Accenture invests in Aliro for quantum cybersecurity
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Professional services firm Accenture has announced a strategic investment in quantum networking startup Aliro Quantum, signaling a push to integrate quantum technologies into its cybersecurity services.
Accenture made the investment through its venture capital arm Accenture Ventures. Aliro Quantum provides software to build secure quantum networks using quantum cryptography.
Quantum networks promise unmatched speeds and security by exploiting strange quantum physics phenomena like entanglement. However, the emerging technology also presents new cybersecurity challenges that legacy tools are ill-equipped to handle.
Accenture aims to collaborate with Aliro to develop quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions and services.
Specifically, it plans to integrate Aliro’s software into its existing offerings to help clients implement quantum networking and mitigate emerging quantum hacking threats.
“The speed and security of quantum networking means that its impact on everything from telecommunications to cybersecurity to research will be more transformative and impactful than anything we can dream of today,” said Tom Lounibos, managing director, Accenture Ventures.
“We will continue to support Aliro as the company moves towards its mission to build the world’s first scalable quantum networks,” Lounibos added.
As digital transformation accelerates, businesses are recognizing cybersecurity as a key priority. This has led to major IT services and business process outsourcing companies acquiring niche cybersecurity firms to rapidly scale skills and capabilities. Some examples include IBM acquiring Polar Security this year.
Accenture has made several moves to boost its cybersecurity capabilities, including acquiring Symantec’s Cyber Security Services business from Broadcom and Context Information Security, a United Kingdom-Based cybersecurity consultancy, in 2020.
