IBM has secured a substantial contract from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to bolster cybersecurity response efforts in Europe and Eurasia through its Cybersecurity Protection and Response (CPR) program. This agreement, with an initial funding of $26 million over five years, underscores IBM’s pivotal role in expanding USAID’s cybersecurity support throughout the region.
The primary objective of the CPR program is to enhance the capabilities of host governments and critical infrastructure operators in identifying, protecting against, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyber threats. IBM will offer a wide range of cybersecurity services, including program management, incident response, and capacity building.
Ambassador Erin E. McKee, Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Europe and Eurasia Bureau, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration with IBM in advancing cybersecurity measures for inclusive growth and resilient societies. McKee stated that partnering with IBM, a renowned cybersecurity leader, aligns with USAID’s goals of leveraging digital technology for secure development outcomes.
IBM’s expertise in global cybersecurity is well-known, managing one of the world’s largest security operations, monitoring billions of security events daily across more than 130 countries. Alice Fakir, Partner and Lead of Cybersecurity Services at IBM Consulting, highlighted the crucial role of cybersecurity in development efforts, stressing the significance of integrating cyber threat mitigation into IT modernization for partner countries.
With a reputation as a leader in hybrid cloud, AI, and consulting services, IBM empowers clients worldwide to harness data insights, optimize operations, and gain competitive advantages across various industries. Key entities in critical infrastructure sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift for secure and efficient digital transformations.
The collaboration between IBM and USAID underscores a shared commitment to advancing cybersecurity capabilities globally while fostering trust, transparency, and inclusivity in digital innovations. This partnership exemplifies IBM’s dedication to supporting resilient and secure digital infrastructures crucial for sustainable development and economic growth.
As a global leader in hybrid cloud, AI, and consulting services, IBM serves clients in over 175 countries, enabling them to capitalize on data insights, streamline operations, and innovate securely. Their focus on trust, transparency, and responsibility drives breakthrough solutions in AI, quantum computing, and industry-specific cloud platforms to provide clients worldwide with open and flexible options.
Overall, the partnership between IBM and USAID in the CPR program showcases a collaborative effort to enhance cybersecurity resilience, promote secure digital transformations, and drive sustainable development across Europe and Eurasia. This initiative marks a significant step towards creating a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem in the region, ultimately benefiting governments, businesses, and individuals alike.