Belden acquires Byres Security

Belden has acquired Byres Security Inc. (BSI), effective 1 September 2011, with the aim of enhancing its ability to protect industrial automation systems from cyberattack. BSI’s Tofino Security product line will strengthen Belden’s range of industrial networking solutions, and the deal will lead to higher investment in Tofino Security technology. The result will be enhanced cybersecurity for critical industrial automation systems.

BSI has been working with the Hirschmann group in Belden for about two years. Both a strong working relationship and successful technology integration have resulted from these efforts. Belden is already using Tofino Security technology in its Eagle line of security products, and BSI use Belden’s Hirschmann hardware in many of its Tofino Security products. Thus, there is good synergy between the companies’ technologies and capabilities, and, as part of the same organisation they aim to achieve leadership in both industrial networking and industrial security.

Joann Byres, VP and General Manager, Byres Security, said: “The deal is beneficial to us because it provides financial and organisational support for realising the market potential of Tofino Security technology. The industrial control system security market is growing quickly, and now, as part of Belden we will be able to truly to seize the opportunity.”

Eric Byres, CTO and VP Engineering, Byres Security, added: “Industrial control system and SCADA operators have experienced a wake-up call over the last year with a large number of PLC vulnerabilities disclosed and with the Stuxnet cyberattack. There is now high interest in improving cybersecurity at both the plant and management levels of organisations.

“As part of Belden we will be able to fully realise the potential of Tofino Security technology and make our vision of robust security tailored for industrial requirements a reality in many, many sites around the world. This is a terrific opportunity and we look forward to joining Belden and making it happen.”

Peter Fröhlich, PhD, Director R&D for Belden’s industrial networking business, added: “BSI is a leading provider of industrial control system security and their Tofino Security technology will strengthen Belden’s position as the world’s leading provider of complete industrial networking solutions. As an independent business entity within Belden, BSI will continue its growth and success and contribute to our vision of delivering secure communications to mission-critical networking solutions.”

Byres Security will operate as an independent business unit under Belden and the Tofino Security brand will remain the same. BSI’s founders, Joann Byres and Eric Byres, are committed to playing key roles in the new entity, and there will be no changes to BSI’s experienced and successful team.