Authored by Pankaj Kumar Saxena,
Indian mid-segment firms continue to play a critical role in shaping the cybersecurity landscape for both large IT enterprises and cybersecurity firms in North America. The collaboration between these entities has witnessed significant developments in 2023, reflecting the evolving nature of their partnerships.
Outsourcing and Offshoring
In a strategic move, Trend Micro India, a US$2-billion cybersecurity major, recently acquired Anlyz, a Bengaluru-based SOC technology provider. This acquisition, geared towards expanding R&D capabilities, underscores the deepening collaboration trend between global cybersecurity leaders and Indian mid-segment players.
This move positions Trend Micro India as a key player in fostering innovation within the cybersecurity sector.
Managed Security Services
According to a recent report on digital trust, 67% of Indian enterprises plan to outsource key security functions to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) in the next three years.
The IDC report highlights a parallel trend of enterprises consolidating partnerships with MSSPs. The global MSS market, valued at US$27.7 billion in 2022, is projected to reach US$49.6 billion by 2027, showcasing a robust CAGR of 12.3%, according to MarketsandMarkets. This highlights the increasing reliance on specialized services to bolster cybersecurity postures.
Product Development and Support
Swimlane, an AI-enabled security automation company, has established its regional cybersecurity innovation and R&D center in Hyderabad, India. With a projected team of 200 engineers by 2024, this move positions Hyderabad as a hub for cybersecurity product development. Beyond outsourcing, Indian firms actively contribute to the innovation of cybersecurity solutions for North American IT enterprises.
Specialized Services
Companies such as eSec Forte, ewandzdigital, Skylark Information Technologies, Cyberops Infosec LLP, EC-Council Global Services, and Testbytes are gaining prominence for specialized cybersecurity services. These include penetration testing, ethical hacking, and security consulting, enhancing collaboration with large North American IT companies and reinforcing overall cybersecurity postures.
Research and Development
Collaboration in research and development thrives as Indian mid-segment companies significantly contribute to innovating cybersecurity solutions, adapting technologies to meet evolving needs of North American IT giants in 2023.
Cybersecurity Training and Certification
To address the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals, Indian companies actively provide specialized training and certification programs for North American IT professionals. This ensures a workforce well-equipped to tackle dynamic cybersecurity challenges.
Global Security Operations Centers (SOCs)
While major players like Ernst & Young, Capgemini, and IBM operate in this space, mid-sized companies like VertexPlus, Check Point Software, ewandzdigital, and ESDS Software Solutions, along with numerous mid-segment entities, engage in multiple SOC activities. This broadens the spectrum of Indian mid-segment companies providing 24/7 security monitoring and incident response services, enhancing the cybersecurity capabilities of large IT enterprises.
Compliance and Regulatory Support
Navigating the evolving global regulatory landscape, Indian companies continue supporting North American IT enterprises in meeting international cybersecurity regulations and compliance requirements. This includes adherence to the latest standards in the Compliance and Regulatory Support area, with companies like cybersecurist Technologies of Pune delivering to major tech giants in the USA.
As collaboration remains a constant in these partnerships, the dynamic landscape emphasizes the need to stay updated with the latest information on the evolving synergy between Indian mid-segment firms and North American IT giants.