LONDON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - BAE Systems is changingthe name of its cyber security unit from Detica to BAE SystemsApplied Intelligence, in a rebranding move to court morecommercial customers alongside its traditional government clientbase.
Europe's largest defence contractor said in an employeenewsletter the rebranding would take effect as of Jan. 31, andthe unit would target customers such as financial sector firmsand utilities that need to protect confidential customerinformation.
"The stakes are changing in the market and threats arecoming from the rise of technology and mobile devices," theunit's Chief Marketing Officer Morag Lucey said in the message.
BAE, which bought Detica for $1 billion in 2008, has beenbuilding up its cyber business in anticipation of rising demandfrom governments and firms at a time when defence budget cutsare affecting military equipment demand.
In February, BAE and mobile phone operator Vodafone unveiled a five-year deal to work together on cyber securitysolutions.
BAE said on Aug. 1 that first-half sales in its cyber andintelligence unit, made up of its U.S.-based Intelligence &Security business as well as Detica, fell 10 percent to 657million pounds ($1.1 billion), accounting for just under 8percent of the group total. The fall was mainly due to lowersales at the U.S. business, while Detica sales grew 9 percent.
At the time, it forecast continued growth for Detica fromselling information intelligence solutions in the UK and abroad,with demand from government and commercial customers.