Yahoo Lays Off 25% of Cybersecurity Team: The Paranoids
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity industry, Yahoo has laid off around 25% of its cybersecurity team, known as The Paranoids, over the last year. This news comes on the heels of multiple rounds of layoffs impacting the cybersecurity team this year.
Layoffs Across The Board
The Paranoids are not the only team affected by the layoffs. Valeri Liborski, who was appointed Yahoo’s chief technology officer in September, sent an email to employees announcing changes across the broader technology unit, including enterprise productivity and core services. In his email, Liborski acknowledged that the decision to lay off employees was a difficult one, but necessary for the company’s growth.
Red Team Eliminated
The Paranoids’ red team, or offensive security team, which conducts cyberattack simulations to identify weaknesses in the company’s network before external hackers can, was eliminated entirely this week. This move has left many in the industry questioning the future of Yahoo’s cybersecurity capabilities.
Background on The Paranoids
The Paranoids were a highly respected and sought-after team within Yahoo’s cybersecurity department. Their expertise and knowledge of the latest threats and vulnerabilities made them an invaluable asset to the company. Unfortunately, their elimination has raised concerns about the security of Yahoo’s network and the potential for future breaches.
Why the Layoffs?
According to Yahoo spokesperson Brenden Lee, the layoffs were necessary as part of the company’s evolution into a more mature and sophisticated cybersecurity program. Lee stated that Yahoo has transitioned its offensive security operations to an outsourced model, which will enable the company to concentrate resources on critical security priorities.
Impact on Employees
The layoffs have undoubtedly had a significant impact on employees within The Paranoids team. Many have spoken out about their shock and disappointment at being let go from their positions. As one current employee noted, "It’s hard to see so many talented people leave the company."
Layoffs Across the Company
This news comes on the heels of Yahoo’s larger-scale layoffs last year, which affected over 1,600 employees, around 20% of its total workforce. In an interview with Axios at the time, Yahoo chief executive Jim Lanzone stated that the layoffs would be "tremendously beneficial for the profitability of Yahoo overall" and that the company will "go on offense" and invest in other parts of its business.
Timeline
The following is a timeline of events leading up to the layoffs:
- January 2024: First round of layoffs impacting The Paranoids team
- February 2024: Second round of layoffs affecting multiple teams across Yahoo’s technology unit
- March 2024: Elimination of The Paranoids’ red team
Industry Reaction
The industry has reacted with shock and concern at the news. Many have questioned the wisdom of eliminating a highly respected and skilled team like The Paranoids.
Conclusion
The layoffs at Yahoo have left many in the cybersecurity industry wondering about the future of the company’s security capabilities. While the reasons behind the decision may be clear, the impact on employees and the potential risks to Yahoo’s network are undeniable. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to new threats, one thing is certain: the importance of a strong and dedicated cybersecurity team cannot be overstated.
Recommendations
To mitigate the risks associated with these layoffs, we recommend that Yahoo:
- Invest in training and development programs for remaining employees
- Consider hiring external experts to fill the gaps left by The Paranoids team
- Continuously monitor and improve its cybersecurity capabilities
Sources
This article was written based on information from multiple current and former Yahoo employees who spoke to TechCrunch on condition of anonymity. Additional sources include interviews with Yahoo spokesperson Brenden Lee and a review of Yahoo’s public statements regarding the layoffs.
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