1Password Acquires Trelica to Enhance SaaS Access Management Solutions

In a strategic move to enhance its extended access management capabilities, 1Password has announced the acquisition of Trelica, a UK-based startup specializing in SaaS access management. This acquisition is intended to address critical challenges such as shadow IT, passwordless authentication, and application security management. According to co-CEO Jeff Shiner, the integration of Trelica’s technology will significantly enhance 1Password’s offerings, particularly in the realms of device management and access visibility.

The acquisition, finalized on December 30, will reportedly accelerate 1Password’s roadmap by 18 months. Shiner emphasized that Trelica’s established expertise and proven methodologies in SaaS access management are key assets that will facilitate the unification of various access management components across identities, devices, and applications.

Founded in 2018, Trelica is led by Iain McGhee and Richard Kirby, who have previous experience at the sustainability software firm cr360. Despite its relatively modest size—with only 23 employees—Trelica has established a reputation for successfully securing sizeable client contracts and developing effective workflows in access management. The terms of the acquisition have not been publicly disclosed.

The decision to acquire Trelica was bolstered by its solid track record and the alignment of strategic visions regarding access management. Shiner noted that Trelica’s approach to visibility and workflow closely mirrors 1Password’s philosophy, which places a strong emphasis on user-centric problem solving.

As corporate environments increasingly adopt SaaS applications without direct IT involvement, ensuring security and proper management of these applications becomes imperative. Shiner highlighted that Trelica plays a vital role in helping businesses track employee application usage, assess security postures, and integrate seamlessly into existing IT workflows.

This heightened need for secured access management also stems from the rise of sophisticated AI-driven threats, particularly phishing attacks. Shiner acknowledged that human error remains a significant vulnerability and stated that 1Password is committed to mitigating these risks through the integration of secure workflows that streamline user practices and bolster overall security.

With this acquisition, 1Password is poised to enhance its capabilities in addressing shadow IT, improve visibility across unmanaged applications, and refine its app management workflows—all while maintaining cost efficiency. According to both Shiner and co-CEO David Faugno, the primary focus will be on ensuring that Trelica’s innovative tools work effectively within 1Password’s ecosystem, ultimately delivering a unified access management experience across platforms.

The deal aligns with 1Password’s broader strategy which involves acquiring both fully developed solutions and emerging technologies that fill gaps in its extended access management offerings. As organizations, especially mid-market entities, face increasingly complex cybersecurity challenges, 1Password and Trelica are ideally positioned to deliver impactful solutions that simplify access management in a democratized IT landscape.

Overall, the acquisition of Trelica is a clear indication of 1Password’s proactive approach to enhancing its cybersecurity posture, aiming to equip businesses with the tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape of access management while safeguarding sensitive data effectively.