Nixu Corporation

The Nixu story began in Finland, at the laboratory of Helsinki University of Technology, when Pekka Nikander founded Nixu in 1988. The name “Nixu” is derived from Pekka’s family name, the Unix operating system and the computer student lab nicknamed “Niksula,” where Mr. Nikander worked as a student.

Nixu organized the first virus seminar as a prelude to the information security business.

Nixu pioneered the TCP/IP march by helping customers with their Internet based e-mail systems.

The first paid employees started working at Nixu, while the most important customer was Telecom Finland's internet services.

The full blown commercial ISP platform was delivered to Telecom Finland, today called Telia. Nixu developed several generations of this platform and administered DNS service until 1998.

The Nixuans created and started, using a web-controlled Linux drink vending machine on its premises.

The first release of the Namesurfer product for DNS administration. Oiva Karppinen became CEO of Nixu.

Nixu established Ericsson as a new customer.

Nixu made an agreement with Saudi Arabia on the national Internet network with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. Nixu implemented and operated the super-node, international gateways and management systems of the national Internet for KACST in Saudi Arabia. Nixu’s country organization was established. In the same year, Nixu began a long-term relationship with Nokia.

Nixu growed by acquiring NetPeople Oy.

Nixu continued to grow with the acquisitions of Magic Cookie Oy and Datatieto Oy. Nixu Middle East FZ-LLC was established and registered in Dubai Internet City.

Rabbe Mattila became CEO of Nixu.

Nixu developed a new mobile service for operators and service providers, showcased in the 3GSM Conference in Cannes, France.

Timo Kotilainen started as Nixu CEO. The Namesurfer product and business spin-off were acquired by Nixu Software Oy. In the same year, Nixu was validated as a PCI data security standard auditor by MasterCard and Visa.

Nixu focused on stronger growth in its primary business areas and sold its Middle East operations to two private entrepreneurs.

Nixu moved its office from Helsinki’s Käpylä neighborhood to new, more secure premises in Keilaranta in Espoo.

The number of Nixuans exceeded one hundred. The new initiative ‘Nixu Open’ was established as a part of the Nixu Group. Nixu joined Information Security Forum community.

The Tietovastuu concept (information responsibility) and Tietovastuu.fi website were released. Marko Kauppi joined the Nixu board.

Juhani Kaskeala, Chief of Defence of the Finnish Defence Forces (retired) was selected as a member of Nixu’s board. The Nixu Personas concept in identity management field was launched. Nixu CEO Timo Kotilainen was appointed to head the Finnish Information Security Cluster (FISC).

Nixu celebrated its 25th year of operation, culminating in a Corporate Cybersecurity seminar for corporate executives. In 2013, Nixu delivered projects for customers in over 20 countries. Nixu participated in the Cyberlympics hacking competition for the first time and came in 4th place.

Nixu acquired Panorama Partners Oy, a company specialized in user management and digital identities. The deal increased Nixu's expert team by nearly 40 people. Petri Kairinen was appointed as Nixu CEO. Trading with Nixu shares started at the First North marketplace in December, 2014.

Nixu established a subsidiary, Nixu B.V. in the Netherlands led by Patrick van der Valk. The new Cyber Defense Center service was launched. It is a technology-based service package providing customers with a digital environment for real-time supervision and intrusion investigation as we were an up-to-date status of organizations’ web service threats.

Nixu Corporation’s independent subsidiary Nixu Certification Oy, was granted the status of an official information security inspection body by Ficora. At the same time, Nixu Certification also achieved international ISO 27001 accreditation. Nixu continues to expand its operations; Nixu enters the Swedish market by acquiring Swedish Europoint Networking AB and Safeside Solutions AB, creating a strong position in the Swedish market. In the same year, Nixu established a subsidiary in the United States and established a new international organizational model.

Nixu continued to grow strong; Nixu implemented two new company acquisitions by acquiring an internationally-experienced Expert Solution Support Center BV (ESSC) and Bitsec AB, which primarily operates in Sweden. After these purchases, Nixu's domain is clearly international. In 2017, Nixu's employees totaled more than 300 people. The Finnish Defense Force awarded Nixu with a national Facility Security Clearance.

Trading on the Nixu’s shares was transferred from Nasdaq First North to the Nasdaq Helsinki Stock Exchange Official List. Nixu’s team – Team NX – took second place at the Global Cyberlympics -competition in 2018. Nixu’s anniversary year culminated on 4 December at the Nixu NXT event in Helsinki. The event celebrated Nixu’s 30-year history and, above all, the future of cybersecurity. 

Nixu strengthened its market position in Sweden by acquiring the cybersecurity business of the security company Vesper Group. In addition, Nixu opened local operations in Denmark through the acquisition of Ezenta A/S, a company specializing in cybersecurity services. In June, Nixu Certification Ltd. was accredited to audit high security information systems. In August, Nixu announced its growth ambition for years 2020 to 2024.