Looking to further protect customers from cyber threats, IBM (NYSE: IBM) has bought an Italy-based software firm that focuses on control of users’ access to enterprise networks and in “cloud” computing environment.

The deal follows IBM’s new partnership with Apple to deploy Apple mobile devices and to work on applications.

Crossideas, which is privately held, is based in Rome.

Financial terms were not disclosed. 

“The addition of CrossIdeas extends IBM’s market share leading portfolio of identity and access management capabilities,” said Brendan Hannigan, general manager of IBM Security Systems, in a statement. “IBM can now provide enterprises with enhanced governance capabilities and transparency into risk from the factory floor to the board room, giving leaders the insight they need to protect their brand and customers.”

According to IBM, Crossideas software helps IT managers deal with identification of users and applications while meeting compliance requirements. 

“For example, a stock trader working in a financial institution may be promoted and given access to approve trades in a new system while retaining access to enter trades in the previous system,” IBM said in the announcement.

“This dual access may constitute a segregation of duties violation, which could expose the institution to failing a compliance requirement. With CrossIdeas’ technology, auditors and managers could detect and remediate the segregation of duties violation before it becomes a security risk and audit exposure.”

Financial news sight Seeking Alpha notes that IBM enjoyed a 20 percent increase in security-related revenue in the second quarter compared to a year ago. 

IBM employs some 7,500 people across North Carolina.