Our Client Data Protection program is designed to keep clients’ data safe

Maintaining the trust of our clients is at the heart of what we do at Accenture. A critical component of maintaining that trust is information security.??

To meet our clients’ unique security expectations and address various and evolving regulatory requirements, our Information Security organization carries out a global Client Data Protection (CDP) program. This program provides Accenture account teams with a standardized delivery and compliance methodology for managing data privacy and information security risk through a set of processes, controls, and compliance metrics. CDP is used on all of Accenture’s engagements, and it confirms we’re compliant with the services we agreed to deliver. The components of the program come together into a dedicated account CDP Plan.?

I want to highlight this important program, which is a top business priority and remains consistently relevant in today’s world of constant cyber threats.?

A robust process?

Our CDP process is robust. It has to be. In our work with client organizations, we have access to client information, and that information needs to be protected with the same rigor as our own company's data.??

Our CDP process begins with initial discussions with the client, when we work with them to identify any inherent risks or security concerns that need to be addressed within our scope of service and solution.?

These talks also focus on aligning on data safeguards, defining processes that both parties will use to protect information, clarifying accountability, and removing any ambiguity regarding operational security controls and processes.??

The results of each client discussion and risk assessment factor into Accenture’s solutions so that they are secure from the start.?

Each project implements their CDP plan once work begins. Every client has a dedicated Accenture information security lead to deliver the plan. Our client teams work with their clients to drive security governance and an operational environment that addresses the unique security risks of each engagement.??

Comprehensive, digitized, and certified?

Not only is our CDP program comprehensive in its components, it also is bolstered with reporting. Each client CDP Plan is supported by a performance dashboard. CDP reports roll up and are viewed by me as well as our market and service leaders, providing visibility into plan performance and compliance across client services, and highlighting any issues. When we see problems, we intervene and course correct.

Our CDP program is certified to both ISO 27001 and 27701 by BSI. In fact, Accenture recently completed its BSI certification to ISO/IEC 27001:2022, the latest version of this respected standard.

Ongoing refinement?

Taking a strong stance on client data protection means we continually refine. Through regular assessments and refinements to the CDP program, and a workforce that takes accountability for putting security first, our Information Security organization continues to improve how we protect the data of our clients and of Accenture.?

No other program has had such a broad impact across Accenture’s entire portfolio of client accounts. It is a cornerstone to Accenture’s client relationships. The CDP program demonstrates to our clients, our company’s leadership, and all our stakeholders our complete commitment to information security.?

To learn more about our program, read Information Security Client Data Protection.?