Cybersecurity vendor CrowdStrike, has announced plans to acquire Flow Security, a cloud data runtime security specialist. This game-changing move is set to establish a new norm in modern cloud security by delivering comprehensive real-time data protection that spans endpoint and cloud environments. The result is the ONLY platform of its kind that provides security measures for data in all states.

The evolution of cloud technology has rendered it the latest battlefield in cyber warfare, demanding a shift in the strategic approach towards data security. Simplified data access through varying channels has significantly increased the cyber vulnerability of sensitive information, as malicious entities exploit the resulting data distribution across cloud-based services, third-party APIs, and GenAl applications. Against this backdrop, the prerequisite for a unified security platform has never been greater – one which holistically secures data, both at rest and in motion, as it spans across the cloud estate.

The acquisition of Flow Security builds on CrowdStrike's established cloud momentum, augmented by the earlier takeover of Bionic in Autumn 2023. This subsequent acquisition will further cement CrowdStrike's position in the industry, providing an even more comprehensive cloud security platform. Flow Security's speciality in securing data flows will facilitate the detection of sensitive data, potential risk exposure, and the implementation of controls to strengthen security posture.

CrowdStrike is acknowledged for its pioneering role in cloud-native cybersecurity. CEO George Kurtz said: "We have been consistently recognised as the strategic leader in cloud security by delivering the outcomes customers need most from a single, unified platform ... With the acquisition of Flow Security, we're expanding our cloud leadership by protecting data in all states as it flows through the cloud, and redefining the future of data protection by securing data from code, to application, to device and cloud."

Flow Security CEO, Jonathan Roizin, added: "We look forward to working with the cloud security leader, CrowdStrike, to bring to market the most extensive cloud data protection solution."

Following the closing of the acquisition, CrowdStrike intends to fully deliver native Flow Security DSPM capabilities in Falcon Cloud Security as part of the Falcon XDR platform. This will enable customers to consolidate cloud point solutions and protect the entire cloud estate while providing visibility into crucial cloud data flows and understanding how data interacts with applications. It will also introduce the ability to detect when sensitive data is at risk or unintentionally leaving an environment.

Payment for the purchase is set to be predominantly settled in cash, augmented by some equity subject to vesting conditions. The transaction is expected to conclude during CrowdStrike's fiscal first quarter, subject to meeting customary closing conditions.