AV buying Network Security firms

I might have gotten the situation backwards previously. Symantec has just bought @stake. With McAfee buying Foundstone last month, the situation actually becomes AV firms moving into Network Security and Security consulting.

The moves into the AV market by the various network security companies may have been lures to encourage acquisition by the larger AV firms. This is not to say that these firms were not actually looking for virus analysts.

In the case of Foundstone , pre-acquisition, they were looking for one person to bring them up to speed on virus analysis. Given the nature of newer malware threats , one expert is not sufficient for the task. Gaps in knowledge would reduce response time behind that of your competitors. Actively interviewing candidates from a small pool, such as AV people, does bring your firm to the attention of larger firms . An expert working for you is not working for them; even if you are not a large competitor you do reduce their effectiveness. This may have been the case with McAfee.

I don't believe @stake was entering the AV market. They do have experience with investigating cell phones and other embedded devices. MobilePenTester, PDAZap and RedFang come to mind.

Regarding virus analysts Symantec seems to be looking for a virus analyst with phone experience:

"Experience with operating systems for handheld devices such as Palm OS, Pocket PC, Symbian OS and/or Windows Mobile software for Smart phones a distinct advantage."

Perhaps Airscanner might be receiving an offer in the near future.