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DigiCert Closes Acquisition of Symantec’s Website Security Division.

Digicert Symantec

DigiCert announced on Oct. 31 that is has completed the $950 million acquisition of Symantec’s Website Security and PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) business assets related to SSL/TLS certificates.

It is now official. DigiCert is now in ownership of Symantec’s Website Security division. The deal was first announced on Aug. 3, with the goal to help improve the PKI infrastructure for Symantec’s certificates, which had been under fire by Google and other web browser vendors.

John Merril - DigiCert CEO
John Merrill – Chef Executive Officer

“Today starts an exciting era for the current customers and partners of both Symantec and DigiCert,” said DigiCert CEO John Merrill. “For Symantec customers, they can feel assured that they will have continuity in their website security, and that we will provide a smooth transition. Our customers and partners will benefit from our accelerated investment in products and solutions for SSL, PKI and IoT (Internet of Things). DigiCert will also lead to shape PKI security standards through our participation in industry standards bodies to ensure our customers stay at the forefront of security practices. DigiCert is prepared for this opportunity.”

The software giant Symantec known for Endpoint Desktop, Hybrid Cloud , and Information Security had originally acquired Verisign’s authentication unit business back in 2010 for $1.29 billion. This unit dedicated to website security included SSL certificates, PKI, Verisign Trust Seal, and Verisign Identity Protection (VIP) services. Symantec will still be around providing end point protection services, but this authentication unit will merge with DigiCert’s tech savvy infrastructure. 

As previously announced, DigiCert will continue to be led by CEO John Merrill and an executive team with significant industry experience. DigiCert will continue to operate from its headquarters in Lehi, Utah and will employ over 1,000 professionals with additional office locations in California and internationally. With the addition of Symantec’s Website Security and related PKI solutions, DigiCert will expand its global footprint to provide essential security for customers around the world including Global 2000 enterprise, top retailers, banks, leading technology firms and organizations across a wide spectrum of the economy.

What does this acquisition mean for me?

Acquiring Symantec’s Website Security business brings the best people, best products, and best processes under one roof, and accelerates our efforts to simplify SSL and PKI. Now that the deal is complete, our two organizations can start working together to build an even greater security company together innovating SSL, PKI, and IoT  security solutions. Rest assured that DigiCert will also continue to be active in industry groups, help shape security standards, and ensure that clients stay at the forefront of best practices.

Will DigiCert’s infrastructure scale for the added Symantec business?

DigiCert’s infrastructure was built for scale and performance, which is especially important as they take on the large Symantec Website Security and related PKI business. DigiCert systems are designed for high-volume deployments for SSL and IoT, and are stress-tested for billions of certificates. You’ll see industry-leading issuance times, even with the added Symantec business.

Where can I get more information?

For more information about the acquisition and answers to FAQs, click here.

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