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SafeNet

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SafeNet, Inc. is one of the largest suppliers of encryption technology to the U.S. Department of Defense.[1] The company has an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for its MykotronxKIV-7M Link Encryptor units.

SafeNet, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Belcamp, Maryland. The company's products are used in wide-area networks, wireless networks, security, anti-piracy, license management, and other applications.[2] SafeNet customers include corporations, governments, financial institutions, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Annual revenues are in the $250 million range and the company employs about 1,000 people.[3]

SafeNet has two roles of note in the information security industry. It has been a driver of consolidation, acquiring among others, Rainbow Technologies (2003), Beep Science AS (2008), Eracom Technologies AG, (2005). In 2003 it acquired the OEM business of SSH Communications Security Oyj, a Helsinki-based developer of Internet security softwares. SafeNet is also a keeper of government secrets, namely the Mykotronx line of secure data, voice, fax, and other satellite communications, used by agencies such as the NSA and the NRO.

SafeNet is also notable for getting caught up in the [options backdating] controversy in 2006.[4] In 2008 the company's former CFO was sentenced to six months in prison for manipulating employee stock option grants.[5]

References