Lockheed Martin announced yesterday that it would acquire a Massachusetts company that helps protect electrical grids, oil and gas pipelines and other pieces of critical infrastructure against cyberattacks, The Washington Post reported yesterday. The purchase of Industrial Defender, which has more than 130 employees, is part of a move by the massive, Bethesda, Md.-based defense contractor to expand its cyber-business into commercial markets as the federal government cuts defense spending. It comes amid increased warnings that the nation’s power grid is vulnerable to attack. Terms of the deal, including the sale price, were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close in 30 days.
