Verizon Acquires Vidder Assets To Enhance Security Features

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) recently acquired PrecisionAccess solution and other Software Defined Perimeter (SDP)-related assets from privately held Vidder, Inc., for an undisclosed amount. The transaction will help the company to create a virtual network boundary to thwart any potential cyberattack.

The SDP is a network security model that dynamically creates one-to-one network connections between the user and the resources accessed, making everything else invisible. It mitigates cyberthreats by dynamically creating perimeter networks anywhere in the world and ensures that all endpoints attempting to access a given infrastructure are authenticated and authorized, while making all unauthorized network resources inaccessible.

Headquartered in Campbell, CA, Vidder has carved a niche for itself with award-winning, enterprise-class PrecisionAccess solution, which provides trusted and unified access control across internal networks, clouds and external users. While enhancing the security features, the PrecisionAccess solution reduces costs and complexity through a single layer of software-defined enforcement for IT and a transparent experience for users.

Verizon has integrated Vidder’s advanced technology within its SDP service to enable organizations protect application infrastructure against cyber threats. This is achieved by blocking connectivity from unknown devices and making protected devices invisible to anyone without approved access. This approach of pre-authenticated secure access to enterprise applications helps to reduce the security risks associated with the multiple endpoints of an increasingly digital, mobile and virtual business world. The acquisition is likely to augment Verizon’s leading position in the market and ensure a healthy revenue stream with a significant boost in its client base.

With a diligent execution of operational plans, Verizon has gained 30.3% in the past year compared with growth of 7.2% for the industry.

Verizon currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the broader industry are Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) and Juniper Networks, Inc. (NYSE:JNPR) , carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) , sporting a Zacks Rank #1(Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Harris topped earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 7.1%.

Juniper has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 5.3%. It beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 11%.

Qualcomm has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 10.9%. Its trailing four-quarter average positive earnings surprise is 19.8%.

Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?

Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.

Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look.

See the pot trades we're targeting>>