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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 December 14 short interest data have been compared with the previous figures, and short interest moves in these selected cybersecurity stocks were mixed.

FireEye Inc. (NASDAQ: FEYE) saw its short interest fall slightly to 18.25 million shares from the previous reading of 18.39 million. Shares were trading at $15.90 Thursday morning, in a 52-week range of $13.60 to $20.61.

Short interest at CyberArk Software Ltd. (NASDAQ: CYBR) increased to 401,500 shares from the previous level of 394,100. Shares were trading at $69.65, within a 52-week range of $40.63 to $84.21.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.’s (NASDAQ: CHKP) short interest decreased to 7.66 million shares from the previous 8.45 million. Shares were trading at $102.15, in a 52-week range of $93.76 to $120.81.

The number of Palo Alto Networks Inc. (NYSE: PANW) shares short was 5.65 million. The previous level was 4.71 million. Shares traded at $180.50, within a 52-week trading range of $144.92 to $239.50.

Fortinet Inc.’s (NASDAQ: FTNT) short interest increased to 10.10 million shares from the previous 8.93 million. Shares were trading at $68.95. The 52-week range is $43.48 to $94.37.

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