Accenture, a leading global professional services company, has partnered with SandboxAQ to deliver advanced AI and quantum cybersecurity solutions. The collaboration aims to help organizations identify and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the face of increasing threats from AI-enabled cyberattacks and the advancement of quantum computing.
According to recent research by Accenture, executives’ top concern for 2024 is the ability to adapt to technological advancements and innovations like AI. This concern is heightened due to the growing use of AI tools by cybercriminals to carry out ransomware attacks, obtain user passwords, and target employees through spear phishing. In response to these evolving threats, companies are adopting a zero-trust architecture and prioritizing strong cryptographic management.
Through their partnership, Accenture and SandboxAQ will offer comprehensive AI-enabled cryptographic management by leveraging SandboxAQ’s Security Suite. This solution will enable organizations to conduct thorough scans of all their files, applications, and network traffic to ensure the security of their data, whether it is stored on-premise or hosted by major cloud providers. It will provide protection even when attackers breach firewalls and network endpoints. The goal is to help companies defend against the escalating risk of decryption attacks based on quantum computing, which poses a significant threat to encryption systems.
Paolo Dal Cin, the global lead of Accenture Security, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in enabling organizations to proactively defend against cybersecurity and quantum risks. He noted that cyberattacks are becoming increasingly targeted and precise with the use of AI and generative AI. By partnering with SandboxAQ, Accenture aims to equip organizations with the necessary tools and strategies to combat cyber threats effectively.
In addition to cybersecurity solutions, Accenture and SandboxAQ will collaborate on other innovative products. Accenture will leverage SandboxAQ’s AI and simulation solutions, currently used in drug discovery and materials science, as well as their quantum sensing solutions being tested in navigation systems and medical imaging devices.
Jack D. Hidary, the CEO of SandboxAQ, highlighted the rise in cyberattacks and their detrimental impact on enterprises and governments. The partnership with Accenture will enable SandboxAQ to deliver comprehensive cryptographic management solutions that protect clients from existing and future threats. They will also collaborate on next-generation AI simulation products.
Accenture and SandboxAQ have already joined forces to help a global nonprofit health organization mitigate its quantum risk. They are taking a phased approach to enhance the organization’s quantum security strategy and identify vulnerable cryptographic protocols across its networks, third parties, vendors, and public networks spanning over 100 countries. This approach will reduce the organization’s risk from newly vulnerable cryptographic protocols, lower operating costs, and expedite the deployment of critical health solutions.
To ensure security in a post-quantum world, Accenture has developed an eight-step roadmap and established partnerships with leading technology providers. This collaboration with SandboxAQ will enable Accenture to offer clients the necessary technology to secure their data and communications. Furthermore, Accenture has designed a Quantum Security Maturity Index, in collaboration with other industry leaders, to help corporate boards and executives assess their quantum security infrastructure compared to their peers and identify areas for improvement.
In conclusion, Accenture’s partnership with SandboxAQ will enable organizations to proactively address cybersecurity vulnerabilities posed by AI-enabled attacks and the advancement of quantum computing. This collaboration will provide comprehensive AI-enabled cryptographic management solutions, helping companies defend against emerging threats and ensuring the security of their data.
