IDC defines cloud security services as a set of security services whose primary focus is to provide security management capabilities to ensure 24 x 7 operations of cloud technologies and architectures. In addition to this, these services segment also includes other "embedded" professional security services.
These professional services could range from security consulting, assessment, and advisory services that are incorporated into a cloud engagement, such as cloud security assessment, cloud-driven policy and architecture review, and cloud security strategy, among others. The ultimate objective of these services is to ensure secure cloud migration and continuous assurance in monitoring and protection of the hybrid multi-cloud environment.
Leaders’ list
The IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific Cloud Security Services 2021 Vendor Assessment study listed Accenture, Deloitte, EY, IBM, NTT, PwC, and TCS as “Leaders” in the Cloud Security Services market in Asia/Pacific.
These cloud security services providers demonstrated leadership in the provision of a broader spectrum of cloud-related and cloud-native security capabilities, as well as proven customer cases in assisting strategies, crucial to the successful and secure transformation initiatives.
Runners up
Seven others were identified as “Major Players” including DXC, KPMG, Samsung SDS, Tata Communications, Telstra, Trustwave, and Wipro. AWS, Google, Microsoft, and LG CNS were marked as “Vendors to Watch”.
Cathy Huang, associate research director for Services and Security at IDC Asia/Pacific, says the value of engaging a cloud security services vendor provides continuous assurance and operational excellence to these mature organizations.
“At the same time, it is also very important for organizations that just started their cloud transformation journey to have an expert view to assess, design, and implement the relevant security frameworks at an early stage, and adopt the applicable cloud-native solutions,” he continued.
The COVID-19 outbreak has been a defining event of our times, and the abrupt and wide-ranging disruptions caused by the pandemic have forced enterprises to aggressively adopt technologies that improve their agility, responsiveness, and resilience. Cloud is one of these technologies.
James Sivalingam, research manager for IDC Asia/Pacific Services & Security Research, opined that moving to the cloud provides organizations in the region a chance to rethink their infrastructure, business applications, and overall digital transformation strategy.
He cautioned that cloud migration is not as simple as the moniker 'lift and shift' implies and there are several layers of complexities involved in secure migration to the cloud.
“In addition to modernizing application, adhering to 'secure by design' principles, and managing workload and data across different environments, businesses continue to face run-of-the-mill security challenge, now with an added layer of cloud complexity. Thus, finding the right security partner is imperative to ensure the security is foundational to the cloud journey," Sivalingam concluded.
