Accenture opens doors to cybersecurity R&D lab in Israel to advance security innovations

Newest Accenture Lab to focus on broad research in advanced threat intelligence, industrial internet security, cyber defense solutions

HERZLIYA, Israel; June 20, 2016 – Accenture’s new Cybersecurity R&D Lab in Israel officially opened its doors today, marking another key milestone in the company’s cybersecurity expansion and leadership. The Accenture Lab will focus on unique cybersecurity R&D projects in advanced threat intelligence, active defense and Industrial Internet of Things security by applying the latest developments in artificial intelligence, blockchain and advanced analytics from across Accenture’s global network of labs and innovation centers.

The announcement was made at the 6th Annual International Cybersecurity Conference taking place during Israel’s Cyber Week, which runs June 19 to 23.

Innovation set in motion: That’s our new Tel Aviv #Cybersecurity Lab: #besecure

The custom-built facility features a unique immersive environment for clients to experience for themselves how innovative and disruptive new approaches will help take their cyber capabilities to the next level. It is equipped with a combination of collaborative research areas and other dedicated spaces designed to showcase cutting-edge prototypes that enable rapid development of leading cyber solutions.

Additionally, through the rich technology ecosystem in Israel, the Lab will bring together a constant stream of fresh insights and breakthrough technologies through the Accenture Open Innovation program that collaborates with venture capitalists, start-ups and universities. Research efforts will also focus on active defense to include stealth monitoring and passive threat detection techniques and incident response aimed at developing state-of-the-art forensic techniques along with malicious code analysis.

“This is another significant step for the Accenture Labs and Accenture Security. The newest Lab will take advantage of our global footprint and ecosystem partners in cybersecurity to give clients unparalleled access to emerging, intelligence-driven threat identification solutions and post-attack remediation procedures,” said Lisa O’Connor, managing director, Accenture Labs – Security R&D. “Our top priority is to empower our clients to be resilient to cyber threats and attacks, and to be able to take the right actions faster. That is why we are investing in Israel’s ecosystem and in advanced cybersecurity technologies that can spark powerful innovations.”

This Cybersecurity R&D Lab already has strong momentum behind it, bolstered by a new research agenda and collaboration with Team8, Israel’s leading cybersecurity foundry, to explore disruptive security technologies that will advance the fields of mission-focused security, active defense and Industrial Control Systems. Through Team8 and Accenture’s Labs Industrial Internet of Things research, teams will combine the latest advances in Industrial Internet security to provide clients with holistic solutions.

“While cybersecurity has become a worldwide issue, Israel’s cybersecurity expertise is well recognized globally as a hotbed of security innovation and talent,” said Nadav Zafrir, Team8 co-founder and CEO, and former Commander of Israel’s Technology & Intelligence Unit 8200. “We see significant opportunities to ideate with Accenture in exciting new ways to deliver integrated cybersecurity capabilities that allow organizations to shift the balance from reactive to proactive security operations.”

“Web-facing systems and connected devices have opened up new avenues for intrusive attacks,” said analyst said Christina Richmond, program director, security services for IDC. “To address these complex issues, companies can no longer take a shotgun or siloed approach to improving their IT security architecture. With continuous innovation in advanced analytics and intelligent technologies, Accenture’s Cybersecurity R&D Lab will help organizations deploy a more focused IT security roadmap.”

Herzliya, Israel is the newest addition to Accenture’s global network of technology labs, which includes Silicon Valley, California; Arlington, Virginia; Sophia Antipolis, France; Dublin, Ireland; Beijing, China; and Bangalore, India.