Another security technology company got snapped up Monday when Bedford, Mass.-based RSA Security Inc. said it had acquired PassMark Security Inc., a maker of authentication software, for $44.7 million in cash and stock. PassMark, based in Menlo Park, Calif., provides authentication for conducting transactions online. Specifically, its technology is designed to guarantee the identity of a person who visits a Web site, based on his or her password and the type of electronic device used. PassMark also uses a voice-based biometric system to verify users' identity via wired and wireless phones, using their voice as a form of ID, CNET News.com reported.

The deal should boost RSA's presence in the financial services arena and build on its acquisition of Cyota Inc., a security specialist that RSA bought in December 2004 for $145 million, according to The Deal.

The acquisition should also broaden the company's distribution network and add domain expertise in consumer authentication, Reuters reported.

The company expects this transaction to add revenue of $4 million to $5 million over the remainder of this year and about $10 million to $15 million in 2007, according to TheStreet.com. — Cheryl Meyer

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