Accenture’s 2019 cybersecurity firm acquisitions are a testament to the organization’s strategies to be a leading provider of end-to-end critical security in the US and to increase its footprint in Australia. As we well know, Accenture is not afraid to make a few acquisitions to bolster its armory, and it has once again demonstrated this buying power with the acquisitions of BCT Solutions (June 2019) in Australia and Deja vu Security (July 2019) in the US. Both of these enterprises focus on cybersecurity consultation. From these acquisitions, we can see that Accenture maintains its focus on the development of its cybersecurity assets and is expanding its knowledge in the market. BCT and Deja Vu are credible enterprises and valuable assets for Accenture customers to exploit.
Exhibit 1: HFS data has revealed that security consulting remains a priority for enterprises. It’s a lucrative
area to exploit, with 96% of enterprises maintaining or increasing their spending in the area.
Source: HFS State of IT Security Survey 2018
BCT Solutions expands Accenture’s already extensive security arsenal
Australia-based BCT Solutions, founded in 2015, is a professional services organization that provides advisory services to the Australian defense and national security sector. BCT focuses on the classified technology domain and specializes in cyber-electronic warfare and intelligence capabilities. Former military personnel founded the organization, which maintains a close military connection; 87% of its employees are veterans. It’s hard to find a safer pair of hands than the military community, which is experienced in security and maintains a high work drive. BCT’s military affiliation increases its credibility to forge important connections to key stakeholders within client organizations, which has no doubt markedly contributed to the BCT’s success. BCT has proven itself in its field by earning several awards, including Australia’s Small Business Champion Awards (Growth) in 2018, and ranking in the Australian Financial Review Fast Starters List in 2017 and 2018.
Accenture has supported the Australian government with its digital transformation in previous years and the acquisition of BCT, an Australian firm, is no coincidence. The acquisition of BCT will strengthen Accenture’s boots on the ground in Australia and help to boost the skillset of its managed security services (MSS) delivery center in the region. BCT will also increase Accenture’s capabilities in cyber defense and technical expertise and enable it to take another step forward in its campaign to be a leading provider of end-to-end capabilities for its government clients.
Deja vu—Accenture buys another cybersecurity consultancy and brings greater end-to-end security to Accenture clients
Seattle-based Deja vu Security, founded in 2011, is a privately held company that specializes in security design and the assessment of enterprise software platforms and IoT technologies. The acquisition of Deja vu Security adds to Accenture Security’s commitment to investing and modernizing cybersecurity solutions to help safeguard clients’ businesses end-to-end. The provider covers several areas, including cloud, cryptocurrency, IoT, and healthcare, among others.
Kelly Bissell, the senior managing director of Accenture Security, explained that Deja vu Security’s team would contribute considerable technical skills, making it an effective strategic fit, and it would benefit clients by reducing the risk associated with their connected solutions.
Exhibit 2: 69% of respondents viewed cloud computing as a particular risk
Q: Enterprises were asked to estimate the level of risk the following initiatives represented
Source: HFS State of IT Security Survey 2018
Exhibit 3: 94% of enterprises are investing in cloud and IoT—it’s a lucrative market
Q: How much investment or focus is your organization making in the following year to help you achieve operational cost-saving goals?
Source: HFS State of IT Security Survey 2018
The Bottom Line: Accenture has wisely acknowledged key threats in the cybersecurity domain, and its acquisitions should reassure its clients of its strategic commitment to deliver end-to-end cybersecurity services and solutions.
Accenture has made two wise acquisitions that will enable it to offer its clients expanded end-to-end support capabilities across several cybersecurity fields in the long run. BCT and Deja Vu are credible enterprises and valuable assets to be exploited by Accenture customers. It’s a good opportunity for CISOs and executives to reap the rewards that may be on offer while the iron is hot.