Digital Transformation Consulting

Accenture faced significant challenges in transitioning to a cloud-based infrastructure, particularly concerning security and compliance risks, which were identified as top pain points in cloud adoption. The shift from on-premise infrastructure, where they had complete control, to a collaborative cloud environment required a reimagining of their security model. They needed to adapt their security principles to leverage cloud-native solutions effectively, moving beyond traditional infrastructure-focused security to encompass application, data, and code-level protections.

To address these challenges, Accenture implemented a comprehensive zero-trust security strategy. This approach involved treating all elements of their cloud environment as untrusted and verifying every access request based on identity. They established a shared responsibility model with cloud vendors like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, enhancing their security posture by leveraging the advanced security capabilities and certifications of these providers. By adopting cloud-native policies and technologies, they achieved greater agility and scalability in their security operations.

The results of this tailored approach were significant. Accenture's IT infrastructure now operates in a hybrid cloud environment at a reduced cost compared to legacy models. They have automated prevention measures in place, with 91% of their security controls being native to the cloud. Their security analytics tools evaluate over 1 billion events daily, providing enhanced visibility and actionable insights. Additionally, the organization has successfully integrated security into their cloud operations, ensuring compliance with industry standards and maintaining robust protection against evolving threats. This strategic transformation not only fortified their security framework but also positioned them to adapt continuously as their cloud capabilities expand.