Cisco is to acquire US-based private security business Duo Security for $2.35bn in cash.
Duo Security provides cloud-based unified access security and multi factor authentication (MFA) through the cloud.
Integration of Cisco's network, device and cloud security platforms will enable Cisco users to more easily connect users to any application on any networked device.
"In today's multicloud world, the modern workforce is connecting to critical business applications both on- and off-premise," said David Goeckeler, executive vice president and general manager of Cisco's networking and security business.
"IT teams are responsible for protecting hundreds of different perimeters that span anywhere a user makes an access decision.
"Duo's zero-trust authentication and access products integrated with our network, device and cloud security platforms will enable our customers to address the complexity and challenges that stem from multi-and hybrid-cloud environments."
The acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of Cisco's fiscal year 2019.