Yahoo Layoffs Hit Cybersecurity Team, Red Team Outsourced

TechCrunch reports that Yahoo has laid off approximately 25% of its cybersecurity team, known as "The Paranoids," over the past year. This represents 40 to 50 employees out of a total of 200, according to sources speaking to TechCrunch on condition of anonymity. These layoffs are part of broader changes within Yahoo's technology unit, as announced by CTO Valeri Liborski in an email to employees. The email, obtained by TechCrunch, stated that the decision was difficult but necessary. Red Team Eliminated, Outsourced The cuts extend to the elimination of The Paranoids' red team, responsible for simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities. This decision, along with at least three prior rounds of layoffs within the cybersecurity team this year, has raised concerns about Yahoo's security posture. Yahoo confirmed the layoffs and the outsourcing of the red team, stating that these changes reflect the "maturity" of their security program and allow for a f…