Threat detection and AI: Cisco acquires Splunk

On September 21, 2023, Cisco announced its intent to acquire the US data analysis solutions provider Splunk, for an estimated 28 billion dollars (26 billion euros). For Cisco, the acquisition meets the need to improve cyber threat detection amidst an AI boom.

The CEO of Cisco, Chuck Robbins, thereby means to play a key role in “next generation AI-based security and observability.” According to him, AI will make it possible to progress from “threat detection and response” to “threat prediction and prevention.”

“The acceleration and use of generative AI, coupled with the growth of attack surfaces and cloud environments, create levels of complexity organizations have never faced,” according to Cisco’s press release.

For Chuck Robbins, transformation and complexity also mean opportunity. Splunk’s data analysis tools should help Cisco seize it. The acquisition should take effect by the third quarter of 2024, pending the green light of regulatory authorities. It will give birth to one of the world’s largest software companies.