Cisco to buy OpenDNS to increase security business

Cisco Systems has said that it would buy OpenDNS, a privately held cloud-based security firm, for $635 million, the latest move to boost its security business as cyber attacks increase in number and sophistication. OpenDNS uses predictive intelligence to block malware, botnets and phishing threats that antivirus and firewalls miss.

"M&A will continue to be an important part of what we do," said Hilton Romanski, chief technology and strategy officer,Cisco. He also said that the M&A strategy of being an active investor and potential acquirer will continue under Robbins.

The company, whose security business is known for its firewalls, expanded into intrusion detection and prevention systems with the $2.7 billion acquisition of Sourcefire.

Cisco, which has acquired dozens of companies over the years, is transitioning towards high-end switches and routers and investing in new products such as data analytics software and cloud-based tools for data centres.It bought malware analysis company ThreatGRID in 2014 and security advisory firm Neohapsis this year.