NetSec purchases U.K. firm

Network Security Technologies Inc., or NetSec, has acquired Defcom Information Security Ltd., a U.K.-based firm that offers specialized professional security services.

The business unit will operate under the NetSec name and continue to deliver services to its European customer base, while also offering the NetSec portfolio of advanced vulnerability and event management services.

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

"Our presence in Europe and the expansion of our enterprise customer base is in direct alignment with our global strategy," said Glenn Hazard, chairman and chief executive officer of NetSec. "The Defcom acquisition is an important step in fulfilling that strategy, along with building market share as an independent leader within the managed security services market."

According to a 2003 Gartner Inc. report, by 2006 the managed security services market will be the fastest growing security services market in Western Europe.

"A European presence is key to serving a global customer market. Managed security services providers, with a combination of professional services teams within the geographic location, are better positioned to capitalize on growing European market opportunities," said Khalda Parveen, an analyst with Gartner.

Founded in 1998 and based in Herndon, Va., NetSec is a private company that provides managed security services for global customers and government agencies.