Mastercard has announced its acquisition of the renowned threat intelligence firm Recorded Future for $2.65 billion. This strategic move is set to significantly bolster Mastercard’s cybersecurity capabilities by integrating Recorded Future’s advanced threat intelligence into its operations. The acquisition aims to enhance the protection and trustworthiness of digital transactions, addressing the rising threats in the cyber landscape. With cybercrime projected to cost $9.2 trillion in 2024, this deal represents a proactive step towards strengthening Mastercard’s defenses against evolving digital threats.
Founded in 2009 and previously owned by Insight Partners, Recorded Future is known for its comprehensive threat analysis and real-time insights into cyber risks. The firm’s expertise in analyzing diverse data sources will complement Mastercard’s existing cybersecurity measures. By incorporating Recorded Future’s advanced capabilities, Mastercard plans to enhance its identity protection, fraud prevention, and risk mitigation services, providing more robust security solutions for its clients.
The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, and Recorded Future will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary under Mastercard’s ownership. This arrangement ensures that Recorded Future can maintain its open intelligence platform while leveraging Mastercard’s extensive global reach. The integration of Recorded Future’s technology is anticipated to drive faster innovation and more effective threat detection, aligning with Mastercard’s goal of staying ahead in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Mastercard’s acquisition of Recorded Future builds on its previous investments in cybersecurity, including the purchase of CipherTrace and RiskRecon. This latest move underscores Mastercard’s commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure and addressing the growing challenges posed by cyber threats. As digital transactions become increasingly integral to global commerce, Mastercard’s expanded capabilities are set to provide greater security and peace of mind for businesses and consumers alike.
