Accenture, Microsoft Corp. and Avanade are collaborating through a multi-year, multi-million-dollar agreement to develop, integrate and bring to market enhanced cyber defense solutions to help clients better detect, investigate and respond to cyber threats. The collaboration extends the companies’ longstanding strategic relationship, which began in 2000.
 
“C-suite executives are facing a critical challenge in justifying huge cybersecurity investments that are failing to be as effective as envisioned,” said Kelly Bissell, managing director of Accenture Security. “The expanded collaboration brings together Accenture’s deep cybersecurity, industry and digital business transformation expertise, Microsoft’s innovative technology platforms and services as well as Avanade’s focus on digital innovation in the Microsoft ecosystem to address today’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges. Together, we will move the market forward and help clients more effectively manage and guard against the full spectrum of cybersecurity threats.”
 
According to the Accenture Security Index, more than 70 percent of organizations globally cannot identify and fully protect their corporate high-value assets. In addition, the associated costs of cyber attacks are having a growing financial impact on businesses. In 2017, the average cost of cyber crime climbed to $11.7 million per organization, a 23 percent increase from last year, according to a new study by Accenture and the Ponemon Institute.
 
“Our joint customers expect us to provide the best options in strategic planning, technology and execution to accelerate their secure digital transformation,” said Ann Johnson, Microsoft worldwide vice president, enterprise and cybersecurity. “By extending our longstanding strategic alliance, we bring together Microsoft’s extensive cybersecurity capabilities and services with Accenture’s managed security services and Avanade’s implementation expertise to ensure access to customized and comprehensive defenses, continuous monitoring and specialized cyberskills that protect enterprises throughout their journey.”
 
The cyber defense offerings will be infused with joint threat intelligence and initially span three core areas:

• Managed Security Operations: enhancing existing Accenture managed security services with integration of the latest Microsoft security products and services to monitor, detect and quickly respond to security breaches - targeted for on-premises, cloud and hybrid systems.
• Incident Response Support: a joint, global and collaborative teaming approach leveraging tools and integrated processes to help clients return to normal operations after a significant security breach.
• Integrated Threat Hunting: leveraging the Incident Response experience of the three companies to actively locate previously undetected breaches.

“In a world of persistent cyber threats, it’s more critical than ever to have the right strategy and technology in place to get secure – and stay secure,” said Chris Miller, Avanade’s chief technology innovation officer. “Built on the strength of Accenture, Microsoft and Avanade, these new cyber security offerings will ensure that we are helping our joint clients defend against and address the most advanced threats while empowering them to innovate for the future and operate confidently in a digital world.”

“In South Africa, the cyber security landscape has changed over the last couple of years, as cyber criminals are rapidly becoming sophisticated and continue to monetise stolen data,” says Willie Schoeman, Managing Director for Accenture Technology in Africa (pictured). These criminals are using new and innovative ways to access sensitive business and personal data. We’re continuously innovating to provide next-generation cybersecurity services that can help clients detect, protect, investigate and respond to threats.”