Secure Computing

About Secure Computing

The story of Secure Computing begins not in a garage, but as a spin-off from the technology and manufacturing giant Honeywell in 1989. A research group within Honeywell, the Secure Computing Technology Center, was focused on high-level security-evaluated operating systems for government clients. This foundation in rigorous, high-assurance systems set the stage for the company's future. Kermit Beseke was brought in as CEO in 1990 to guide the newly independent entity. The company's business centered on developing computer security appliances, firewalls, and services to protect enterprise data and users. A significant milestone arrived in 1995 when Secure Computing launched its Initial Public Offering (IPO). Following a pattern for internet-related companies of the era, the stock price surged on its first day of trading. The company continued to grow through a series of acquisitions, including Webster Network Strategies and Enigma Logic, which expanded its product lines into web filtering and authentication tokens. The final chapter for Secure Computing as an independent company was written in 2008 when it was acquired by McAfee for approximately $465 million. The deal positioned McAfee to become one of the largest network security players by integrating Secure Computing's firewall, web, and email security technologies into its portfolio.