Identity theft and data risk management firm IDT911 is to create 60 jobs in Galway over the next five years as it establishes its European base there.

The company, which is headquartered in Arizona, specialises in helping businesses and customers defend against data breaches and identity theft.

IDT911 is planning to expand in Europe, taking advantage of the emerging market for data breach support and identity management. It pointed to the ICS National Data Protection Survey that showed more than half of Irish businesses suffered a data breach last year, as evidence that IDT911’s products and services were needed.

"Galway has a dynamic business culture that will enable us to launch IDT911 into the European market and scale upwards during the next five years," Sean Daly, IDT911 COO said. "As leaders in the world of data protection and identity management, the Irish environment is an ideal fit to recruit excellent talent with the expertise we will need moving forward."

The announcement was welcomed by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton.

“Today’s announcement that IDT911, a fast-growing identity and data protection company operating at the cutting edge of its sector, is locating a major investment in Galway is a great boost for the West of Ireland,” he said.

The investment is being supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland.