Netgear Acquires Exium to Revolutionize SMB Cybersecurity with AI-Powered SASE Solution

Netgear's latest power play combines AI, zero-trust, and routers into a security solution for everyone

Netgear's hardware gets smarter, bundling security directly into routers for out-of-the-box protection Netgear has entered the business cybersecurity market by acquiring Exium, a company specializing in secure cloud-based networking. The company says the move is part of Netgear's long-term strategy to serve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with simplified, high-performance connectivity solutions. By integrating Exium's technology into its portfolio, Netgear aims to go beyond traditional VPNs and deliver a modern Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework that addresses both networking and security needs. With this step, the company believes it can offer not only a strong business VPN alternative but also a comprehensive, user-friendly platform. The integration of Exium's platform will enable Netgear to develop an all-in-one system that combines wired and wireless networking with built-in security features. "AI has changed the threat landscape for small and medium enterprises as well as larger businesses, but the solutions for SMEs are often too difficult to implement or need to be cobbled onto the network and managed separately," said Pramod Badjate, President and GM of Netgear for Business. "By offering the Exium SASE solution with the goal of integrating it into our Insight cloud management platform, we'll be able to bring our customers a seamless, single-pane-of-glass solution that is easily deployed and managed by small IT teams or MSPs." The acquisition also sets the stage for improved hardware that supports advanced security functions right out of the box. With its sights set on becoming a top provider of VPN routers for business users, Netgear now aims to deliver networking devices that are secure by design. The company's established expertise in wireless hardware, combined with Exium's cybersecurity layer, means SMEs could soon benefit from ready-to-use routers and switches offering both performance and protection. At the core of Exium's platform is a zero-trust architecture, which aligns with Netgear's plan to deliver a leading Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution for its customer base. "Exium was built from the ground up as a cybersecurity solution to help protect small and medium enterprises that lack a comprehensive solution for combatting cybersecurity threats," said Farooq Khan, CEO of Exium. "We share a similar vision with Netgear and are excited to be joining the team to build a fully integrated network and security solution specially tailored to serve the needs of these customers."

American networking solutions company Netgear acquires Bengaluru-based cybersecurity startup Exium

US-headquartered networking solutions company Netgear on Friday announced that it has acquired Exium, a cybersecurity startup based in Bengaluru, to provide integrated services for managed service providers (MSPs) and their customers. CEO Farooq Khan will continue to lead the Exium team and will join the Netgear leadership. "Exium is a small team based in Bengaluru. The purpose of acquiring this startup was to have integrated solutions for small and medium enterprises," Pramod Badjate, president and general manager of Netgear for Business products, told ET. The startup has a secure access service edge (SASE) platform, a security solution deployed in multiple universities across India. This comes a month after Netgear acquired Chennai-based VAAG Systems to boost its in-sourcing of software development capabilities. The acquired company's executive team, research and development (R&D) specialists and engineers are to subsequently join Netgear and drive its software development centre in Chennai. Badjate said the company will hire more than 100 engineers to bulk up its teams over the next 12-18 months. These include its team at the new centre in Chennai and the Exium team. He said Netgear may also broaden its footprint in Bengaluru. Netgear specifically targets small and medium enterprises (SMEs). "If you're a small or medium enterprise with less than 500 employees and no IT department, you need wifi and routing etc. but that is not enough; you need security as well," Badjate said. The company is also using AI and cloud technologies to automate network setup, troubleshooting and security, helping SMEs scale faster and enhance productivity. "With AI, there will be a huge improvement in productivity. So, software engineers will not be relevant in the same way as they were before. A lot of the grunt work will be automated, but creative work on how to use AI will be around for a long time," he said. Founded in 1996, Netgear is a Nasdaq-listed company valued at $868 million. In the quarter ended March 2025, it reported a net revenue of $162.1 million, down 1.5% from a year ago. The company had announced in May last year that it was exploring the possibility of establishing manufacturing facilities in India. Badjate said no timeline is fixed, but an announcement regarding this can be expected in the coming months.

Netgear To Buy SASE Specialist Exium To Forge 'First' Networking, Security Platform For SMBs

Exium's SASE technology was built to help MSPs service their SMB customers. Once integrated into Netgear's Insight cloud platform, Netgear plans to build the first of its kind, joint networking and security platform for SMBs, the company says. SMB networking specialist Netgear on Thursday announced a definitive agreement to acquire cybersecurity company Exium as Netgear carries out its plans to create what the company is calling a first of its kind, joint networking and security platform for small and medium businesses. Exium, a provider of secure access service edge (SASE) technology, will be integrated into Netgear's Insight cloud platform. The company said that this combination will form a unified offering that includes wired and wireless networking, firewall, and security capabilities for MSPs and SMEs. The two companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal, which is expected to close by the end of Netgear's second quarter this fiscal year. [Related: Netgear Names New CEO With An Eye On Software, Subscription Experience] San Jose, Calif.-based Netgear has been evolving its portfolio under new leadership, including Pramod Badjate, an enterprise networking veteran who joined as president and general manager Netgear for Business in mid-2024. Netgear in 2024 also appointed Charles (CJ) Prober as the company's new CEO. Badjate, for his part, has led Netgear for Business to 15 percent year over year revenue growth, according to the company. Exium's SASE technology was built to help MSPs service their SMB customers, the companies said. With Exium's technology baked in, the planned networking and security platform will be purpose-built for MSPs and small IT teams will give these partners and businesses enterprise-grade protection without the complexity of traditional solutions, Netgear said. "AI has changed the threat landscape for small and medium enterprises as well as larger businesses, but the solutions for SMEs are often too difficult to implement or need to be cobbled onto the network and managed separately," Badjate said in a statement on the acquisition. "By offering the Exium SASE solution with the goal of integrating it into our Insight cloud management platform, we'll be able to bring our customers a seamless, single-pane-of-glass solution that is easily deployed and managed by small IT teams or MSPs." Exium CEO Farooq Khan will be joining the Netgear for Business leadership team following the close of the deal.