Cisco Acquiring Web Application Firewall Maker Signal Sciences?

Cisco Systems is negotiating to acquire Web application firewall (WAF) provider Signal Sciences, but acquisition talks between the networking giant and cybersecurity startup may not lead to a deal, according to The Information.

The deal, if consummated, potentially aligns well with two major priorities from Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins. Indeed, Signal Sciences would both boost Cisco's cybersecurity portfolio while also aligning with the company's shift to subscription services and recurring revenues.

The potential deal may also help Cisco to compete more effectively against Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet, among others, The Information suggested. But again, the discussions have not yet triggered an official deal, and neither Cisco nor Signal Sciences have commented about the rumored M&A discussions.

Signal Sciences: Cybersecurity Business Background

Signal Sciences raised $35 million in Series C funding  in February 2019. Lead Edge Capital led the round, with participation from existing investors CRV, Index Ventures, Harrison Metal and OATV.

Signal Sciences' product portfolio includes a next-gen WAF and Runtime Application Self Protection (RASP) solutions. The solutions are designed for security, operations and development teams. Early adopters include Armour, Adobe, Datadog, One Medical and WeWork.

Signal Sciences has the beginnings of a partner program but the company doesn't yet mention MSSPs (managed security services providers) as part of that partner effort.