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VeriSign Inc. said on Thursday that it has acquired security intelligence firm iDefense for $40 million in cash.
iDefense specializes in developing security intelligence about software vulnerabilities and online threats. VeriSign said in a statement that it will use the Reston, Va., companys global network of researchers to improve its managed security services business.
iDefense researches computer software vulnerabilities and online malicious activity. The company distributes security intelligence through subscription services such as the iAlert Daily Delivery and Weekly Threat Report.
The addition of security intelligence from iDefense will allow VeriSign to offer better monitoring and security assessment services to its managed security services customers, VeriSign said.
Companies need better security intelligence as they accommodate mobile workers and move more business functions to the Internet, shedding the protection provided by network perimeter devices like firewalls.
VeriSign, of Mountain View, Calif., has been building its security business in recent years, introducing new security-based services and acquiring managed security services company Guardent in 2003 to build its MSSP portfolio.
The acquisition has already been approved by the boards of directors for VeriSign and iDefense and will not affect VeriSigns 2005 financial results, the company said.