Zscaler Acquires Avalor: Infusing AI into Security Tools

Avalor, a cybersecurity startup, distinguished itself by serving as a centralized repository for critical security data. Its innovative approach allowed security teams to aggregate, normalize, and track risk data from discovery to remediation seamlessly. While similar startups like Security and Dig Security also address this challenge, Avalor stands out for its unparalleled ability to handle data from diverse sources in various formats. Moreover, its unique set of vulnerability risk management and prioritization tools enhances its appeal in the competitive cybersecurity landscape.

In a significant move within the cybersecurity realm, Zscaler, a prominent cloud security company headquartered in San Jose, California, has recently announced its acquisition of Avalor. This acquisition, coming just 26 months after Avalor’s founding, reportedly amounts to a staggering $310 million in cash and equity. The strategic merger aims to bolster Zscaler’s already formidable platform with advanced AI-driven capabilities, setting a new standard for security solutions in the digital age.

In a press release heralding this milestone, Jay Chaudhry, the founder and CEO of Zscaler, articulated the profound implications of this union. He underscored how integrating Avalor’s expertise into Zscaler’s offerings would empower organizations with a comprehensive suite of tools. These tools include streamlined incident reporting, incident mitigation, asset discovery, data classification, and security policy generation, among others.

This acquisition marks Zscaler’s third strategic move in recent years, following the acquisitions of Canonic and Trustdome. These endeavors underscore Zscaler’s commitment to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation by integrating cutting-edge technologies into its offerings. Founded in 2007 by Jay Chaudhry and K. Kailash, Zscaler’s trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Since going public in March 2018, the company has experienced exponential growth, boasting a workforce of approximately 7,000 employees and a market capitalization of around $30 billion.

The acquisition of Avalor represents more than just a business transaction; it symbolizes a convergence of vision and expertise aimed at fortifying digital defenses in an increasingly complex threat landscape. As organizations navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape, partnerships like this will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in safeguarding digital assets and ensuring a secure digital future. With Zscaler and Avalor joining forces, the stage is set for a new era of innovation and resilience in cybersecurity. Read here for more.

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