Oracle to acquire database security firm Secerno

IDG News Service - Oracle will acquire Secerno, which makes firewall products for databases that protect against hackers and data breaches, the companies said today.

The purchase price was not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close at the end of next month, according to Oracle.

Secerno makes a series of hardware and software products called DataWall, which control how information in databases is accessed. DataWall monitors a database and blocks unauthorized access.

DataWall uses what Secerno calls its Synoptiq engine, which "fingerprints the intent of all database requests and clearly and concisely shows exactly how an organization's data is accessed or changed."

Synoptiq, designed to detect and stop attacks in real time, came from research done at Oxford University's Computing Laboratory. DataWall is compatible with Oracle and also Microsoft's SQL Server and Sybase ASE databases.

Oracle said there is rising demand for data protection products. Companies that lose data or are hacked can face fines from regulators and loss of confidence from their customers.

"This combination is expected to further enable customers to reduce the cost and complexity of securing their information throughout the enterprise with a protective perimeter around Oracle and non-Oracle databases," Oracle said in a letter to customers on its Web site.

Oracle said it would continue to honor Secerno partner agreements for a smooth transition. "Partners should continue to reach out to their existing Secerno contacts until we advise otherwise," the company said.