Check Point buys into PC security

Consolidation continues in IT security business as Check Point swallows up Protect Data

Consolidation in the IT security industry is continuing apace, with Check Point Software's announcement that it intends to acquire Protect Data, owner of Pointsec Mobile Technologies. The move will extend Check Point's line-up to secure data on client devices as well as network infrastructure, the company said.

Check Point develops virtual private network (VPN), firewall and management tools to secure corporate networks, while Pointsec is a leader in endpoint security, including full-disk encryption and password protection for PCs, laptops, and handheld devices. The deal, which is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval, will enable Check Point to expand its unified security architecture into client-side data security.

"This field of data protection has been emerging quite rapidly, as more and more data is being stored on devices, which can find themselves in the wrong hands. This has also resulted in increased business and regulatory requirements to better secure the data," said Check Point chief executive Gil Shwed.

By incorporating Pointsec's products into its unified security architecture, Check Point's customers will be able to deploy, manage and monitor both data and network security policies from a single framework, Shwed said, which will reduce the cost and complexity of implementing security as well as improving its effectiveness.

Protect Data chief executive Peter Larsson said that the acquisition, if approved, will enable Pointsec to expand its presence to a global market reach.

Pointsec has itself recently acquired UK firm Reflex Magnetics, enabling it to extend client-side security to lock down PC ports and portable storage devices on top of Pointsec's traditional hard disk encryption and access control tools.

The move means that Check Point will gain a comprehensive set of client-side data security tools, but integrating the multiple product lines may be a complex task.

Shwed conceded that integration will require some work, and said Check Point does not want to create "something too complicated" for end-users.

Check Point also said the acquisition will be just the first step in an expansion strategy
"We will have more technologies coming from in-house development, but will keep looking for other companies and technologies to extend our product portfolio," Shwed said.

If approved, the acquisition is expected to complete in January.