Mastercard Acquires Cyber Threat Intelligence Leader Recorded Future for $2.65 Billion

In a strategic move to strengthen its cybersecurity offerings, Mastercard has announced its acquisition of Recorded Future, a renowned threat intelligence firm, for $2.65 billion. This purchase is set to bolster Mastercard's cyber resilience and enhance security for digital transactions, positioning the company to better anticipate and mitigate cyber risks.

The acquisition of the Boston-based Recorded Future will allow Mastercard to advance its identity and fraud prevention services, enabling businesses to stay ahead of the growing threat landscape. With cybercrime expected to cost $9.2 trillion globally by 2024, this move highlights Mastercard's commitment to reinforcing cyber defense strategies that protect both businesses and consumers.

"Trust is the foundation of all relationships," said Craig Vosburg, Mastercard’s Chief Services Officer. "By integrating Recorded Future’s threat intelligence, we will innovate faster, build smarter models, and anticipate threats before they impact our ecosystem."

Expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, this acquisition follows Mastercard’s previous ventures into cybersecurity, including its purchases of cryptocurrency intelligence company CipherTrace and cyber risk firm RiskRecon.

Founded in 2009, Recorded Future has established itself as a leader in external threat intelligence, serving over 1,900 clients across 75 countries. The firm leverages a wide range of data sources to provide real-time insights, enabling organizations to detect risks before they escalate.

"Fifteen years ago, we founded Recorded Future to secure the world with intelligence," said Recorded Future CEO Christopher Ahlberg. "Now, by joining forces with Mastercard, we can help businesses and governments globally to better secure their environments and make the digital world safer for everyone."

Mastercard aims to combine its expertise in fraud prevention with Recorded Future’s advanced AI-driven threat detection capabilities. This collaboration is expected to accelerate innovation in identifying and mitigating cyber risks, while improving overall security for digital transactions.

Recorded Future will remain an independent subsidiary under Mastercard, continuing its mission to deliver actionable intelligence at scale. This acquisition is part of Mastercard's larger strategy to expand its footprint in cybersecurity, adding to its portfolio of digital identity solutions. The combination of Mastercard’s global reach and Recorded Future’s threat intelligence capabilities will allow both companies to create a more secure digital environment for businesses and consumers alike.

Preceding the acquisition, Mastercard’s stock saw a slight dip, down 0.5% to $485.76 per share. However, industry analysts are optimistic about the long-term impact of this acquisition, as it positions Mastercard as a more formidable player in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.