Guardsquare has acquired the Extended Threat Defence technology and assets known as XTD from Verimatrix, adding mobile threat detection and response tools to its mobile application security platform.
The deal combines Guardsquare’s app protection and testing products with XTD’s focus on identifying attacks against mobile apps. It also supports Guardsquare’s mergers and acquisitions strategy and is intended to expand its customer reach.
XTD is a set of technologies designed to predict, detect, and respond to threats targeting mobile applications before attackers can exploit them. Guardsquare describes the addition as a step toward an end-to-end approach to mobile app security, covering development-time controls as well as monitoring during app use.
Pressure on organisations to secure mobile apps has increased as mobile attacks rise. Guardsquare cited Verizon figures showing that 85% of organisations are experiencing a surge in mobile attacks, and that 43% say mobile app threats are the top contributor to breaches.
Platform scope
Guardsquare’s platform includes automated testing and code protection methods such as code hardening. It also includes real-time threat monitoring and API security. XTD adds a component focused on detecting active threats and responding as attacks unfold.
“The completion of this acquisition marks an important milestone for mobile security, and it aligns with our ongoing M&A strategy to further enhance our platform and increase our customer reach,” said Roel Caers, CEO of Guardsquare. “The integration of XTD complements Guardsquare’s mobile app security platform, reinforcing our end-to-end approach, which includes automated testing, multi-layered protection, real-time threat monitoring, and API security.”
Financial terms were not disclosed, and the companies did not provide guidance on how the acquired assets would be integrated into product packaging or commercial plans.
Customer continuity
Guardsquare said existing XTD customers will see no disruption to services, support, or product operations. XTD will continue to operate as it does today while its technology is integrated into the Guardsquare platform.
Guardsquare also said it will maintain relationships with XTD’s partner ecosystem. Partners will continue to sell and support customers as they do today.
The acquisition includes members of the XTD team, adding engineers and security staff. Guardsquare said their expertise will support ongoing platform development.
Market reach
Guardsquare said the acquisition strengthens its global presence and broadens its reach in industries including financial services and healthcare. Those sectors have faced increased scrutiny over mobile security as customer activity shifts to mobile apps and attackers focus more on mobile channels.
Verimatrix operates across digital content, application, and device security, serving customers in areas such as premium video, live sports streaming, and protection of sensitive data in regulated sectors. The divestment shifts XTD and related assets to Guardsquare.
Guardsquare said it has more than 975 customers worldwide across major industries. It sells security testing tools and code protection products aimed at preventing reverse engineering and tampering, and provides real-time monitoring and API security services as part of its broader mobile app security offering.
Buyers have increasingly sought integrated security approaches that span the software lifecycle. Development teams have adopted automated testing and protection during build and release, while security teams have looked for signals showing when apps are being attacked in the field. Vendors have also expanded into API security as mobile apps rely on cloud services and third-party integrations.
Guardsquare said it will integrate XTD into its platform while continuing to support existing XTD customers and partners.
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