EMC buys NetWitness to boost RSA security portfolio

EMC has announced the purchase of network security firm NetWitness, days after it was revealed that the company detected the recent hacking attack on EMC subsidiary RSA.

NetWitness specialises in network monitoring and analysis, using specialised server hardware and custom threat monitoring software engines to detect malware.

RSA credited NetWitness with detecting the hacking attack against its SecureID systems, and praised the company to analysts last week.

"The intensity and sophistication of advanced adversaries and zero-day malware challenge every organisation to rethink traditional approaches to network security," said Tom Heiser, president of RSA.

"NetWitness' unique network security analysis capabilities extend RSA's solutions for managing security risk and compliance across physical and virtual environments."

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but NetWitness' products will be added to RSA's portfolio, and specifically integrated with the Archer eGRC management and governance platform.

"EMC has a tremendous record of bringing together smart people and hot technologies and continuing to invest in them to further accelerate growth and achieve their full market potential," said Amit Yoran, chief executive of NetWitness.

"Together, we have an opportunity to further strengthen our leadership position in network security analysis by creating new integrated products and capabilities to solve our customers' most complex security challenges."