- Mastercard acquires Recorded Future for $2.65 billion to enhance cybersecurity.
- Recorded Future specializes in AI-driven threat intelligence, serving over 1,900 clients globally.
- The deal strengthens Mastercard’s fraud prevention and cyber risk management services.
- The acquisition is expected to close by early 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
Mastercard is acquiring global threat intelligence leader Recorded Future in a $2.65 billion deal, marking a significant move to strengthen its cybersecurity offerings. The acquisition is expected to close in early 2025. Mastercard says the deal will boost its ability to safeguard the digital economy by providing more robust insights and intelligence to its customers.
Why Mastercard is Acquiring Recorded Future
As cyber threats continue to grow globally, businesses are facing increasingly complex challenges in securing their operations. Mastercard, already a key player in cybersecurity for digital transactions, sees this acquisition as a way to offer enhanced protection to its global network of clients.
“Trust is the foundation of any relationship. Recorded Future adds to how we deliver that greater peace of mind before, during and after the payment transaction. Together we will innovate faster, create smarter models and anticipate emerging threats before cyberattacks can take place – in payments and beyond,” said Craig Vosburg, Chief Services Officer at Mastercard.
Both companies have been using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze massive amounts of data to detect cyber risks. This AI-driven approach allows for real-time visibility into threats, making it easier for businesses to take preventive measures. With this acquisition, Mastercard aims to integrate Recorded Future’s AI technology into its existing fraud prevention and cybersecurity services.
About Recorded Future
Founded in 2007, Recorded Future is the world’s largest threat intelligence platform, serving more than 1,900 clients across 75 countries. These clients include the governments of 45 countries and over 50% of Fortune 500 companies. The platform provides real-time intelligence by analyzing vast amounts of data from the web, dark web, and other technical sources.
The company’s AI-powered analytics are already being used by governments and large corporations to track cyber threats, geopolitical risks, and disinformation. Its tools help organizations prioritize and mitigate risks, making Recorded Future an essential partner for any business looking to secure its operations.
Synergies and Future Growth
Christopher Ahlberg, CEO of Recorded Future, emphasized that the company will remain an independent subsidiary while gaining access to Mastercard’s global resources. “By joining Mastercard, we see an opportunity to help more businesses and governments take action to secure their operations and protect the global digital economy,” he said.
Cybersecurity in Focus
The need for stronger cybersecurity measures is becoming increasingly urgent. Global cybercrime is projected to cost $9.2 trillion in 2024 alone, with new technologies adding further complexity to digital security efforts. Mastercard’s acquisition of Recorded Future is a proactive step to meet these challenges head-on, ensuring the company’s clients are better equipped to handle cyber threats.
Mastercard has been steadily expanding its cybersecurity portfolio through strategic acquisitions. In recent years, it has acquired several companies, including CipherTrace for blockchain analytics, Ekata for identity verification, and RiskRecon for third-party risk management. The acquisition of Recorded Future is a continuation of this trend, reinforcing Mastercard’s position as a leader in digital security.
With this acquisition, Mastercard is doubling down on its commitment to cybersecurity. The integration of Recorded Future’s technology will let Mastercard provide more comprehensive protection to businesses, governments, and consumers. By combining AI-driven threat intelligence with its global infrastructure, Mastercard aims to set a new standard for digital security.