Successful channel alliances are essential to contemporary IT security. Channel partners can assist in bridging the knowledge, technological, and resource gaps that CISOs deal with on a regular basis.
Cyber risk increases along with the business attack surface as a result of the much-needed digital transformation. In order to assist firms bolster their defenses, channel partners are essential.
It simply takes one fortuitous break for threat actors to inflict serious financial and reputational harm. However, the security staff needs to be constantly on the lookout for indications of intrusion.
Many CISOs are experiencing burnout as a result of juggling these difficulties with significant skills shortages and a vendor landscape that is becoming more complex every year.
In order to strengthen defenses and offer assistance during periods of cyber disruption, this is where efficient channel partnerships really shine.
In summary, reselling software and services is only one aspect of the contemporary IT security channel.
How Cybersecurity Professionals Can Benefit from the Channel
Instead of taking action, a lot of corporate security teams end up reacting. Even companies with large IT resources and a strong security posture find it difficult to limit risk on an expanding attack surface that two-thirds of them acknowledge is “spiraling out of control.”
With an anticipated three-quarters (75%) of firms experiencing at least one assault in 2024, ransomware remains the top threat.
At the same time, a lot of businesses are having trouble finding and keeping talent. According to the most recent estimates, there is a 4.8 million practitioner shortage worldwide, including 93,000 in the UK and more than half a million in the US.
It should come as no surprise that the majority of CISOs are afraid about a significant cyberattack.
Joe Turner, global director of research and business development at IT channel analyst Context, says that this is where channel partners come in.
“Channel partners frequently possess industry expertise, so they are able to identify the “best in class” solutions for their clients and can suggest and implement the appropriate solution,” he told Infosecurity.
Additionally, they usually have solid ties with vendors and possess a thorough grasp of the product and its proper implementation, saving customers from having to spend a lot of money training in-house teams on a given solution.
Channel players may assist by offering customized solutions aimed at resolving particular business issues for clients, said Christina Decker, director of strategic channels, Europe at Trend Micro.
She told Infosecurity, “They also assist by using automation and AI to improve efficiency and lower operating costs for clients.”
Business Types for IT Security Channels
The route for IT security is not a monolith. It can be divided into a number of separate business categories, such as:
MSSPs, or managed security service providers
Security services including compliance reporting and detection and response are managed by MSSPs. According to Context data provided with Infosecurity, demand for “managed services” has grown 8.5% year-over-year (YoY) in 2024, reflecting a strong increase from the SMB sector.
Conclusion
Beyond reselling, successful channel alliances are crucial for modern cybersecurity because they offer vital resources, technology, and knowledge that help businesses bolster their defenses.
While choosing the correct partner necessitates careful analysis, comprehending the significance of channel alliances is essential to overcome CISO problems. Prioritize partners who have demonstrated vendor credentials rather than just those with security experience.
This combination raises the possibility of a safe and successful implementation while guaranteeing competence.
