The Department of Homeland Security has awarded Raytheon with a $1 billion cybersecurity contract in hopes that they will provide the federal government security against the onslaught of recent cyberattacks. The contract comes after the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) fell victim to one of the largest and most serious hacks in the history of the United States government. In this attack, hackers stole personal information of 21.5 million current and former government employees, including social security numbers, security clearance information, and fingerprints.
Raytheon Company, with 2014 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 93 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing, effects and command, control, communications and intelligence systems. They also provide cybersecurity and a broad range of mission support services.
Raytheon will provide protection for more than 100 federal government agencies, making them the prime contractor for the Department of Homeland Security’s Network Security Deployment Division.
“Today’s cyber threats are increasingly pervasive and serious, and our government and private sector institutions require the best protection possible,” Dave Wajsgras, president of Raytheon Intelligence, Information, and Services, said in a press release. “Raytheon has invested over $3.5 billion in recent years to build our cybersecurity capabilities, and we’re looking forward to bringing the very best and most innovative solutions to the Department of Homeland Security.”
Defending a nation against the constant threat of cyberattacks involves safeguarding the hardware and software within its internet domain. Raytheon will head up efforts to develop and sustain systems that screen, analyze and alleviate threats to the government networks.
Raytheon has acquired more than 12 cyber companies over the last ten years, adding to their decades of mission experience. In recent years, they have invested more than $3.5 billion to build their cybersecurity abilities and are aiming to bring the latest and most innovative solutions to the Department of Homeland Security.