IBM acquired Polar Security reportedly for a reported amount of $60 million to integrate automated cloud management for its clients.
Polar Security is an Israeli-based startup that specializes in data security posture management and has been valued at $60 million. However, IBM is yet to confirm the acquisition amount.
IBM acquired Polar Security to integrate into IBM’s Guardium unit, bolstering IBM’s position in cloud data management and protection solutions.
Polar Security, the data security posture management platform (DSPM), was founded in 2021 and catered to tracking and auditing cloud data flow across networks and applications.
The company has been providing its services to businesses to enhance their visibility on how cloud data is being used and accessed, giving an eagle-eye view to the businesses.
IBM Acquired Polar Security: What to expect from the merger?
Polar Security is known for its ability to identify sensitive cloud data and help companies evaluate potential vulnerabilities such as misconfigurations and policy violations.
With the rise of cloud-based environments, it has become more than just important to protect online data because hackers can now manipulate data and use the same resources against the victims.
Today, businesses are facing a big void of cloud services, and the need for better cloud protection is inevitable. The Polar Security integration into IBM aims to protect this environment and make it super efficient for clients.
IBM acquired Polar Security and has integrated its technology into Guardium, an all-encompassing data safeguarding solution by IBM to provide a better comprehension of data security and encompass various tools and services into a one-stop-shop.
This integration will help provide solutions for various data types, servers, data storage locations, SaaS platforms, and cloud infrastructures. Additionally, the Polar Security acquisition marks IBM’s fifth business effort to bolster its hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence capabilities.
IBM and Polar Security acquisition to enhance the cloud environment
The modern world has created several tools and technologies that simplify handling data. However, the inception of cloud services has accelerated this growth several folds. Since the tracking of data is still unfurnished on the cloud, companies like IBM and Polar Security are filling that gap.
By leveraging Polar Security’s expertise in data security posture management, IBM will be able to address the flaws in cloud infrastructure and mitigate the shadow data effectively.
With its strong presence in the security market and comprehensive portfolio that includes software, managed security, and consulting services, IBM is in an excellent position to leverage Polar Security’s technology for internal use and enhance its security offerings.
By continuously expanding its capabilities and incorporating innovative solutions, IBM is committed to providing customers with robust cloud data management and protection solutions in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
While the financial details of the acquisition are not officially disclosed, integrating Polar Security’s technology into IBM Guardium underscores IBM’s dedication to helping organizations safeguard their data and maintain compliance in today’s complex cloud environment.
IBM, Polar Security, and DSaaS market
Apart from the declared objectives, IBM acquired Polar Security to tap the Data Security as a Service (DSaaS) market too.
A recent report by MarketsandMarkets has projected significant growth for the global Data Security as a Service (DSaaS) market in the coming years.
The market, estimated at USD 31.0 billion in 2022, is expected to reach USD 55.3 billion by 2027, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3% during the forecast period.
There are several factors driving the growth of the DSaaS market, said the report.
Firstly, the increasing evolution of data and the associated security challenges have emphasized the need for robust data security solutions.
With the exponential growth of unstructured data, traditional methods have proven insufficient in managing and securing this data.
DSaaS provides an automated, scalable, and interoperable platform to govern unstructured data, enabling organizations to address these challenges effectively.
Another driver is the strict regulatory guidelines that organizations must adhere to regarding data security. Compliance requirements have become more stringent, necessitating advanced security solutions to protect sensitive information.
Additionally, the growing usage of cloud technology and Internet of Things (IoT) devices in enterprises has further amplified the demand for DSaaS.