What Google’s Wiz Acquisition Means for Multi-Cloud Security

If you're managing security in a multi-cloud environment, the Google acquisition of Wiz is more than just business news—it’s a potential shift in trust and functionality. Wiz built its reputation by being cloud-agnostic, supporting AWS, Azure, and GCP equally. But now, teams are concerned that Google might prioritize GCP integration at the expense of neutrality.

A Familiar Pattern: Will Google Push for GCP Exclusivity?

History gives us reason to worry. Google’s past security acquisitions—Mandiant, VirusTotal, Chronicle—haven’t always played out in favor of multi-cloud users. Features get locked into the Google ecosystem, pricing models shift, and competitors suddenly find themselves at a disadvantage.

Some are optimistic, hoping Wiz will continue supporting AWS and Azure. Others, especially those burned by Google’s infamous habit of shutting down services, are already seeking alternatives.

Wiz Alternatives: Who’s Left Standing?

With Wiz’s independence in question, which Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPPs) are still viable alternatives?

1. Orca Security: The Strongest Independent Player

Orca Security is the top Wiz alternative, offering agentless security scanning across AWS, Azure, and GCP. It’s one of the few security platforms that remain independent, meaning there’s no risk of vendor lock-in to one cloud provider.

Why Orca?

• Deep AWS integration without bias toward GCP.
• Strong agentless scanning for compliance and vulnerability management.
• Unlike Wiz, it doesn’t have a corporate parent with competing cloud interests.

2. Prisma Cloud (Palo Alto Networks): The Enterprise Powerhouse

Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks is another major contender. While not as lightweight as Wiz or Orca, it provides a comprehensive security suite for organizations needing full-scale CSPM (Cloud Security Posture Management), CWPP (Cloud Workload Protection Platform), and IAM security.

Why Prisma Cloud?

• Enterprise-grade security with deep integrations into AWS and Azure.
• Strong network security capabilities due to Palo Alto’s background.
• A proven track record of multi-cloud support.

3. Lacework: Ideal for AWS-Centric Teams

If your cloud security stack is mostly AWS, Lacework is a strong alternative. It’s particularly good at behavior-based anomaly detection—making it ideal for companies focused on threat detection rather than just compliance scanning.

Why Lacework?

• Works best in AWS-heavy environments.
• Uses machine learning to detect security threats rather than relying on static rules.
• Less feature-heavy than Prisma, but more automated and cost-effective.

4. Microsoft Defender for Cloud: A Choice for Azure-First Organizations

For teams that rely heavily on Azure, Microsoft Defender for Cloud might be the best Wiz alternative. It integrates tightly with Azure services and extends to AWS and GCP with decent multi-cloud support.

Why Microsoft Defender?

• Native to Azure, making it a strong pick for Azure-first organizations.
• Expanding its AWS and GCP capabilities.
• Direct integration with Microsoft security tools like Sentinel.

Should You Stay With Wiz or Switch?

Reasons to Stay with Wiz (For Now)

• Google might keep Wiz independent, similar to how it handled Looker.
• If you’re heavily invested in Wiz, switching could be disruptive.
• No immediate loss of AWS and Azure support (yet).

Reasons to Switch to an Alternative

• Future bias toward GCP is likely, even if it’s not immediate.
• Google’s history with acquisitions suggests major changes are coming.
• You want a truly independent CNAPP that won’t favor one cloud provider.

Final Thoughts: Time to Plan Your Exit Strategy?

For now, Wiz remains multi-cloud, but the writing is on the wall. If your security team relies on Wiz for AWS and Azure, it’s smart to evaluate alternatives now before any forced migrations happen. Orca Security, Prisma Cloud, and Lacework are all viable paths forward—each with unique strengths depending on your cloud priorities.

Regardless of which Wiz alternative you choose, the key takeaway is this: multi-cloud security needs independence. Google’s acquisition is a reminder that vendor-agnostic security tools can quickly become vendor-biased—and it’s up to security teams to stay ahead of the curve.

Now Wiz has been acquired by Google what are the alternatives?