Symantec to acquire Gideon Technologies

Internet risk management software maker Symantec Corp, yesterday said that it is acquiring privately-held Gideon Technologies, Inc, provider of information security solutions that automate IT security and risk management, for an undisclosed sum.

Symantec said it is acquiring Gideon to strengthen its security portfolio with a leading Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) validated configuration and vulnerability assessment solution and to enhance its ability to serve the needs of public sector customers.

Gideon's product called SecureFusion supports the Security Content Automation Protocol for automating security configuration information, vulnerability assessment and patch checking.

SCAP is a suite of specifications that standardise the format and nomenclature by which security software products communicate software flaw and security configuration information. It is used to automate vulnerability and patch checking, technical control compliance activities and security measurement.

The acquisition of SecureFusion will complement Symantec's compliance offerings and integrate with the Symantec Management Platform, formerly the Altiris platform.

"The addition of SecureFusion will help Symantec provide customers with one of the industry's most comprehensive automated situational awareness, continuous compliance and remediation management capabilities in the marketplace," Symantec said in a statement.