Networking giant Cisco has revealed its intention to snap up network security firm Lancope in a $453 million deal designed to expand its advanced threat protection capabilities.
The Georgia-based privately held firm specializes in monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns inside the network with a view to more quickly and effectively responding to potential attacks.
Its StealthWatch network behavior analytics platform will be particularly prized by Cisco as it looks to expand its Security Everywhere strategy of providing protection from advanced threats before, during and after an attack.
The proposed acquisition should be a good fit for the networking giant, given it already had a “successful commercial relationship” with Lancope, according to business development vice president, Rob Salvagno.
“Our combined solutions help secure customers’ resources and critical assets by using their network as a sensor—extending protection further into their networks and allowing them to see more threats and to identify these threats faster,” he claimed in a blog post.
“Together, Cisco and Lancope will advance Cisco’s Security Everywhere strategy of providing advanced threat protection across the full attack continuum—before, during and after an attack.”
The deal follows other similar acquisitions in this space by Cisco including OpenDNS, Portcullis, and Neohapsis.
OpenDNS offered DNS-based capabilities to eradicate malware, botnets and phishing; Portcullis added UK-based security consultancy services; and Neohapsis brought mobile and cloud security services to the table.
Cisco is particularly keen to wrap security around its offerings given the tremendous growth of the Internet of Things.
However, it could be argued that more needs to be done at the design stage to ensure IoT platforms and devices are architected more securely.
Like OpenDNS, the Lancope team will join the Cisco Security Business Group, under SVP and general manager, David Goeckeler.
Under the terms of the deal, Cisco will pay $452.5 million in cash and assumed equity awards, it said in a press release announcing the acquisition.