VeriSign buys iDefense

VeriSign, a provider of infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, has acquired a security intelligence firm called iDefense for about $40 million in cash, according to a VeriSign announcement.

iDefense provides information about network-based security threats and vulnerabilities to government agencies. It also has a commercial side, counting financial services firms and other large organizations as customers.

To provide its services, iDefense has more than 200 researchers in more than 30 countries. VeriSign said that the acquisition will boost its Managed Security Services offering, expanding its ability to monitor and assess security threats in real time.

VeriSign plans to keep iDefense's employees. iDefense, however, will take the VeriSign name.