Apple Purchases Security Firm AuthenTec For $356m

Apple has today purchased mobile security firm AuthenTec for the sum of $356 million. AuthenTec provides mobile security solutions for various platforms, including Android, and the company has worked with Apple in the past for security solutions for Mac OS. AuthenTec has provided fingerprint scanning solutions for Mac OS X, and more recently signed a mobile VPN agreement with Samsung for its Android devices.

It looks like Apple is hoping to beef up on mobile security in an attempt to stave off any future security breaches. AuthenTec seems to specialize in networking and authentication security, but has also provided secure streaming solutions for video companies in addition to government security solutions. The company attracts major clients too, including Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, Fujitsu, HBO, HP, Lenovo, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Orange, Samsung, Sky, and Texas Instruments.

AuthenTec's security solutions could be primarily applied to iOS devices, although its networking and secure video services could also fit nicely into Apple's ecosystem. Security has generally been an issue for Apple as of late, with malware reportedly on the rise for OS X, prompting the introduction of Gatekeeper into Mountain Lion. More recently, a Russian hacker bypassed the in-app purchase system, an exploit that was quickly patched by Apple.