In-Q-Tel backs cyberthreat protection for intell community

In-Q-Tel, the CIA-founded private investment firm for technology innovation, is broadening its reach to protect the intelligence community from malware and other cyber attacks.

In-Q-Tel has made a strategic investment in FireEye Inc., a maker of malware protection systems, according to a joint statement by In-Q-Tel and the company, based in Milpitas, Calif. Financial details were not reported.

“This strategic partnership between IQT and FireEye will extend FireEye’s cyber security product development and stealth malware technical capabilities to protect against cyber threats,” the announcement stated.

“FireEye’s patent-pending technology detects advanced malware using a unique blend of heuristic virtual victim machines. The resulting system is comprehensive and capable of detecting zero-day attacks, and generates almost no false positives,” it added.

The company’s technology replays suspicious Web and network traffic into virtual machines to accurately identify infections. “It offers a precise method for detecting known and zero-day malware so that customers can secure their networks,” the announcement explained.

“FireEye is a critical addition to our strategic investment portfolio for security technologies,” said T.J. Rylander, an In-Q-Tel partner.

“FireEye offers a valuable combination of next-generation malware protection, and its approach to detecting and defeating malware is unique and potentially game changing,” Rylander added.

Launched by the CIA in 1999 as a private, independent, not-for-profit organization, In-Q-Tel identifies and partners with companies developing cutting-edge technologies that serve U.S. national security interests.

To date, In-Q-Tel, of Arlington, Va., has reviewed more than 7,500 business proposals, invested in more than 175 companies, and delivered more than 265 technology solutions to the U.S. intelligence community, according to the firm’s Web site.