Pure Hacking founder takes top job in security player

Publicly listed IT business PS&C Group has reshuffled management in its security unit in search of better performance next year.

PS&C yesterday warned shareholders that earnings in both its security unit and its communications division will fall in the 2016 year, and operating EBIT before non-operating income could drop by as much as 20 percent year-on-year. PS&C's security revenue was $6.8 million in the first half of 2016, a growth of 17 percent year-on-year.

The Melbourne and Sydney units of its security division will fall under Rob McAdam, the founder of Pure Hacking, which PS&C acquired in August 2014 for up to $16 million.

McAdam was a member of the NSW Police Force for nine years before joining IBM as a program manager. He founded Pure Hacking in 2002.

In the new role, he will "enable more revenue and cost synergies" in the integration of Securus and Pure Hacking.

PS&C has taken steps to widen its security offerings and will concentrate on the increase of "customer spend on cyber security".

In the half year ending 31 December 2015, PS&C generated $41.2 million on revenue, a 4 percent growth.

Along with the security and communications division, PS&C runs a "people" unit, which has been performing well and should see an increase in revenue, according to the company.

PS&C's acquisitions over the past three years have included Systems & People, Bexton IT, Securus, Hacklabs, Pure Hacking, Certitude and Allcom Networks.