Re:Spyware maker NSO Group confirms acquisition by US investors
by Veserv on Sunday October 12, 2025 @05:08PM
(#45561928)
Huh? Given their valuation, their business is barely worth more than their zero-days which are just not very expensive.
People have the mistaken belief that total security compromises are challenging or expensive leading them to the mistaken belief that these companies must be valuable with valuable assets and high revenue.
Hacking-for-hire is barely more than a commodity, like aluminum smelting. There are capital costs, you need technology and expertise, but it is highly fungible leading to lots of suppliers competing on cost and quality of service (turn key, white-glove, etc.) Hell, it is even cheaper to get into and stay on top than aluminum smelting since the capital costs are so much lower.
People have the mistaken belief that total security compromises are challenging or expensive leading them to the mistaken belief that these companies must be valuable with valuable assets and high revenue.
Hacking-for-hire is barely more than a commodity, like aluminum smelting. There are capital costs, you need technology and expertise, but it is highly fungible leading to lots of suppliers competing on cost and quality of service (turn key, white-glove, etc.) Hell, it is even cheaper to get into and stay on top than aluminum smelting since the capital costs are so much lower.