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Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important issue that companies have to address as they continue to develop new platforms and mobile apps. Hackers have been able to steal credit card and personal information from major companies like Equifax, JPMorgan and Home Depot. As a result, cybersecurity has become more necessary, and instead of developing a dedicated department within a company, most opt to hire a third-party cybersecurity firm.

What is interesting here is that many investors think cybersecurity is the next area in technology that needs real consolidation.

The January 12 short interest data have been compared with the previous figures, and short interest in these selected cybersecurity stocks increased.

FireEye Inc. (NASDAQ: FEYE) saw its short interest increase to 22.14 million shares from the previous reading of 21.06 million. Shares were last seen trading at $15.28, in a 52-week range of $10.35 to $18.00.

The short interest at CyberArk Software Ltd. (NASDAQ: CYBR) rose to 1.51 million shares from the previous level of 750,000. Shares were trading at $43.75, within a 52-week range of $39.34 to $55.65.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.’s (NASDAQ: CHKP) short interest increased to 9.02 million shares from the previous reading of 7.77 million. Shares were trading at $105.14, in a 52-week range of $96.60 to $119.20.

The number of Palo Alto Networks Inc. (NYSE: PANW) shares short was 5.02 million. The previous level was 4.75 million. Shares were trading at $158.28, within a 52-week range of $107.31 to $160.50.

Fortinet Inc.’s (NASDAQ: FTNT) short interest increased to 5.03 million shares from its previous reading of 4.65 million. Shares were trading at $45.25, in a 52-week trading range of $32.05 to $46.43.