Cisco Acquires Another Enterprise Security Outfit

Cisco has made yet another move in the enterprise network security space, announcing the acquisition of Observable Networks, reports in TechCrunch said Thursday (July 13).

The IT company will take over the St. Louis-based startup that provides real-time network behavioral monitoring for corporate IT teams to be able to detect potential network security breaches. Reports said Observable Networks pays particular attention to the security of enterprise cloud deployments.

Financial details of the takeover were not disclosed.

“The acquisition of Observable Networks supports Cisco’s strategic transition toward software-centric solutions,” said Cisco head of M&A Rob Salvagno in a blog post announcing the news.

In another blog post, Observable Networks CEO Bryan Doerr said the deal is “both a validation of our company’s realization of a big idea and an opportunity to take this big idea onto a bigger stage.”

“We’re very excited about next steps with Cisco, the Security Business Unit and the Stealthwatch Product Team,” he added, noting that all of the startup’s employees will join Cisco.

Reports noted that Cisco has upped its M&A activity in the enterprise network security space recently, largely to capitalize on the rising concern over cybersecurity incidents that have captured headlines. The company acquired OpenDNS in 2015, as well as Portcullis Computer Security, Lancope and CloudLock.

Last month Cisco announced an initiative that focused on the cybersecurity of cloud and inter-connected devices.