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Phone unlocking firm Cellebrite to acquire mobile testing startup Corellium for$170M

Cellebrite, a forensic smartphone unlocking company, is acquiring mobile testing startup Corellium for $170 million to enhance mobile vulnerability identification. The deal includes $20 million in equity and requires CFIUS review for national security concerns. Corellium offers cloud-based virtual devices for testing, previously contested by Apple.

Key points

  • Cellebrite announced the acquisition of Corellium for $170 million.
  • The deal aims to accelerate identification of mobile vulnerabilities.
  • Cellebrite relies on unknown vulnerabilities to unlock encrypted data.
  • Corellium provides virtual devices for app and security testing.
  • The deal includes $20 million converted to equity.
  • The acquisition is subject to CFIUS review for national security issues.

Why it matters

  • The shift toward enhancing mobile security aligns with growing concerns over data privacy and industry vulnerabilities.
  • 2025 IT trends reflect a focus on cybersecurity, particularly in mobile environments as more data is exchanged and stored on devices.
  • Cellebrite's use of zero-day exploits highlights ongoing tensions between user privacy and law enforcement access.

The acquisition represents a strategic move by Cellebrite to expand its capabilities in mobile security testing, vital amidst escalating cyber threats and concerns over data protection.