BT Group has announced it has bought California-based Counterpane Internet Security Inc, a security services provider for managed networks, to expand its global professional services offering.
BT said Counterpane currently monitors 550 networks worldwide for multinational and Fortune 100 customers.
It did not disclose the value of the deal but said the business had audited gross assets of $6.8 million (€5.4 million) at the end of 2004.
BT said Counterpane's founder and Chief Technology Officer Bruce Schneier, mentioned in Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Codeas a leading cryptologist, would continue in his role, as would Chief Executive Paul Stich.
Counterpane provides security and advice for firms on how to protect their computer networks against hackers.
The deal follows news yesterday that French computer consultancy Capgemini was transferring a large part of its European networking infrastructure services operations to BT in a deal that will see BT engaging around 250 Capgemini staff.
BT said in September it was looking to its fastest growing division, Global Services, which provides IT network services to clients from food group Unilever to Britain's health service, to offset declining revenues in its traditional telecoms business.
Shares in BT were up 0.3 per cent at 272 pence in early trade, valuing the group at around £22.5 billion.