Security vendor Cyber-Ark has established its first European base and is looking to increase sales by recruiting additional channel partners across the region.

The firm, which specialises in 'vaulting' technology, is also close to signing its first European distributor as it makes the switch from a single-tier to a two-tier market strategy.

The technology, which was developed by a team of former Israeli military engineers and security experts, provides a 'safe haven' where information is protected when shared or transmitted over the internet between enterprises, or when controlling critical information in a single network.

The technology has been snapped up by established names such as Motorola, Virgin Money, ING bank, Orange and Wells Fargo.

"Although our European base is in Amsterdam, our technology is very much driven by UK partners," said Udi Mokady, chief operating officer at Cyber-Ark.

He claimed the firm's latest Password Vault technology, along with its established Inter-Business Vault and Network Vault software, will give partners a much-needed foot in the door to win new customers because it is "easy for end-users to understand and for resellers to adopt".

Cyber-Ark partners are divided into three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze. The firm is looking to recruit partners at all three levels. Each partner will have to complete a "simple" accreditation process before being accepted. The vendor will provide co-operative marketing and support for each level of partner, according to Mokady.

"We are initially looking for resellers with a security specialisation that are eager to come up with something refreshing for their customers. We are looking for quality rather than quantity in what is becoming a fast-growing market," he said.

David Hobson, managing director of security integrator and Cyber-Ark partner Global Secure Systems, said: "Cyber-Ark offers unparalleled security, connectivity and auditing and is easy to use.

"All of our customers that have bought Cyber-Ark technology have always extended their licences. The applications are ideal for firms that have quite a big hole in their armoury and appeals to a wide market."

Eddy Deegan, IT Security Manager at Virgin Money, said: "The internet is a hostile environment, and after looking around for a method of exchanging data securely with third parties we came across Cyber-Ark. Their product met our requirements very well."

sara_yirrell@vnu.co.uk