IBM acquires Q1 Labs to lead dedicated security division

IBM has announced the acquisition of security firm Q1 Labs as a central part of a new security division designed to analyse and provide more insight into the security threats affecting corporate networks.

No financial information on the deal was announced, but the acquisition will form part of the new IBM Security Systems division and will be led by Q1's current chief executive Brendan Hannigan.

"Since perimeter defence alone is no longer capable of thwarting all threats, IBM is in a unique position to shift security thinking to an integrated, predictive approach," Hannigan said.

"Q1 Labs' security analytics will add greater intelligence to IBM's security portfolio and continue to distinguish IBM from competitors."

IBM estimates the market for software security to be worth $94bn, and Robert LeBlanc, senior vice president for IBM Middleware Software, explained that the new division will tap into this market by helping businesses defend against the latest threats.

"Realigning IBM's security expertise in a new division with a greater focus on analytics is a bold step to help clients stay ahead of growing security threats," he said.

"By consolidating our global expertise, IBM clients will have access to the most comprehensive and insightful view of security across their people, data and infrastructure."

Q1 Labs has employees in the US, Canada and Northern Ireland, and the firm will be integrated into the IBM Software Group. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2011, subject to regulatory approval.

The acquisition is the second in recent weeks for IBM after the purchase of financial analysis and risk firm Algorithmics for $387m.