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Story URL: http://www.silicon.com/financialservices/0,3800010322,39154816,00.htm

RSA splashes $145m on Cyota
Snaffles up authentication firm...

By Will Sturgeon

Published: Monday 05 December 2005

Identity and access management firm RSA Security has snapped up authentication solution provider Cyota in a $145m deal.

The deal to acquire the privately-held firm further broadens RSA's portfolio and also brings on board a wealth of expertise in the financial services industry, with firms such as Bank of America, Barclays, Capital One, HBOS and RBS listed among Cyota's customers for consumer anti-fraud and authentication solutions.

Art Coviello, president and CEO of RSA Security, said the deal enables RSA to focus more actively upon the consumer side of the industry as banks begin to feel increasing pressure to make available services for stronger online authentication in light of phishing and identity fraud.

Speaking to silicon.com earlier this year, Coviello predicted banks that do not roll out stronger authentication will soon start to feel the pinch.

"People will vote with their feet. They may not change their bank but they may not bank online anymore," he said.

"Banks who aren't doing this will be forced to change."

And it's not just banking. The combined RSA and Cyota offering will also play well in the ecommerce market, added Coviello in a statement today.