Information Security News: McAfee pays $51m for Hacker Safe

[InfoSec News <alerts () infosecnews org>]

http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2007/10/30/mcafee_buys_hackersafe/

By John Oates 
30 Oct 2007

Security firm McAfee has bought ScanAlert - the company behind the 
"HACKER SAFE" kitemark used to certify ecommerce websites.

ScanAlert is, or was, privately owned and claims that over 75,000 
websites show its mark. It is based in Napa, California, and employs 130 
people.

McAfee will pay $51m in cash with a possible bonus of $24m if targets 
are hit. ScanAlert audits websites before granting its kitemark - sites 
are checked daily to ensure they remain secure. It also claims to be the 
only kitemark to be shown within the major price comparison sites.

The service also ensures that websites are complying with regulations 
set by card issuers.

ScanAlert will be bundled into McAfee's SiteAdvisor - a website, or 
browser plug-in, which certifies that websites are dealing properly with 
data and not full of spamware. SiteAdvisor was bought by McAfee last 
year.

The deal gives McAfee the ability to sell ecommerce solutions alongside 
its anti-virus, anti-intrusion, and other security products. 
Strategically, it also aims the company more squarely at the consumer 
market as well as the business and enterprise market. The deal looks to 
fit neatly with the earlier acquisition of SiteAdvisor.

The two companies will operate separately until the deal closes.

More from McAfee here [1].

[1] http://www.mcafee.com/us/about/corporate/mcafee_scanalert.html


__________________________________________________________________      
CSI 2007 is the only conference that delivers a business-focused
overview of enterprise security. It will convene 1,500+ delegates,
80 exhibitors and features 100+ sessions/seminars providing a
roadmap for integrating policies and procedures with new tools
and techniques.  Register now for savings on conference fees   
and/or free exhibits admission. - www.csiannual.com