SafeNet

SafeNet, Inc.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryInformation security
Founded1983; 41 years ago (1983), in Timonium, Maryland
Headquarters,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsEncryption, Semiconductor IP, software monetization, Software as a Service, hardware security modules, authentication, security tokens
Number of employees
1,600 (2011)
ParentThales Group
DivisionsData Protection, Software Monetization
Websitecpl.thalesgroup.com

SafeNet, Inc. was an information security company based in Belcamp, Maryland, United States, which was acquired in August 2014 by the French security company Gemalto. Gemalto was, in turn, acquired by Thales Group in 2019. The former SafeNet's products include solutions for enterprise authentication, data encryption, and key management. SafeNet's software monetization products are sold under the Thales Sentinel brand.

SafeNet was notably one of the largest suppliers of encryption technology to the United States Government.[1]

On 8 August 2014, Gemalto announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the share capital of SafeNet from Vector Capital for US$890 million on a debt free/cash free basis.[2] A subsequent acquisition of Gemalto by French rival Thales Group was completed on 2 April 2019.[3]

  1. ^ Roseanne Gerin (2005-04-10). "SafeNet wins DOD network security deal". Washington Technology Magazine. Retrieved 2008-12-08.
  2. ^ "Gemalto to acquire SafeNet, the worldwide leader in data and software protection". 2014-08-08. Retrieved 2014-08-13.
  3. ^ "Thales Completes Acquisition of Gemalto to Become a Global Leader in Digital Identity and Security, Extending U.S. Footprint" (Press release).