Integrity360's bold move: acquiring Nclose sparks cybersecurity debate

On January 8, 2025, Integrity360, a cybersecurity firm based in Ireland, announced the acquisition of Nclose, a cybersecurity company located in Cape Town, South Africa. This strategic acquisition marks Integrity360's second foray into the South African market, following its previous acquisition of Grove Group, another cybersecurity entity also based in Cape Town. The financial details of this recent deal remain undisclosed. The acquisition is part of Integrity360's overall expansion strategy aimed at establishing a significant operational presence in the region, which will now include a global security operations center (SOC). With the addition of Nclose, Integrity360 aims to enhance its resources and capabilities, thereby cementing its position in the South African cybersecurity landscape. Nclose brings in a proprietary solution known as CyberFire, which focuses on managed detection and response services. This offering is expected to complement Integrity360's existing cybersecurity portfolio, particularly in the domains of extended detection and response (XDR) and managed detection and response (MDR). The integration of CyberFire into Integrity360’s lineup aligns with the company’s initiatives to invest in innovative technology solutions. The executive chair of Integrity360, Ian Brown, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the potential for growth stemming from the incorporation of Nclose's team and resources. He emphasized the importance of integrating and expanding the CyberFire solution to cater to the demands of a global customer base. The founders of Nclose, Stephen Osler and Martin Potgieter, viewed the acquisition as a pivotal moment in their journey, indicating a commitment to continuing their growth within the larger Integrity360 framework. Furthermore, Integrity360's plans include the launch of a new SOC in Madrid, projected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025. This expansion will result in a network of six SOC locations worldwide, allowing Integrity360 to enhance its service capacity and operational efficiency across different regions. The strategic direction of these acquisitions, along with a commitment to bolstering cybersecurity services, reflects the growing demand for robust digital security solutions amidst an increasingly threatening landscape focused on cybersecurity issues post-pandemic, as noted by recent industry discussions led by Carl Shallow, the director of compliance at Integrity360.