Google Cloud Layoffs Hit Cybersecurity Unit Mandiant

Google Cloud has conducted layoffs over the last two weeks, according to two people familiar with the matter. The cuts have affected the company's Threat Intelligence Group—a top security unit—as well as other areas of Mandiant, the cybersecurity firm Google acquired in 2022.

"We regularly evaluate our internal structures to ensure we are best positioned to meet the evolving demands of our customers and the industry." — Google spokesperson

The total number of employees impacted remains unclear, and specific reasons for the layoffs have not been fully disclosed. In one instance, Google cited reinvestment in growth areas such as AI as justification for the move.

Employees have begun sharing the news on LinkedIn, confirming that yesterday's cuts were felt across the organization.

Broader Industry Trend

These layoffs follow a pattern seen across Big Tech, where companies are reducing staff while simultaneously ramping up investment in artificial intelligence:

• Meta laid off 10% of its staff last month
• Coinbase and Block have made significant cuts
• Cloudflare laid off over 1,100 employees earlier last month, citing preparations for the "agentic AI era"

This is not Google Cloud's first round of reductions. Last year, the division quietly reduced staff, primarily in user experience roles.