Leonardo strengthens the UK’s digital defences with the acquisition of Becrypt

The acquisition reinforces the growth of the UK’s sovereign cyber digital defences, complemented by a strong existing collaboration between Leonardo UK Ltd (Leonardo), the UK Government and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), to secure the country’s most sensitive environments.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in London, Becrypt employs around 100 people, developing technology designed to protect data up to Top Secret classification. The SME’s core offering portfolio includes secure operating systems, secure data transfer solution and mobile device management platforms, which ensure secure handling on mobile devices used for classified work.

The initiative marks the next phase of Leonardo’s continuous enhancement of its Zero Trust solution (a cybersecurity model based on the principle "never trust, always verify"), leveraging Becrypt’s cutting-edge capabilities in secure data transfer, endpoint security, data and cloud security.

It builds on Leonardo’s recent industrial partnerships and acquisitions in cybersecurity across Europe, notably Arbit (Data Diode and Cross Domain Solutions), Axiomatics (Attribute-Based Access Control), and SSH Communication (Privileged Access Management and Post-Quantum Encryption), in line with Leonardo’s Industrial Strategy.

This is in addition to the company’s long-term delivery of next-generation cyber solutions across the UK, Five Eyes Countries, NATO, and the wider European defence landscape.

Managing Director for the UK Cyber & Security Division, Allan Leggetter said: “Becrypt brings best-in-class high assurance technologies - a crucial component in defending the UK’s most sensitive data at a time when threats to government and critical national infrastructure continue to increase.”

Closing of the Becrypt acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals.