Security company Imperva is buying Distil Networks, a startup that specializes in fighting bot attacks. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The massive deployment of sensors has given rise to botnet malware that’s been responsible for distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. The malware can enlist unsecure IoT devices and sensors that are connected to networks — such as IP-connected cameras — and use them as “bots” to bombard a targeted site with requests.
Imperva said the acquisition of Distil Networks furthers its mission to protect business-critical data and applications no matter where they are deployed. The Redwood Shores, California-based Imperva is a private company that employs more than 1,000 people.
“Distil Networks gives us a comprehensive bot management solution that identifies, responds to and manages a full range of automated attacks no matter where these applications or APIs are deployed,” said Chris Hylen, CEO of Imperva, in a statement.
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Distil Networks was founded in Arlington, Virginia in 2011. “Bots are an evolving attack vector that has become a threat to all organizations, no matter the size or location,” said Tiffany Olson Kleeman, CEO of Distil Networks. “We have been leading the charge to find solutions to better understand, detect and mitigate automated attacks since 2011.”
Distil Networks has raised around $59 million since inception from backers such as Techstars, Foundry Group, and Bessemer Venture Partners, according to Crunchbase.