AN American web security firm is to create 80 jobs in Belfast.

WhiteHat Security provides web security services to businesses, including e-commerce, financial services and healthcare companies.

The new jobs will be created following the establishment of a threat research centre, customer support and software engineering operation.

Invest NI has offered the company an employment grant of £400,000.

WhiteHat Security will also get £80,000 of support under the agency’s Skills Growth Programme to develop its Belfast team.

The Department for Employment and Learning has offered support of up to £240,000, towards pre-employment training costs.

The company will recruit 50 security engineers, 20 software engineers and 10 customer support staff over the next three years.

DUP Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: “It is very welcome news that another leading ICT company has decided to locate in Northern Ireland.

“WhiteHat Security is a rapidly expanding company that is leading the field in the area of web security.

“The ICT sector is an important and growing cluster for Northern Ireland; and WhiteHat is a welcome addition to our important IT security sub sector.”