Netz, a company specialising in IAM and SSO, said on Aug. 11 it has completed the acquisition of API security specialist Softfreak.

Netz said the acquisition will combine Softfreak’s API security, access control and AI capabilities with its existing IAM and SSO business to speed development of a next-generation identity security platform. It plans to expand protection beyond user-centric identity management to non-human identities such as machines, service accounts and AI agents, aiming to become an integrated identity security company.

It plans to link Softfreak’s accumulated operating system account management and access control technologies with the Netz IAM and SSO platform to upgrade the IAM value chain, covering account creation, authentication and privilege management through to server and operating system access control.

Netz will seek to create synergies by using both companies’ products and sales networks. It plans to propose API security and access control solutions to existing IAM customers, and to identify opportunities to introduce IAM and SSO to Softfreak’s public-sector customers, expanding new customer and revenue opportunities through cross-selling.

Netz CEO Hwang-hyeon Baek (백황현) said the acquisition was a decision to expand the identity security area by linking Netz’s IAM and SSO capabilities with Softfreak’s expertise in API security and access control. He said the company will advance a next-generation identity security platform that covers not only people but also machines and AI agents, and will build a foundation for continued growth by using both companies’ products and customer touchpoints.