KPMG to double security numbers

Auditor looking to grow further with three acquisition targets in its sights

Malcolm Marshall: Cyber security is an area prioritised for appropriate spending by government

KPMG is to more than double its presence in the UK IT security space to match rising demand among large enterprise and government clients.

The 'Big Four' auditor aims to boost its IT security headcount from 75 to 200 by 2012.

Since late last year KPMG has made two security acquisitions, DNV IT Global Services and I-4, and poached almost 30 security staff from the likes of PwC, Deloitte, Symantec, Barclays, Goldman Sachs, and Computacenter.

Malcolm Marshall, partner at KPMG, told CRN that the company is in talks with three more acquisition targets.

“We didn’t see any decline in demand for security services after the credit crunch,” he said. “In fact, we saw an increase. There is scope for us to move from traditional consulting into services-type delivery.”

Among the new hires is Craig Pollard, who joins from CESG in the role of principal advisor. His remit is to boost KPMG’s government IT security business, which accounts for about a tenth of its security business.

Marshall said: “The indications from government are that while cyber security will not be immune from careful cost management, it is an area prioritised for appropriate spending.”

Security VAR Pentura recently launched a consultancy arm. Managing director Steve Smith appeared unfazed by KPMG’s security assault.

“Finance and government clients are fed up with the Big Four riding on the back of their reputations and charging high levels of consulting rates,” he said. “They are not getting back what they expect in consultancy levels.”

However, Marshall said: “We have a responsibility to package services in a way that demonstrates to government clients and the treasury that they are getting value for money.”