Kyndryl, the managed IT services business that was spun out of IBM nearly two years ago, has announced a significant expansion of its Security & Resiliency practice. The company aims to provide a broader range of managed security operations center (SOC) services to its clients. This move comes as part of Kyndryl’s strategic efforts to enhance its security offerings and cater to the increasing demand for robust cybersecurity solutions.
Kyndryl refers to its managed security service as “SOC as a platform.” It offers a centralized management platform where organizations can integrate their existing security tools with Kyndryl’s services. Clients have the option to entrust Kyndryl with the management of all or a portion of their monitoring and security operations through the company’s global network of SOCs. By leveraging Kyndryl’s expertise, organizations can enhance the effectiveness and impact of their existing security infrastructure.
Bryan Sartin, Kyndryl’s VP of security and resiliency, emphasizes the company’s commitment to enriching its customers’ security strategies. Some customers have already invested significantly in establishing an SOC, and Kyndryl aims to augment their existing capabilities. This approach allows Kyndryl to tailor its services to meet the specific needs of each customer, ensuring a personalized and effective security solution.
As part of its expansion plans, Kyndryl recently launched its fourth SOC in Italy, joining existing centers in Canada, Spain, and Hungary. Additionally, the company is developing two more SOCs in Japan and India, set to go live by the end of 2024. These new centers will serve as important hubs for managing and delivering Kyndryl’s comprehensive security services across different regions.
In line with its evolution as an independent entity separate from IBM, Kyndryl has been diversifying its service portfolio. The company has moved away from its heritage tied to IBM-focused technology and now offers a broader range of advisory, implementation, and modern security operations services. Kyndryl’s managed security services now encompass various technology options, including security information and event management (SIEM), managed detection and response (MDR), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and vulnerability management. Clients have the flexibility to choose from multiple SIEMs, such as Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk, and IBM’s QRadar, as well as EDR solutions like Carbon Black, CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender, and Trend Micro.
To support organizations in enhancing their resilience against cyber threats, Kyndryl’s consultants and partners will conduct assessments and collaborate with Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). These engagements will provide valuable insights into improving security practices and developing robust incident response capabilities.
Looking ahead, Kyndryl plans to integrate its SOC platform with Kyndryl Bridge, the company’s IT operations and orchestration management platform. Launched last year, Kyndryl Bridge integrates with third-party hardware, software, and services. It leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency. The integration of the SOC platform with Kyndryl Bridge will consolidate security management and IT operations, providing clients with a unified user experience and comprehensive visibility into their security incident workflows.
Kyndryl faces competition from major players in the managed IT services sector, including Accenture, Deloitte, EY, and PwC, all of whom have established formidable security practices. However, Kyndryl also faces unique challenges, particularly in terms of profitability. While the company has experienced significant revenue growth since its separation from IBM, it still needs to demonstrate sustained profitability in both the short and long term. The ability to overcome this obstacle will determine Kyndryl’s success in the highly competitive market and position the company as a leading provider of comprehensive managed security services.
In conclusion, Kyndryl’s expansion of its Security & Resiliency practice demonstrates its commitment to meeting the evolving cybersecurity needs of organizations. By offering enhanced managed SOC services and integrating with its IT operations and orchestration management platform, Kyndryl aims to deliver comprehensive security solutions that enable clients to strengthen their defenses against cyber threats. As the company navigates the challenges of profitability in a competitive landscape, its success will be determined by its ability to deliver value-added services and establish itself as a trusted partner in the managed IT services sector.