Accenture Bets on OT Cybersecurity With $4.175B Investment Accenture has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Dragos and full ownership of runZero and NetRise to create an end-to-end operational technology cybersecurity platform. The transaction expands the company's presence in critical infrastructure protection as AI-driven threats, geopolitical risks, and industrial digitalization increase demand for OT security solutions. Accenture is making one of the largest investments in the Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity market, agreeing to acquire a majority stake in Dragos and 100% of runZero and NetRise in a transaction valued at US$4.175 billion. The move expands Accenture's cybersecurity business beyond services and into software platforms focused on protecting critical infrastructure and industrial operations. The transaction combines Dragos' OT threat detection capabilities with runZero's asset intelligence and exposure assessment technology, as well as NetRise's software supply chain and firmware security capabilities. According to Accenture, the combined platform is designed to provide visibility, threat detection, and response across industrial control systems, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, sensors, cloud-connected assets, and other operational technology environments that support power grids, pipelines, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, water systems, and data centers. "The addition of Dragos, complemented by runZero and NetRise, fills this important need," says Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO, Accenture. "We are confident Dragos' differentiated OT platform will accelerate our growth in the critical infrastructure and industrial operations markets, driving long-term shareholder value through scaled adoption of advanced cybersecurity capabilities." The announcement reflects a broader shift in cybersecurity spending as enterprises and governments increase attention on OT environments. While cybersecurity budgets have traditionally prioritized information technology systems, Accenture argues that the convergence of AI, connected industrial assets, and geopolitical tensions is expanding the attack surface for critical infrastructure operators. The company views this trend as creating a market opportunity that extends beyond consulting services