14 DAY TRIAL // Raytheon, a Massachusetts-based US security vendor, has just signed a mega-contract with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and will be tasked with providing cyber-security measures for various of its assets.
According to the company's official press release, the contract is worth over $1 billion / €0.89 billion and spans a period of 5 years, with an option to be extended for 2 additional years.
Raytheon is going to be the agency's main security contractor and systems integrator for DHS' Network Security Deployment (NSD) division.
NSD is the DHS department that is tasked with operating the National Cybersecurity Protection System (NCPS). The NCPS is an online system that protects over 100 federal agencies against cyber-threats.
"Raytheon has invested over $3.5 billion in recent years to build our cybersecurity capabilities, and we're looking forward to bringing the very best and most innovative solutions to the Department of Homeland Security," said Dave Wajsgras, president of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services.
Raytheon has been around since WW2, is now slowly moving into cyber-security
The company has over 61,000 employees worldwide, and reported sales of $23 billion / €20.54 billion during 2014.
Raytheon, a well-known defense contractor, besides the US, also provides cyber-defense services for the UK.
With expertise in the field of electronics, mission systems integration, and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, Raytheon is mostly known for its Patriot missile program.
Few are aware, however, that Raytheon's roots in the defense field go much deeper into history. The company was formed in 1922, and was one of the main actors that helped pioneer and produce the first radars for the US army during World War II.
The company has been slowly spreading its tentacles into the world of cyber-defense, getting a huge boost of know-how after it spent over $1.5 billion / €1.33 billion to acquire Websense this spring.