IBM Consulting and Microsoft have announced a strengthened cybersecurity collaboration to help clients simplify and modernize their security operations, and manage and protect their hybrid cloud identities.

By combining IBM Consulting’s cybersecurity services with Microsoft‘s comprehensive security technology portfolio, the two companies say that they are providing clients the tools and expertise needed to help them simplify and modernize their end-to-end security operations, harness the power of the cloud, protect data and drive business growth.

“To successfully navigate the ever-evolving and increasingly complex digital landscape, security can no longer be an afterthought – it must be a foundational part of every organization’s core operations,” said Mark Hughes, Global Managing Partner of Cybersecurity Services, IBM Consulting.

“Our collaboration with Microsoft provides clients with a simplified, efficient and cost-effective approach to protect cloud workloads, and effectively manage the proliferation of threats organizations confront on a regular basis.”

Modernizing cybersecurity

IBM’s Threat Detection and Response (TDR) Cloud Native service brings together Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Defender for Cloud with the AI-powered security technologies that underpin IBM’s TDR Cloud Native service to help accelerate threat detection and response for clients.

As part of the service, IBM Consulting’s global team of security analysts provide 24/7 monitoring, investigation and automated remediation of security alerts across clients’ hybrid cloud environments.

IBM Consulting can also help clients transform their security operations to maximize the value of Microsoft’s end-to-end security solutions.

By leveraging the full range of Microsoft’s security portfolio, the TDR Cloud Native service effectively protects Microsoft cloud environments for clients, improving cybersecurity.

In recognition of its tight integration with the Microsoft Security platform, the service achieved Microsoft MXDR verified solution status.

Managing and securing cloud identities

To assist clients in navigating the cloud identity environment, IBM Consulting and Microsoft collaborated on a comprehensive solution based on the foundation provided by the Microsoft Entra suite of tools and enhanced by IBM’s range of automation, accelerators and industry domain knowledge.

The solution is designed to protect the cloud journey, while also optimizing the identity landscape and costs associated with running multiple identity tools and services, resulting in a more optimized, cost effective and secured service for clients.

“As digital transformation accelerates across every industry, organizations require a comprehensive, unified approach to cloud security that protects their entire enterprise from the chip to the cloud,” said Alym Rayani, Vice President Security Marketing, at Microsoft.

“Our partnership with IBM Consulting makes it easier for clients to securely harness the power of the cloud and AI to drive business innovation.”