WatchGuard snaps up Quiave

Quiave Technologies has been acquired by WatchGuard Technologies in a deal worth $66m.

Quiave Technologies has been acquired by WatchGuard Technologies in a deal worth $66m.

Vince Salas, director of product marketing at WatchGuard, said the takeover was designed to allow his firm to cover the limitations of firewalls, which do not distinguish between genuine and malicious access to networks from users who are permitted entry.

More problems stem from internal users than external hackers because firewalls fail to prevent internal corruption, he said. "The acquisition of Quiave and its QSecure software was a response to a market need. Through this acquisition, our servers can now be locked down to prevent internal changes," Salas said.

Ian Kilpatrick, group managing director of WatchGuard distributor Wick Hill, agreed. "The biggest single threat to internal network security is the explosion of dial-up access. Because mobile workers are able to dial up a server from unrecognisable addresses, the fear of detection is no longer a deterrent to malicious use," he said.

The company has also announced the launch of Live Security Version II, which offers users live updates and information on their security in conjunction with an easy-to-set-up virtual private network (VPN).

Live Security Version II allows organisations to set up VPN links in a matter of minutes, rather than hours. "Our VPN Manager 2.0 product, which will allow businesses to implement and manage their own networks, will be launched on 1 November. If users prefer to contract out management, we have 60 internet service provider partners," said Salas.

Watchguard will offer partners marketing support in return for the active promotion of WatchGuard. Other benefits for resellers include access to the company's private website containing strategic support such as promotions, news and competition analysis.