Johannesburg, 14 Feb 2017
Sophos has announced it has entered an agreement to acquire Invincea, a provider of next-generation malware protection. Invincea's endpoint security portfolio is designed to detect and prevent unknown malware and sophisticated attacks via its patented deep learning neural-network algorithms
Headquartered in Fairfax, Va, Invincea was founded by chief executive officer Anup Ghosh to address the rapidly growing zero-day security threat from nation states, cyber criminals and rogue actors. The company's flagship product, X by Invincea, uses deep learning neural networks and behavioural monitoring to detect previously unseen malware and stops attacks before damage occurs. Invincea has been deployed in some of the most targeted networks in the world.
"By adding Invincea to its portfolio, Sophos is executing on its vision to assemble powerful technologies to provide the very best, cutting-edge defences for customers," comments Brett Myroff, MD of Sophos distributor, Netxactics. "Invincea is leading the market in machine learning-based threat detection with the combination of superior detection rates and minimal false positives. Invincea will strengthen Sophos' next-gen endpoint protection with complementary predictive defences that we believe will become increasingly important to the future of endpoint protection and allow us to take full advantage of this significant new growth opportunity."
The Invincea machine learning malware detection and prevention technology will be fully integrated into the Sophos endpoint protection portfolio. The availability of Invincea technology through the Sophos Central security management platform will further enhance the Sophos synchronised security portfolio and real-time intelligence sharing.
"We started Invincea with the vision of using non-signature based technologies, including machine learning, in innovative ways to protect organizations against the most advanced forms of cyber-attack," commented Anup Ghosh, founder and chief executive officer at Invincea. "X by Invincea represents a new generation in antivirus technology based on deep learning and behavioural monitoring. Joining forces with Sophos presents the perfect opportunity to take our proven, advanced technology to a global audience and make it part of a comprehensive synchronised security system. Sophos is leading the industry in adopting and bringing to market this disruptive new vision for complete, advanced, and integrated security, and we are delighted to join the team and help make it happen."
Norm Laudermilch, chief operating officer and head of product development at Invincea added: "Invincea set out to disrupt the traditional approach to antivirus, and even now no single technology is enough to fully protect customers. I share the Sophos vision for bringing together a powerful ensemble of next-gen technologies to dramatically improve the overall effectiveness of endpoint protection. Along with our world-class technical team at Invincea, I'm looking forward to joining Sophos and helping deliver on this ambitious and exciting vision."
The Invincea endpoint security portfolio including X by Invincea will continue to be supported and sold by Invincea and available via Invincea's network of registered partners.
Sophos has agreed to acquire Invincea from its current shareholders for a cash consideration of $100 million with a $20 million earn-out. Sophos will retain the company's office in Fairfax. Invincea CEO Anup Ghosh and COO Norm Laudermilch will join Sophos in key leadership positions.
Consummation of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of various closing conditions. Invincea Labs, a division of Invincea that has been separately managed and operated since 2012, has been separated prior to the acquisition and is not part of this transaction.
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