Rumor: Facebook wants to acquire ‘big’ security company

Facebook has reportedly approached several security companies about an acquisition. The company may complete a takeover of a ‘large’ security company before the end of the year.

At least that message is The Information, which is based on information from two people who are familiar with Facebook’s plans. The sources did not name any potential takeover candidates, but Facebook would aim to acquire a “major” security company.

Not only would such an acquisition provide Facebook with security expertise, but the company would also like to polish its image and show that it takes its security seriously. That image was badly damaged last year, thanks to, among other things, the Cambridge Analytica scandal and the recent hack, which affected 30 million users, according to Facebook.

With the acquisition, Facebook is also likely to get its hands on software that can be integrated into its existing services and should help secure user accounts. In August, the chief security officer left Facebook, reportedly over disagreements over its handling of disinformation. There were also rumors that Facebook had dismantled its security team and transferred employees to other departments.