Data security underscores Cisco technology acquisition
With more businesses relying on computers, the internet and mobile devices for their daily operations, it only makes sense that data breaches have also become more common. Sensitive data is being stored online, which is giving cyber criminals greater reason to try to hack through security systems to gain important financial information.
A recent acquisition in the tech world is hoping to curb that trend. Cisco Systems, a firm that designs and sells networking equipment, announced that it will buy the security firm Sourcefire for $2.7 billion. Cisco wants to better protect the computers and networks of its clients, which include government agencies and large companies.
"The notion of the 'perimeter' no longer exists and today's sophisticated threats are able to circumvent traditional, disparate security products," Christopher Young, senior vice president of Cisco Security Group, told ZDNet. "Organizations require continuous and pervasive advanced threat protection that addresses each phase of the attack continuum."
Young added that with that in mind, the Sourcefire acquisition would greatly benefit Cisco customers.
The technology acquisition has been approved by both companies and is expected to close later this year.
Sourcefire founder Martin Roesch will become vice president and chief architect of the combined companies' security group. The Baltimore Sun quotes Roesch when he spoke to open sourcers earlier this week. The entrepreneur assured customers that Sourcefire's open source network security program Snort, was, and will always be, free.
When two companies agree to technology mergers or acquisitions, it does not necessarily mean that all products will change and customers will have to relearn programs. Often, opportunities are created that can benefit consumers and businesses in the short- and long-term.