Oort Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

Cisco's acquisition of Oort marks a significant step in bolstering its cybersecurity portfolio. By integrating Oort's advanced identity protection solutions, Cisco aims to enhance its capabilities in Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR). This strategic move underscores the growing importance of identity security in the industry, particularly as cyber threats continue to evolve.

What Is Oort?

Oort, now part of Cisco, specializes in identity security solutions. Its core offerings include Cisco Identity Intelligence, which provides deep visibility and protection for identity populations, and Duo’s Continuous Identity Security, aimed at advancing towards a passwordless future. Additionally, Oort offers a free identity security assessment to identify and mitigate security weaknesses. A key differentiator is its integration with Cisco, enhancing the overall security capabilities of Cisco's existing solutions.

Who Acquired Oort?

Cisco is a leading provider of software, network, and cybersecurity solutions, playing a pivotal role in the technology industry. Key products include the high-performance Cisco 8000 Series Routers, Cisco AI Defense for safeguarding AI applications, and the Cisco Nexus Hyperfabric platform for network management. With a strong market position, Cisco is recognized for its innovation and comprehensive range of offerings, underscoring its significant influence and leadership in the sector.

When Was Oort Acquired?

Cisco completed its acquisition of Oort on August 31, 2023. This acquisition aligns with the industry's increasing focus on identity security, driven by the rise of remote work, BYOD policies, and the widespread adoption of cloud and SaaS applications. By integrating Oort's advanced identity protection solutions, Cisco aims to enhance its cybersecurity offerings, particularly in Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR), addressing the growing threat of identity-based attacks.

Why Was Oort Acquired?

• Market Expansion: Cisco’s acquisition of Oort represents a strategic move to expand its presence in the identity security sector. By integrating Oort’s advanced identity protection solutions, Cisco aims to enhance its security offerings and attract a broader customer base interested in robust identity and access management solutions. This expansion is crucial as the demand for identity security continues to grow, driven by the rise of remote work and cloud adoption.
• Technology Integration: Oort’s technology will be seamlessly integrated into Cisco’s cybersecurity portfolio, particularly enhancing the Cisco Security Cloud. This integration will provide deep visibility and protection for identity populations, leveraging Oort’s API-driven, cloud-native, and agentless platform. The combined capabilities will bolster Cisco’s Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solutions, offering comprehensive security measures against identity-based threats.
• Competitive Advantage: By incorporating Oort’s advanced identity security technology, Cisco aims to strengthen its competitive position in the cybersecurity market. Oort’s platform, which can detect and remediate various cybersecurity issues, will enhance Cisco’s ability to protect enterprises from sophisticated cyber threats. This strategic move positions Cisco as a leader in the identity security market, capable of providing robust, scalable, and future-proof identity protection solutions.

Acquisition Terms

• Acquisition Price: The acquisition price was not publicly disclosed.
• Payment Method: The payment method was not specified.
• Key Conditions or Agreements:
  • The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of Cisco's fiscal year 2024.
  • Oort's team will join Cisco’s Security Business Group.
  • Oort’s technology will be integrated into Cisco’s Security Cloud and other security portfolios, including Duo IAM and XDR.

Impact on Oort

The acquisition of Oort by Cisco has led to significant changes in operations and management. The Oort team has been integrated into Cisco’s Security Business Group, accelerating the delivery of Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) capabilities into Cisco’s Extended Detection and Response (XDR) and Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions. This integration aims to enhance Cisco’s Security Cloud, providing deeper visibility and protection for identity populations. The structural shift within Cisco’s cybersecurity division underscores the strategic importance of identity security in their overall portfolio.

In terms of product offerings, Oort’s technology will be seamlessly incorporated into Cisco’s existing solutions, particularly enhancing the Cisco Security Cloud. This integration will bolster Cisco’s ITDR and XDR capabilities, offering comprehensive security measures against identity-based threats. Employee reactions have been generally positive, with a sense of excitement about the future and the opportunity to innovate within the security landscape. Customer feedback has also been favorable, with many appreciating the enhanced security features and the continued support during the transition. For founders considering business transitions, tools like Sunset can assist in managing such processes compliantly and efficiently.