TOULOUSE, France, November 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

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CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) continues to strengthen its global security capabilities to address the evolving IT security needs of its clients by opening a new security operations center (SOC) in Toulouse, France. The new center helps clients better manage the security of their IT systems and detect and effectively respond to and remedy security incidents, all while solidifying CGI's position as a cybersecurity leader and innovator.

Cyber attacks on organizations' IT systems are increasing in number and complexity. In its annual report made public in September, France's national cybersecurity agency, the ANSSI, noted a 50% rise in reports of IT security incidents in 2015. Both governments and corporations are becoming more aware of the need to transform their current security systems and are taking steps to enhance their monitoring and response capabilities.

According to the CGI Global 1000 outlook, business and technology leaders across industries cite security as the number two global trend to address within their organizations, which includes adopting practices and technologies that:

• Modernize industrial information systems to strengthen security
• Adapt to agile approaches for integrating security mechanisms into plans and projects
• Prepare for upcoming enforcement, whereby beginning in 2018, European regulations will require companies to implement continuous monitoring to ensure individuals are notified in the event of a data leak
• Integrate security into the expanding adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), which is increasing the number of connected devices
• Increase connectivity of Industrial Control Systems
• Manage the growing pressure from users and businesses to adopt the identification and authentication services offered by social media companies
  

The new France SOC is part of CGI's expanding network of SOCs around the world, with each SOC focused on countering today's increasing security threats and challenges. The new SOC delivers a full range of operational IT security services.

"The opening of our first SOC in France is a pivotal milestone in the evolution of our cybersecurity services as we strive to meet clients' increasing and changing security demands," said Jean-Michel Baticle, President of CGI's operations in France, Luxemburg and Morocco. "It's a demonstration of our commitment to help clients navigate the complexity of today's security environment and implement the right solutions to keep their organizations and customers safe."

"Security is a top priority for our clients, according to the results of the 2016-2017 CGI Global 1000 outlook," said Laurent Gerin, Vice-President of CGI's Center of Excellence for Digital Transformation - Industrialization & Innovation, who oversees the new SOC. "In fact, 62% of clients consider security to be evolving from a reactive and defensive need to a key competitive differentiator within their value proposition, and it is no longer 'business as usual' when it comes to enterprise security. Our new SOC in France plays a vital role in helping clients increase their security focus, investment and success."

To learn more about CGI's security operations centers, watch this video.

About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is the fifth largest independent information technology and business process services firm in the world. Approximately 68,000 professionals serve thousands of global clients from offices and delivery centers across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, leveraging a comprehensive portfolio of services, including high-end business and IT consulting, systems integration, application development and maintenance, infrastructure management, as well as 150 IP-based services and solutions. With annual revenue in excess of C$10 billion and an order backlog exceeding C$20 billion, CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Website: http://www.cgi.com.

Investors and media : Lorne Gorber, Executive Vice-President, Global Communications and Investor Relations, lorne.gorber@cgi.com, +1-514-841-3355 ; Media : Audrey Le Carour, Director, Communications, France, presse.fr@cgi.com , +0-11-33-1-57-87-47-02

SOURCE CGI Group Inc.