Harris Corporation to Acquire SignaCert, Inc., a Leading Provider of IT Compliance Solutions for Software Supply Chain Assurance

WASHINGTON and PORTLAND, Ore., May 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held SignaCert, Inc., which will expand its position as a leading provider of cyber solutions for government and commercial customers.  SignaCert's customers span a variety of markets, including government, financial services, and healthcare.

Founded by Wyatt Starnes in 2004, SignaCert grew quickly into a leading provider of IT compliance solutions that form the foundation for software supply chain assurance.  SignaCert's solutions combine powerful change detection capabilities with custom and commercial software whitelists -- lists of software that are deemed safe and approved for a customer's network.  The SignaCert approach significantly inhibits viruses and malware by only permitting use of approved software.  This enhances the effectiveness of IT security and compliance compared with the traditional signature-based, anti-virus blacklisting approach.  SignaCert customers also can establish and maintain IT trust through its Global Trust Repository – the industry's largest multi-platform, multi-vendor, known-provenance whitelist data repository.

SignaCert recently received Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) validation from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), making its Enterprise Trust Server the only SCAP-validated solution on the market today to incorporate reference-based image management for known-provenance whitelisting technologies.

"This acquisition will expand our presence in the growing $10 billion cyber solutions market," said Dale Meyerrose, vice president and general manager, Harris Cyber Integrated Solutions.  "Acquiring SignaCert will strengthen our cyber leadership team, and bring discriminating technology to our cyber portfolio.  Harris will be better positioned to provide trusted, comprehensive solutions that address the national priority of enhancing critical cyber infrastructure."

Starnes, SignaCert's CEO and a 36-year information technology security and compliance veteran, will assume the newly created position of vice president and chief technology officer for Harris Cyber Integrated Solutions, reporting to Meyerrose.  The acquisition of SignaCert is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close later this month.    

Harris has been using state-of-the-art technology assessment techniques and architecture engineering for decades to define and operate secure networks.  Harris operates some of the nation's largest secure, mission-critical networks, including the ultra-reliable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI).  Additionally, the company's technology, countermeasures and monitoring capabilities safeguard vital information systems that support the critical missions of military, intelligence, and federal law enforcement customers.

In 2009, Harris acquired privately held Crucial Security, Inc., which offers an array of mission-enabling engineering solutions that address both offensive and defensive IT security challenges.  The business provides critical support to federal law enforcement and other U.S. government agencies.  

About Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets worldwide.  Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 15,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists.  Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services.  Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

SOURCE Harris Corporation