Content security market powers up 25 per cent

Mobile device proliferation and new threats lay behind bravura quarter for the content security sector

The content security market enjoyed a barnstorming third quarter as new security threats such as Zeus and the proliferation of mobile devices drove a 25 per cent spike in sales.

According to market watcher Infonetics Research, some of the long-term growth experienced in the adjacent network security market is beginning to shift to the content security sector.

Content security gateway revenue powered up 25 per cent annually and 10 per cent sequentially in the three months to October to hit $715.2m (£457m). In contrast, sales of network security software and appliances were flat at $1.43bn.

Infonetics cited publicity around threats such as stuxnet and Zeus as a key driver of content security purchases.

The proliferation of smartphones, iPads, netbooks and other mobile devices also led firms to step up protection of their critical infrastructure, it added.

Cisco mirrored the progress of the two markets by posting 30 per cent content security growth while witnessing a “down quarter” in the network security space.

The networking giant now holds third position in the content security market, behind Blue Coat and leader McAfee.

In network security, Juniper and Check Point gained share against Cisco, particularly in the $30,000 integrated security category, Infonetics said. Through its TippingPoint business, HP has enjoyed a strong quarter, enabling it to move into fifth place in the network security segment.