Cybersecurity & Sustainability: Capgemini Shows the Synergy
Cybersecurity and sustainability are rarely discussed in the same breath, especially when AI dominates conversations about digital threats and defences.
Yet, consulting giant Capgemini is making the case that these two critical areas are not only connected but could bolster one another in powerful ways.
In a newly published paper, Capgemini outlines how cybersecurity and sustainability can work hand in hand, challenging conventional silos.
Cyber and sustainability: the angle
Accompanying the paper is a thought-provoking blog that asks: “What if safeguarding your data could also help save the planet?”
Michael Wasielewski Jr, Capgemini’s Global Head of Cloud Security Services, highlights the transformative potential of this synergy. “In a time when both cybersecurity and environmental responsibilities are top priorities, blending these goals is not just a smart move – it’s a game-changer," he writes.
"Effective cybersecurity can enhance your sustainability efforts, while a commitment to sustainability can fortify your security infrastructure.”
This fresh perspective invites organisations to rethink how they approach two of today’s most pressing challenges.
But how does security and sustainability come together?
Protect your data and the planet?
Sol Salinas, Global Executive Vice President at Capgemini, highlighted what he describes as a natural connection between cybersecurity and sustainability in a recent LinkedIn post.
“Combining cybersecurity with sustainability is a smart move,” wrote Sol. “Capgemini’s latest insights show how sustainable IT and robust cybersecurity practices can work hand-in-hand to reduce risks while minimising environmental impact.
"By embracing energy-efficient solutions and responsible data management, companies can enhance both security and sustainability, creating resilient systems that meet today’s ethical and operational demands.”
Sol’s comments reflect Capgemini’s broader efforts to promote the convergence of these two crucial areas.
Michael’s blog delves into the emerging intersections between cybersecurity and sustainability, examining how these trends are shaping organisational priorities.
“Enterprises are now increasingly aware of the link between cybersecurity and sustainability, facilitating significant investments in both,” he writes. “Combining strong cybersecurity with sustainability efforts improves efficiency and resilience, such as through cloud migration for energy savings and security.”
From a cybersecurity perspective, cloud platforms offer advanced, scalable security features, including real-time threat detection and automated updates, which are often more robust than on-premises solutions. Gartner predicts AI will reduce cybersecurity incidents by 40% by 2026.
Simultaneously, cloud infrastructure is designed for energy efficiency, utilising centralised data centres optimised for reduced power consumption and cooling requirements.
By consolidating workloads and leveraging shared resources, organisations not only enhance their security posture but also significantly lower their carbon footprint, aligning with sustainability goals while achieving greater operational resilience.
Michael also highlights the growing importance of AI, describing it as “essential for managing sustainability data."
AI is indispensable for managing sustainability data due to its ability to process vast amounts of complex information with speed and precision. Organisations increasingly rely on AI to track, analyse, and optimise their environmental impact, whether by monitoring energy consumption, predicting emissions trends, or identifying inefficiencies in supply chains, generating actionable insights.
However, Michael cautioning that AI in this equation, will needs its environmental impact requires carefully management.
- Awareness gap: Without a clear understanding of how cybersecurity and sustainability interact, effective integration is unlikely
- Legacy systems integration: Updating outdated systems to align with sustainable and secure technologies can be both complex and costly
- Financial constraints: Limited budgets often hinder the adoption of advanced, sustainable cybersecurity solutions
These challenges underline the need for strategic investments and forward-thinking approaches to realise the full potential of this partnership.
Questions to consider
Michael outlines four key questions that organisations should ask themselves as they work to connect cybersecurity and sustainability.
First, they need to consider how they can share resources and make use of existing tools to achieve more sustainable outcomes. Another important question is how they can design and optimise data-intensive processes—such as log sources, log storage, metadata architecture, and third-party tools—to enhance efficiency.
Additionally, businesses must ask how they can remain effective in remote settings, particularly in the event of a cybersecurity incident.
Finally, organisations should evaluate whether shifting to managed security services could help reduce costs while simultaneously advancing their sustainability goals.
Forward with cybersecurity and sustainability
Capgemini’s approach to sustainable cybersecurity integrates security practices with environmental goals.
The company encourages businesses to assess their carbon footprint and align security measures with sustainability objectives.
It advocates for transitioning to energy-efficient cloud solutions, which reduce energy consumption and operational costs while enhancing cybersecurity.
Optimising incident response strategies for remote operations further reduces emissions by limiting the need for on-site interventions. Additionally, using managed security services, such as security operation centres, helps lower energy consumption through shared infrastructure and automation.
Capgemini’s strategy shows that combining cybersecurity with sustainability not only strengthens security but also reduces environmental impact.
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