Mastercard To Acquire Cybersecurity Giant Recorded Future

Mastercard has agreed to acquire global threat intelligence firm Recorded Future from Insight Partners for $2.65 billion. The acquisition strengthens Mastercard’s cybersecurity capabilities, enhancing the intelligence used to safeguard the digital economy, including the payments ecosystem.

Recorded Future leverages AI and data analytics to provide real-time visibility into potential threats, helping customers mitigate risks. This expertise complements Mastercard’s suite of fraud prevention, identity, and real-time decisioning tools. The merger of technology and talent will drive innovation, expanding threat intelligence for Mastercard’s network of financial institutions and merchants.

Recorded Future serves 45 nations and over half of Fortune 100

Recorded Future, one of the largest threat intelligence companies globally, serves more than 1,900 clients across 75 countries. Its customer base includes the governments of 45 nations and over half of the Fortune 100. The acquisition highlights Mastercard’s focus on expanding its cybersecurity reach amid increasing global cyber threats, with cybercrime expected to cost $9.2 trillion in 2024.

Both companies already deploy AI to analyze vast data points, detecting threats to protect businesses and consumers. The acquisition allows Mastercard to develop more comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted brand. Mastercard’s global scale and customer reach will provide Recorded Future with new growth opportunities, while clients across sectors will benefit from enhanced insights and security.

Recorded Future’s AI-driven analytics offer actionable intelligence that increases efficiency for clients addressing potential risks. A joint AI-powered service, launched earlier this year, has already doubled the rate of identifying compromised cards compared to last year.

The deal is expected to close by the first quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

“Anticipate emerging threats before cyberattacks can take place”

Craig Vosburg, Chief Services Officer at Mastercard, said: “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.”

Christopher Ahlberg, CEO of Recorded Future, said: “Fifteen years ago, we created Recorded Future with a simple goal to secure the world with intelligence. By joining Mastercard, we see an opportunity to help more businesses and governments determine the steps to realize their full potential – and to enable everyone to feel safer in their daily lives.”