SafeNet explained

SafeNet, Inc.
Type:Subsidiary
Foundation:, in Timonium, Maryland
Location City:Belcamp, Maryland
Location Country:United States
Area Served:Worldwide
Industry:Information security
Products:Encryption, Semiconductor IP, software monetization, Software as a Service, hardware security modules, authentication, security tokens
Parent:Thales Group
Num Employees:1,600 (2011)
Divisions:Data Protection, Software Monetization

SafeNet, Inc. was an information security company based in Belcamp, Maryland, United States, which was acquired in August 2014 by the French security company Gemalto. Gemalto was, in turn, acquired by Thales Group in 2019. The former SafeNet's products include solutions for enterprise authentication, data encryption, and key management. SafeNet's software monetization products are sold under the Thales Sentinel brand.

SafeNet was notably one of the largest suppliers of encryption technology to the United States Government.[1]

On 8 August 2014, Gemalto announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the share capital of SafeNet from Vector Capital for US$890 million on a debt free/cash free basis.[2] A subsequent acquisition of Gemalto by French rival Thales Group was completed on 2 April 2019.[3]

History

Current and former subsidiaries

The former Rainbow Technologies subsidiary SafeNet Government Solutions, formerly SafeNet Mykotronx, is still based in Torrance, California with offices in Irvine, California and Columbia, Maryland.[20] The company was founded in 1979 as Myko Enterprises. It changed its name to Mykotronx, Inc in 1987 and merged with SafeNet as part of the SafeNet merger with Rainbow in 2004.[21] SafeNet Government Solutions, LLC has been operationally merged into SafeNet and the lines between the two organizations have been intentionally blurred due to financial reasons. SafeNet Government Solutions is no longer considered a subsidiary. SafeNet Government Solutions provides information security and communications security technology for the US government. The firm has an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for its KIV-7 line of commercial off-the-shelf cryptographic devices that provide protection for digital and voice communications through TOP SECRET, used by agencies such as the National Security Agency (NSA) and the National Reconnaissance Office.[22] Other products include the KOV-14 Fortezza Plus PC card which was developed as part of the NSA's NSSI program and is used on Secure Terminal Equipment.[23] They previously developed the Clipper chip.[24] [25]

In 2009, Vector Capital acquires Aladdin Knowledge Systems, and placed it under SafeNet with the annotation of 'under common management'. In 2010, the two companies were officially merged.

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: SafeNet wins DOD network security deal. Washington Technology Magazine. 2008-12-08. 2005-04-10. Roseanne Gerin.
  2. Web site: Gemalto to acquire SafeNet, the worldwide leader in data and software protection . 2014-08-08 . 2014-08-13.
  3. Thales Completes Acquisition of Gemalto to Become a Global Leader in Digital Identity and Security, Extending U.S. Footprint.
  4. Web site: Coup fails. 11 July 1998 .
  5. Web site: EETimes. 2003-02-28. EETimes - SafeNet acquires assets of Raqia Networks -. 2020-09-17. EETimes.
  6. Web site: SSH sells its OEM business to SafeNet. 2003-10-14. 2008-12-03. 2006-11-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20061128034638/http://www.ssh.com/company/news/article/484/. dead.
  7. Web site: SafeNet, Inc. Announces Close of Merger with Rainbow Technologies. 2004-03-14.
  8. Web site: EETimes. 2005-03-25. EETimes - SafeNet to acquire software provider -. 2020-09-17. EETimes.
  9. Web site: GmbH. finanzen net. SafeNet Completes Acquisition of Eracom Technologies AG Markets Insider. 2020-09-17. markets.businessinsider.com. en-us.
  10. News: SafeNet Is Roiled by Options Inquiry. October 19, 2006. The New York Times. 2013-11-21 . Dow . Jones/Associated.
  11. News: Ex-Safenet CFO gets prison term in options case. Martha. Graybow. reuters.com. 28 January 2008.
  12. Web site: Cost of Backdating: Six Months, $1 Million. 2008-01-30. 2013-11-21.
  13. Web site: SafeNet sold, goes private . 2007-04-13.
  14. Web site: Aladdin Knowledge Systems Completes Merger with Vector Capital Affiliate . 2009-03-24 . 2010-06-02 . 2009-04-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090419095344/http://www.vectorcapital.com/files/articles/63/03-24-09%20Aladdin%20Merger%20Complete%20FINAL%20PR%202.pdf . dead .
  15. Web site: SafeNet to Acquire Assured Decisions, LLC . . 2009-12-23.
  16. Web site: Raytheon Acquires SafeNet Inc.. 2020-09-17. finance.yahoo.com. 13 December 2012 . en-US.
  17. Web site: Gemalto Buys SafeNet for $890 Million. WSJ.com. 2014-08-08. 2015-01-09.
  18. Web site: SafeNet Assured Technologies, LLC Formally Launches U.S. Based Business. 2015-02-09.
  19. Web site: Thales buys Gemalto. 2019-04-02.
  20. Web site: SafeNet Offices - North America.
  21. Web site: About SafeNet Mykotronx.
  22. Web site: KIV-7 Family . Federation of American Scientists.
  23. Web site: Mykotronx wins defense card work.
  24. Web site: INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLIPPER WIRETAP CHIP.
  25. THE CLIPPER CHIP: A TECHNICAL SUMMARY. The Risks Digest. Neumann. Peter G.. 21 April 1993 . 14 . 52 .