Whenever people talk about the cybersecurity sector in terms of competition, most assume it’s the struggle between cybersecurity solutions providers and cyber attackers. In reality, especially in the corporate context, Big Tech – especially cloud computing titans like Amazon and Google – is perceived as the biggest threat to independent developers.
In recent years, major cloud computing companies have presented game-changing solutions in the cybersecurity sector in terms of both products and deals, mergers, and acquisitions involving key industry players.
But Microsoft is seen as the biggest competitive threat to the sector.
Stepping Up Its Game
While previously derided for its poor security features, which have made Windows-running machines prone to hacking, Microsoft has upped the ante with numerous products which are being sold at a discount to companies throughout the world.
Today, the industry giant claims that its cybersecurity solutions now earn around $15 billion a year in revenues – and the number is growing by 40% per annum. This is believable as the company bundles its cybersecurity products into its Azure cloud computing services and Office 365 platform.
According to Jonathan Ho, an analyst for William Blair, this is a change from when Microsoft security was considered among the worst in the industry as cyber attackers were constantly breaching its OS. The company’s cloud-native solutions are seen as strong and sensible, and these have scored well with Gartner and several other evaluation firms.
Not the Only One
But while many cybersecurity firms see Microsoft as a serious threat, it is far from the only giant playing in the field.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), for example, developed its own range of cloud-centric security solutions. Likewise, cybersecurity is actually one of the largest categories in the AWS Marketplace where independent developers can offer their products. AWS is a key sales channel for cybersecurity firms like CrowdStriker, Splunk, and Zscaler.
Ironically, Microsoft pulled a fast one on AWS when Charlie Bell, a longstanding member of the Amazon cloud team, hopped aboard as its head of cybersecurity. Bell is set to use AI-driven tools as a way of improving Microsoft’s measures against ransomware attacks and other tools used by cybercriminals.
Then, of course, there’s Google. Google’s parent company Alphabet recently acquired cybersecurity solutions developer Mandiant in an all-cash deal amounting to $5.4 billion. Alphabet beat out Microsoft in the bid for Mandiant, but it remains at a disadvantage as its cybersecurity business is considerably smaller than any of its competitors.
