Verizon Business (NYSE:VZ) this week announced the acquisition of Cybertrust, a privately held managed security services provider (MSSP), for an undisclosed sum. Verizon's acquisition underscores the growth of the managed security services market, and continues to demonstrate the desire of service providers to broaden their product portfolios.

In Nemertes' forthcoming "Security and Information Protection" benchmark, the majority of participants asked whether they used an MSSP said they did -- but almost exclusively for Internet-facing security. Looking ahead, though, a majority also expressed interest in using MSSPs for a broader array of services, including malware-protection and security audits. Many also spoke of the increasing challenges presented by compliance, manifest in activities as varied as audits and identity management. It is the specialized expertise that MSSPs can bring to bear, more than any potential cost savings, that attract enterprises to outsource aspects of their security.

By acquiring a leading MSSP, Verizon Business augments its existing security services with a rich portfolio of products and of clients, and gets a significant boost in its efforts to tap into the continuing rise in enterprise use of MSSPs. Cybertrust's experienced professional services group instantly grants Verizon Business a stronger portfolio, deeper bench, and increased credibility in the managed security services market.

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