Yahoo has significantly downsized its cybersecurity division, known as The Paranoids, reducing its team by about 25% over the past year. This equates to the loss of 40-50 employees from its original 200-person team through layoffs and attrition since the beginning of 2024.
The downsizing highlights a major shift in Yahoo’s approach to cybersecurity and broader operational strategy.
Paranoid’s Red Team, tasked with simulating cyber attacks and finding vulnerabilities, was disbanded for good this week. The changes are part of at least three cuts affecting the cybersecurity division this year, sources said. Yahoo confirmed it was discontinuing Red Teaming and said it was moving its offensive security operations to an outsourcing model.
The layoffs within The Paranoids are part of a wave of large-scale layoffs at Yahoo, which saw more than 1,600 employees laid off in 2023, about 20% of its workforce. The company indicated that these measures are aimed at strengthening profitability and reallocating resources towards its next goals. Growth areas within the business.
Yahoo has implemented wide-ranging changes across its technology division, in addition to its cybersecurity team. Yahoo Chief Technology Officer Valeri Liborski notified employees in an email about the adjustments that will affect the company’s productivity and core services. The reorganization comes as part of Yahoo’s strategic focus to refine its operational priorities.
As Yahoo emphasizes the maturation and evolution of its security program, the decision to outsource certain functions and reorganize its team reflects the company’s efforts to adapt to industry challenges while maintaining high security standards. reflects.
