wissen in mindestens einem der Bereiche: Cybersecurity, Digital Workplace oder Cloud • Selbstbewusstes Auftreten im Umgang mit Enterprise-Deals und Entscheidungsträgern auf Top-Level • Verhandlungssichere Deutschkenntnisse und gute Englischkenntnisse
-
- Senior SOC Analyst Level 3. Microsoft Security stack | Ability to achieve SC Clearance
- London
- To attract the right person
-
Job Title: Senior SOC Analyst Level 3. Microsoft Security stack | Ability to achieve SC Clearance Location: Hybrid remote | London / Berkshire Overview: Senior SOC Analyst Level 3 to join a specialist Managed Security Services business. You will be responsible for advanced threat hunting / triage, incident response etc with a strong focus on the Microsoft Security Stack. Key Responsibilities: Lead and resolve complex security incidents / escalations Conduct advanced threat hunting using the Microsoft Security Stack. Build, optimise and maintain workbooks, rules, analytics etc. Correlate data across Microsoft 365 Defender, Azure Defender and Sentinel. Perform root cause analysis and post-incident reporting. Aid in mentoring and upskilling Level 1 and 2 SOC analysts. Required Skills & Experience: The ability to achieve UK Security Clearance (SC) – existing clearance ideal. (Sorry no visa applications) Current experience working with a SOC environment Microsoft Sentinel: Development and tuning of custom analytic rules. Workbook creation and dashboarding. Automation using Playbooks and SOAR integration. Kusto Query Language (KQL): Writing complex, efficient queries for advanced threat hunting and detection. Correlating data across key tables (e.g., SignInLogs, SecurityEvent, OfficeActivity, DeviceEvents). Developing custom detection rules, optimising performance, and reducing false positives. Supporting Sentinel Workbooks, Alerts, and Playbooks through advanced KQL use. Deep understanding of incident response, threat intelligence and adversary techniques (MITRE ATT&CK framework). Strong knowledge of cloud and hybrid security, particularly within Azure. Additional Requirements: Must hold or be eligible to achieve a minimum of Security Clearance (SC) level. Nice to have certifications (e.g., SC-200, AZ-500, GIAC) are desirable. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Excellent communication for clear documentation and team collaboration. Please follow Wheaton’s Law.
-
- New Business Sales Hunter | Cyber Security (UK Based)
- London
- To attract the right person
-
New Business Sales Hunter needed | Cybersecurity (UK Based) Are you looking for uncapped commission, a fun and sociable team that drives success with no politics? If so...You must Be UK based - and able to achieve UK SC clearance. (sorry no visas) Have a demonstrable history of sales success in Cyber Security Follow Weatons law. The role: Seeking a proven New Business Sales Hunter to join an established, successful and expanding cyber security firm. New business focused - £1m GP year one target (ramped). Sell a blend of security services & professional services. Ideal experience selling some or all of the following Cyber strategy & risk management Managed detection & response (MDR) Penetration testing Compliance & audit support You: Strong cybersecurity/IT services sales track record. Confident selling into mid-market & enterprise. UK based - London commutable 1x per week. Hunter mindset, full sales cycle ownership. Don't just send an email to apply give me a call on 07884666351
-
- CyberArk Architect
- London
- Upto £110,000 plus bonus and benefits
-
Are you ready to lead from the front and drive innovation in the Identity & Access Management (IAM) space? We’re looking for a seasoned CyberArk Architect who has CDE-CPC ideally or experience with privilege Cloud, someone who can lead with vision, execute with precision, and inspire teams to deliver excellence. As a key leader in our organisation, you’ll bring your strong business acumen and a technology-focused, innovative mindset to the table. You’ll be driving strategic initiatives, shaping transformation programs, and empowering teams to think big and deliver even bigger. Acting as a subject matter expert in CyberArk Leading strategic transformations in: Identity Governance Privileged Access Management (PAM) Access Management Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) Building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships within the team Communicating clearly and confidently — both written and verbal — to deliver updates, raise potential issues, and share insights If you are interested in the above position we are looking for people with: deep expertise and a successful track record in IAM strategy, delivery, or assurance with CyberArk Hold relevant certifications such as CDE in Privileged Cloud or Guardian Have experience in a client-facing role (preferred, but not essential) Thrive in a hybrid working environment and are available to work from our or client London office three days a week Lead with clarity, communicate with impact, and adapt quickly to changing priorities