WatchGuard Technologies, a network security solution provider, has acquired Percipient Networks, a developer of automated security solutions for SMEs.
Strongarm, the flagship product of Percipient Networks, stops phishing and malware attacks by offering a security-focused Domain Name System (DNS) service.
WatchGuard will integrate Strongarm into its security platform to improve security efficacy of existing malware protection techniques, increase the value of the company’s Total Security Suite (TSS) services bundle.
WatchGuard Technologie has more than 80,000 customers worldwide.
76 percent of organizations faced phishing activities in 2016, according to an IT report on security.
The Strongarm service monitors outbound DNS requests and blocks traffic to websites based on known malicious domains. Strongarm’s filtering capabilities extend to all ports and protocols by monitoring requests at the domain level.
“Many organizations don’t have the resources to research and deploy a long list of security point-solutions. The addition of security at the DNS layer is an example of execution of our mission,” said Prakash Panjwani, CEO of WatchGuard.
Percipient Networks also employs a threat analysis team who engages with the IT managers and managed service providers (MSPs) to provide additional insights into attacks and how to prevent them in the future. WatchGuard will continue investment in this area.
“Organizations must employ a two-pronged approach to combat phishing – malware prevention services and employee education,” said Todd O’Boyle, co-founder and CTO at Percipient Networks.
WatchGuard will release the new DNS filtering service later this month and will be generally available as part of the company’s all-in-one security package, Total Security Suite, shortly thereafter in an upcoming release of Fireware. All active Total Security Suite customers will gain immediate access to the new feature at no additional charge with the simple check of a box.
