Barracuda stock has edged up 8% in low volume this year, forming a flat base with a technical buy point of 26.79. Security software stocks haven't made much noise lately, generally trading in low volume. Investor's Business Daily's Computer-Software Security group is ranked No. 119 out of 197 industry groups. IBD'S TAKE: It's been a long time since any security software stocks were among IBD's Sector Leaders, a list that highlights the best stocks in 33 sectors. All Sector Leaders show outstanding earnings and sales growth in recent quarters. Arista Networks, Paycom Software and China's Alibaba Group are among current sector leaders. Proofpoint ( PFPT ) reports first-quarter earnings late Thursday. Analysts expect the company to swing to a 9-cent profit from a 9-cent loss in the year earlier period, with revenue climbing 40% to $110.6 million. Proofpoint stock is up 5% in 2017.