Software security vendor Symantec is to snap up data loss prevention (DLP) firm Vontu for $350m in a combined cash and options deal.

It's the latest in a number of recent acquisitions in the DLP market, with EMC and Websense already having dipped their toes into that sector as businesses increasingly look for ways of preventing data theft inhouse.

Symantec said it hoped to build on its existing relationship with San Francisco-based Vontu.

It said it planned to shift focus from simply punting security goods to Symantec customers to also offering products that could protect their data as well.

Vontu CEO Joseph Ansanelli said: "By joining forces with Symantec... we will be uniquely positioned to help customers answer the important questions as to where their confidential information is stored, how it is being used, and how best to prevent its loss."

The deal is expected to close by the end of this year. ®

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