ARN

Microsoft acquires security company Komoku

Microsoft acquired Komoku, a company that develops security products that can detect rootkits.

Microsoft hopes to beef up its security capabilities with the acquisition of Komoku, a developer of rootkit detection products, announced last Thursday.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Microsoft plans to add Komoku's technology into its Forefront and Windows Live OneCare products. Forefront is Microsoft's suite of enterprise security software that includes malware protection for PCs, security tools for Exchange and SharePoint servers, and gateways that secure remote access to corporate data.

OneCare is a package of security software for PC users that scans for viruses and spyware, backs up files and helps with network management.

Komoku, a Maryland company founded in 2004, develops products that detect rootkits, malicious software that can take control of a computer in a way that often evades detection by other antimalware software. The company has served organisations with high security requirements, such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

As part of the deal, Microsoft will hire William A. Arbaugh, the president and CTO of Komoku, who is also an associate professor of computer science at the University of Maryland. He spent many years working at the National Security Agency where he did research in information security and networking.

Microsoft's statement said that the majority of Komoku's staff will join Microsoft's Access and Security Division. Komoku's simple website calls the company a small business and lists three workers, including Arbaugh.

Microsoft doesn't plan to keep the Komoku name or product line. The deal was completed last Wednesday.

Nominations for the 2012 ARN IT Industry Awards open on Tuesday, June 12.

More about: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Microsoft, National Security Agency, Windows Live

Comments

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Users posting comments agree to the ARN comments policy.
Login or register to link comments to your user profile, or you may also post a comment without being logged in.
Related Whitepapers
Latest Stories
Community Comments
ARN Directory | Distributors relevant to this article
ASI Solutions , Bluechip Infotech , Compucon Computers , Dicker Data , Express Data , Express Online , ICT Distribution , Impact Systems Technology , Leader Computers , NewLease , Synnex Australia , Topstar Computer International , XiT Distribution , Xpress I.T.
rhs_login_lockGet exclusive access to ARN's news, research and invitation only events.
ARN Distributor Directory
Find distributors by name | vendor | location
Channel Deals
/deals/aca-pacific/415_bonus-500-gift-card-with-every-sgi-is5000-sp-s
ACA Pacific

Bonus $500 Gift Card with Every SGI IS5000-SP Storage Subsystem. Ends June 30th, 2012.

More details »
ARN Vendor Directory
Find vendors by name | category

iAsset is a channel management ecosystem that automates all major aspects of the entire sales,marketing and service process, including data tracking, integrated learning, knowledge management and product lifecycle management.