Why the Cybersecurity Growth Slowdown Could Boost Microsoft Sales

Cybersecurity providers are facing a moment of truth. After years of persuading companies to spend more on security software, hackers are still getting through. That’s giving some companies “cyber fatigue,” and putting them under pressure to buy less, Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora said on Tuesday. Other industry executives echoed his comments, which helped spark a sell-off in cyber stocks on Wednesday.

“Companies just don’t feel like they can afford to keep increasing their security budgets annually,” said Jim Routh, a former chief security officer at MassMutual and CVS who is now an investor and advisor to cybersecurity startups.

In response, the biggest cybersecurity sellers are offering steep discounts on all-in-one security bundles, with an eye toward boosting their share of the market.