Cisco doubles down on 2FA with $2.35bn Duo Security deal

Two-factor authentication vendor to become a business unit in Cisco's security group

Cisco is set to acquire two-factor authentication vendor Duo Security for $2.35bn (£1.8bn).

The networking giant said the Duo solution will be integrated into Cisco's network to "easily and securely connect users to any application on any networked device".

David Goeckeler, general manager of Cisco's networking and security business, said: "In today's multi-cloud world, the modern workforce is connecting to critical business applications both on- and off-premise.

"IT teams are responsible for protecting hundreds of different perimeters that span anywhere a user makes an access decision.

"Duo's zero-trust authentication and access products integrated with our network, device and cloud security platforms will enable our customers to address the complexity and challenges that stem from multi- and hybrid-cloud environments."

In an interview with CRN last November, Duo Security's EMEA partner boss Fiona Doak said the vendor was on the hunt for managed services partners.

Duo counts Google among its investors. The vendor will continue to be led CEO Dug Song.

Song said: "Cisco is not only the world's largest networking company, but also the world's leading enterprise security business.

"They agree with us on the past state of security, and we're going to fix it together. They have a long and successful history of acquiring companies to support and accelerate their strategic initiatives.

"Cisco has a successful track record of supporting and empowering the management teams of the companies that join them. Duo has the opportunity to accelerate growth and achieve even greater success."