Kyndryl’s SOC Expansion: Strengthening Managed Security Services

Kyndryl Expands Security & Resiliency Practice, Offering Managed Security Operations Center Services

Overview

Kyndryl, the managed IT services business that spun out of IBM nearly two years ago, has announced a major expansion of its Security & Resiliency practice. The company plans to provide a broader range of managed security operations center (SOC) services under its “SOC as a platform” offering. This approach allows organizations to leverage their existing security tools and integrate them with Kyndryl‘s services through a centralized management platform. The expansion includes the establishment of two new SOCs in Japan and India by the end of 2024. This move is part of Kyndryl‘s transition towards providing a wider mix of advisory, implementation, and modern security operations services since its separation from IBM.

Expanded Security Services Portfolio

Kyndryl‘s managed security services now offer a wider variety of technology options focused on SIEM, MDR, EDR, and vulnerability management. For example, organizations can choose from SIEMs such as Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk, and IBM’s QRadar. In terms of EDR, Kyndryl provides options such as Carbon Black, CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender, and Trend Micro. This approach aims to meet customers’ preferences and needs by offering flexibility and supporting existing security tech infrastructure.

Enriching Existing Security Capabilities

Kyndryl plans to enrich the capabilities of organizations that have already invested in a SOC by making their security operations more potent and impactful. By partnering with CISOs and deploying its consultants and Kyndryl Consult partners, the company will conduct assessments and identify ways to enhance organizational resilience. These efforts will empower organizations to leverage the Kyndryl Bridge platform, which integrates with third-party hardware, software, and services to offer IT operations and orchestration management. Kyndryl Bridge uses AI and machine learning to manage workflows and will also feature cyber security and resilience management capabilities to address security incident workflows and compliance requirements.

Challenges and Competitors

Despite its revenue growth, Kyndryl faces challenges regarding profitability. As a player in the managed security services market, Kyndryl competes with top-tier companies like Accenture, Deloitte, EY, and PwC, which have well-established security practices. Thus, Kyndryl needs to demonstrate its ability to achieve profitability to overcome this short and long-term obstacle.

Editorial

Kyndryl‘s expansion of its Security & Resiliency practice reflects the increasing demand for managed security services in the digital age. As organizations continue their digital transformation journeys and face growing cybersecurity threats, the need for comprehensive security solutions becomes paramount. By offering a centralized platform that integrates with existing security tools, Kyndryl can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of organizations’ security operations. This approach aligns with the industry trend of leveraging AI and machine learning to manage and automate workflows.

However, profitability remains a significant challenge for Kyndryl. To succeed, the company will need to focus on optimizing its cost structure, ensuring efficient service delivery, and demonstrating the value it adds to its customers’ security postures. Kyndryl‘s ability to differentiate itself from competitors will also be crucial in capturing market share and establishing itself as a leader in the managed security services space.

Advice

Organizations seeking managed security services should carefully evaluate Kyndryl‘s offerings, considering their existing security infrastructure, technology preferences, and specific requirements. The flexibility provided by Kyndryl‘s SOC as a platform approach allows for seamless integration with preferred security tools, reducing disruption and maximizing the value of previous investments.

It is important for organizations to conduct thorough assessments of their security needs and engage in close collaboration with Kyndryl‘s consultants and partners. This partnership will enable organizations to identify potential gaps in technology, skills, and processes, and develop a comprehensive plan for enhancing their security postures.

To ensure a successful partnership with Kyndryl, organizations should establish clear and realistic expectations regarding the timeframes for implementing the full suite of managed security services. As the rollout of Kyndryl Bridge and other components of the SOC as a platform offering is still in progress, it is essential to have open communication channels and regular updates to align expectations and timelines.

Furthermore, organizations should closely monitor Kyndryl‘s progress in achieving profitability. While the company’s reputation and expertise within the broader IT services industry are notable, sustainable profitability is crucial for long-term viability and investment in innovation to further strengthen its security capabilities.