Accenture expands Gen AI-powered cybersecurity services, capabilities

Accenture

IT firm Accenture, on November 19, announced new services and capabilities using Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI), deepfake protection, and quantum-safe data security solutions for companies to become cyber-resilient.

"Cybercriminals are increasingly using gen AI and dark large language models (LLMs) to launch new types of cyberattacks," the world's largest information technology firm said in a release.

In the first quarter of 2024, there was a surge of about 223 percent in deepfake-related tool trading on dark web forums, compared to the same period in 2023, revealed Accenture’s cyber intelligence researchers. it is expected that there will be a significant rise in AI-driven cyberattacks, which means, organisations need to adopt advanced AI-based cybersecurity measures that detect, respond to, predict, and prevent threats in real time.

“Modern cybersecurity protects across the entire business—from the digital core to the supply chain—and draws on gen AI-powered and quantum-proof protections, which are vital as cybercriminals ramp up new kinds of attacks using advanced AI technologies,” Julie Sweet, chair and CEO, Accenture, said.

Additionally, Accenture will expand its global network of advanced cybersecurity facilities with new Cyber Future Centers powered by emerging technologies. The new locations include a flagship Gen AI Security studio in Brussels and a studio in Washington, DC, along with a Quantum Security Center and Lab and a Cyber-Physical Security Centre in Bengaluru.

Accenture’s cybersecurity facilities currently span more than 40 locations across 22 countries.

In 2024, the number of Accenture's cybersecurity professionals grew by more than 30 percent to more than 25,000 people.

Since 2015, Accenture has made 19 security acquisitions, most recently strengthening its managed security services capabilities in Europe and Mexico. Additionally, Accenture has invested in 13 cybersecurity, space, and quantum security companies, including SpiderOak and Aliro Quantum.