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Internet security and protection from identity theft have been lucrative fields for many companies, even during the economic downturn of the past year.

On this year's annual list of the fastest-growing private businesses in the nation published by Inc. magazine, four high-tech security companies made the top 25. That was more than any industry but one: government services.

One Maryland company was among these fast-growing security businesses. Ciphent, a Hanover cybersecurity provider, ranked as the 16th-fastest growing company, the highest ranking for a Maryland company since 2007, when Bill Me Later ranked sixth. Bill Me Later, of Timonium, has since been purchased by eBay.

Ciphent broke into the list the first year it possibly could, as the business was founded in 2006 and the rankings are based on the past three years of revenue growth. Ciphent's revenues grew 8,907 percent over that time, according to Inc. information. CEO James C. Foster attributed his company's meteoric rise to his employees' work ethic and "steadfast drive towards our mission."

"Our goal was never to be the fastest or the biggest," Foster said in a statement. "It was simply to be an organization with unparalleled world-class service and secure customers."

Ciphent's clients include many Fortune 100 private companies, mid-sized businesses and federal agencies. Besides responding to breaches in cybersecurity, the company offers training, along with field research and development.

A total of 18 Maryland companies made the top 500 list. That was down from 20 in 2009 but up from 16 in 2008. Zenoss, an Annapolis network software provider, was the next highest Maryland business at No. 42.

Inc. has released its annual fastest-growing list since 1982.