Patria Expands Cyber Portfolio by Acquiring WithSecure’s Open-Source Data Collection Unit.

On September 4, 2024, Patria, a key player in the defense industry, announced its acquisition of an open-source data collection product and a related business from cybersecurity company WithSecure. This strategic initiative aims to enhance Patria’s capabilities in the cyber domain and is expected to support the company’s continued expansion in cybersecurity.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The newly acquired product will be integrated into Patria’s existing portfolio, which already includes advanced tools such as the Patria CRAWLR system, a platform dedicated to the collection and analysis of open-source data (Picture source: Patria)

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it was confirmed that ten experts from WithSecure currently involved in this business area will join Patria’s team. As part of this acquisition, Patria plans to open a new office in Oulu, a city known for its expertise in the defense industry. This move will bolster Patria’s workforce and further develop its presence in the region.

The newly acquired product will be integrated into Patria’s existing portfolio, which already includes advanced tools such as the Patria CRAWLR system, a platform dedicated to the collection and analysis of open-source data. The company views this acquisition as a critical step toward strengthening its offerings to security-critical customers, particularly in developing reliable intelligence, surveillance, and command systems. Jussi Järvinen, Executive Vice President of Patria Finland, emphasized that the company’s growth strategy involves significant investment in product and cybersecurity service development, aimed at ensuring operational reliability and information security under all conditions.

Oulu, where Patria’s new office will be located, plays a crucial role in Finland’s defense industry landscape. Järvinen highlighted that the city offers a concentration of expertise in this sector and presents opportunities to expand Patria’s talent pool to meet both current and future needs. Patria is already familiar with the region through its subsidiary Senop, which has been operating there for some time.

The business transfer is expected to be finalized by October 1, 2024. The deal has received approval from the Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy (TEM), and Patria assured that it would not affect any existing customer commitments, employment contracts, or other obligations related to this business area.

Cybersecurity has become a fundamental pillar in the defense industry as the command, communication, and intelligence systems of armed forces become increasingly digitalized and interconnected. With the rise of cyber threats, whether from state actors or criminal groups, protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data is essential. Defense companies such as Raytheon and Thales have recently bolstered their cybersecurity capabilities by acquiring specialized firms in the field.

For instance, Raytheon’s acquisition of Websense led to the creation of Forcepoint, a company that integrates traditional defense solutions with cybersecurity to protect military networks and critical civilian infrastructure. Similarly, Thales, through its acquisition of Gemalto, strengthened its expertise in digital security, particularly in authentication and identity management.

These acquisitions allow defense companies to develop comprehensive solutions, not only to protect their own systems but also to provide cybersecurity services to governments and military organizations, thereby solidifying their position in a market where data security has become a strategic priority.