Accenture has expanded its generative AI cybersecurity services to enhance Australian businesses’ defense strategies against cutting-edge digital threats.
In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence has led to a marked increase in cybersecurity incidents. Accenture highlights that AI-related security breaches have increased twenty-fold over the past decade, with a notable increase of 31% between 2022 and 2023. The company’s Pulse of Change data reveals that Australian executives are particularly wary of cybersecurity risks such as deepfakes and phishing. .
Julie Sweet, President and CEO of Accenture, commented: “Modern cybersecurity protects the entire enterprise, from the digital core to the supply chain, and leverages AI-driven protections and quantum-proofing, which are vital as cybercriminals proliferate new ones. types of attacks using advanced AI technologies. Our new cybersecurity services and centers help our customers use the latest technologies to protect their critical assets and increase resilience, so they can reinvent themselves with confidence and create more value, faster.
Addressing the topic of preparedness, Accenture reports that almost half of Australian businesses have yet to implement comprehensive cybersecurity training tailored to emerging AI threats. Additionally, 50% of these companies feel insufficiently equipped to deal with the growing threats posed by deepfakes and AI-driven malware.
“The cybersecurity landscape is at the intersection of unprecedented technological advancements and growing challenges compounded by geopolitical and systemic supply chain risks,” said Mary Attard, ANZ security lead at Accenture.
“Helping our customers adopt AI-powered cybersecurity solutions will enable them to effectively manage change, accelerate business protection, and become cybersecurity and business resilient organizations.” »
To address these challenges, Accenture has launched a suite of generative AI and quantum cybersecurity services. The services aim not only to address immediate security threats, but also to build long-term resilience. This approach leverages deepfake protection and quantum-proof data strategies with a focus on promoting a secure cyber ecosystem in Australia.
Accenture notes a significant increase in cyber threats facilitated by generative AI and dark language models (LLM). Its cyber intelligence researchers recorded a 223% increase in exchanges of deepfake-related tools on dark web forums in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
Expanded cybersecurity services include Secure AI Solutions, which establishes security throughout the lifecycle of an organization’s AI program. It encompasses frameworks, policies, and processes to secure AI practices, as well as red teaming and adversarial simulations to uncover vulnerabilities in AI systems.
Other offerings cover deepfake protection and cyber crisis recovery solutions for businesses. The latter, a cloud-based system, aims to significantly reduce downtime following a cyberattack, ensuring rapid restoration of critical business functionality.
Accenture continues to strengthen its cybersecurity workforce and capabilities. In 2024, the company reported a headcount increase of more than 30% in its cybersecurity division, surpassing 25,000 professionals worldwide. Recent acquisitions in Europe and Mexico further enhance its managed security services.
The company has also expanded its network of Cyber Future Centers with locations powered by generative AI and quantum security solutions, including a flagship Gen AI Security studio in Brussels and additional facilities in Washington, DC, Bengaluru and Málaga.
