Cisco snaps up UK security firm Portcullis

Cisco looks to bolster security services offering

Cisco has bolstered its security services proposition with the acquisition of UK-based security consultancy Portcullis.

Headquartered in Watford, privately held Portcullis provides a range of security services including policy reviews, first-responder training and security awareness training to enterprise customers and the government.

Rob Salvagno, vice president of corporate business development at Cisco, said on the company blog the deal will strengthen Cisco's security offering.

"Through this acquisition, we increase our ability to offer robust security, risk and compliance services to help clients overcome operational and technical security challenges, anticipate and respond to new threats, and drive new business," he said.

The acquisition – for an undisclosed amount – will also fit well within Cisco's portfolio, Salvagno added.

"Portcullis has a long history of providing security consulting services in Europe, with an extensive customer network, and a respected reputation for penetration testing of web applications and infrastructure," he said.

"When paired with Cisco's existing security services portfolio, Portcullis will help accelerate Cisco's security services business and more quickly expand its security consulting services outside North America."

The move for Portcullis is not the first time Cisco has snapped up a security firm in recent times, with it acquiring US security player Neohapsis last November.

Salvagno said these latest buys "complement the talent and skills Cisco gained through the Neohapsis acquisition earlier".

Paul Docherty, Portcullis co-founder, said the move is the right step forward for his company.

"We believe that our strategic views align; that Cisco and Portcullis share a relentless desire for technical excellence and quality of service, and that in combination our advisory services will be market defining," he said.

"I believe this is a strong strategic fit, presenting an excellent opportunity to leverage the scale, strength and technologies of Cisco's robust portfolio with Portcullis' assurance services."

Following the deal – expected to be completed in Q2 2015 – the Portcullis team is set to join the Cisco Security Services division and will report to vice president and general manager of Cisco Security Solutions Bryan Palma.