Critical Infrastructure Security,
Governance & Risk Management,
Operational Technology (OT)
Forrester: Transaction Reflects Move From Services Toward Owning Security Technology
Accenture’s recent acquisition of Dragos marks a significant strategic shift for the consulting giant, moving from its traditional emphasis on operational technology (OT) services to a stronger focus on owning security technology. This perspective is highlighted by Paddy Harrington, a senior analyst at Forrester, who suggests that the acquisition symbolizes a pivotal transition in the broader landscape of cybersecurity and operational capabilities.
Historically, Accenture has been recognized for its extensive work with OT services. However, the purchase of a product-oriented company like Dragos, known for its expertise in industrial cybersecurity, indicates a deeper commitment to harnessing and owning security technology. This transition is noteworthy, as Harrington points out that decisions concerning OT security involve a more intricate approval process compared to enterprise IT acquisitions. Such decisions necessitate endorsement not only from security leaders but also from the operational executives who oversee industrial environments.
Accenture’s established relationships across various sectors, particularly in healthcare and manufacturing, position the company to introduce Dragos’s robust security solutions to organizations that previously remained outside its primary critical infrastructure focus. This is poised to broaden the market reach of Dragos’s offerings significantly, a prospect that Harrington emphasizes in the wake of the deal, reported to be worth $4.2 billion.
“Energy, oil, and gas have been core to Dragos’s identity and operational history. While they have had the capacity to diversify into other markets, they often encountered challenges in doing so,” Harrington stated. “Accenture’s stature and established network potentially pave the way for Dragos to tap into new markets with greater ease, as they benefit from the introductions and buy-in that a larger entity like Accenture can facilitate.”
The implications of this acquisition extend beyond the immediate transactional value. For instance, Harrington mentions that operational buyers in industries that rely on OT prioritize safety and system uptime as paramount. These transactions are not solely commodity exchanges; rather, they signify a commitment to maintaining and enhancing the safety and efficiency of critical operational environments.
In a recent video interview with Information Security Media Group (ISMG), Harrington delves deeper into the ramifications of Accenture’s decision to acquire Dragos. He addresses several key points that stakeholders and industry watchers are keenly interested in. First, he discusses why the choice of Dragos specifically caught him off guard, shining light on industry dynamics and unexpected strategic moves.
Moreover, he highlights the critical importance of customer independence post-acquisition. For existing Dragos customers, the assurance that the company will retain its operational independence is vital for maintaining trust and the efficacy of its cybersecurity solutions. Decisions regarding the preservation of this independence will undoubtedly be closely monitored by existing clients and industry observers alike.
Harrington’s expertise extends across a wide range of platforms, from desktop PCs and mobile devices to connected vehicles and IoT devices. His research underscores the significant impact of interconnected devices and evolving work environments on the security of business data and operations. As organizations increasingly adopt digital transformation strategies, incorporating cybersecurity within the operational framework becomes paramount—underscoring the relevance of initiatives such as Accenture’s acquisition of Dragos.
In summary, the acquisition reflects a considerable evolution within the cybersecurity realm and positions Accenture to further bridge the gap between traditional service offerings and the growing need for ownership of versatile security technologies.