Security firm Symantec is to acquire WholeSecurity, a California-based provider of security and anti-phishing technology.

WholeSecurity's systems analyse the characteristics and actions of viruses, worms and other malicious code in an effort to provide real-time protection without the need for traditional security signatures. The firm provides solutions for consumers and business.

"WholeSecurity offers industry leading protection from phishing attacks, one of the fastest growing threats to online transactions, such as banking, e-commerce and e-auctions," said Enrique Salem, senior vice president of security products and solutions at Symantec.

James Kay, chief technology officer at email security firm BlackSpider, said: " We are seeing more consolidation as the big security players continue to buy smaller, more innovative companies in the industry.

"Obviously phishing is a major threat and it is interesting to note that Symantec recognises the reactive nature and limitations of current security methods in protecting against it."

Simon Heron, director at network security provider Network Box, added: " Symantec is catching up with other security companies by buying protection against phishing, something it has needed to do for a while."

Behaviour-based security technology identifies online threats such as worms, viruses, Trojan horses, keystroke loggers and phishing attacks by their actions and characteristics.