News in the Channel - issue #33

COMPLIANCE AS A SERVICE

their portfolio, there are ways to get into it. For instance, MSPs often manage the core data required for compliance activities such as IT infrastructure information, user data and key processes. “Where the MSP is established as a partner, the customer will recognise the MSP as a potential provider for CaaS, with the ability to deliver efficiently based on business and process knowledge,” says Zahid Khimji, co-founder at Klyk. “Designing CaaS can also be part of broader governance, risk and compliance offerings. This can fit within fractional and subscription services offered by MSPs.” Karl Bagci, head of information security at Exclaimer, says that the key is to work smarter, not harder. “CaaS integrates naturally with existing IT and security offerings, so look at where services can be built out,” he says. “In the same vein, compliance automation tools can reduce manual workload, and speed up the overall process. Finally, look at developing critical recurring services like policy management, control monitoring, and audit prep, to help adhere to initial compliance and accelerate updates in-line with new or refreshed frameworks.” Max sees that resellers have three main entry points into providing CaaS. “Compliance providers, which act as full-service compliance consultants and offer audits, documentation, training and support; MSPs with a compliance partner, which work with a dedicated compliance firm and focuses on implementation and support; and a hybrid MSP who offers IT and compliance services in- house,” he says. “Resellers should select the frameworks they specialise in (SOC2, HIPAA, ISO 27001); identify their target industries and use platforms that streamline and outsource service delivery.” Offering CaaS can also enhance trust, adds Kevin. “Today, prospects and partners expect more than just a certificate on a website,” he says. “They want transparency. This means easy access to

verified security documentation and audit results. If organisations can selectively share this information with customers, regulators or partners, then relationships can be strengthened. Implementing real-time trust centres not only reassures stakeholders but can accelerate sales cycles by removing uncertainty and proving alignment with security best practices.” Ross adds that resellers can build on existing managed services, layering in compliance with frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR or NIS 2. “By partnering with established compliance platforms, they can benefit from clear pathways, reporting and auditor-ready templates,” he says. “It’s important to focus on scalable, repeatable processes across multiple clients rather than ad-hoc consultancy, which is where a compliance platform offers real value.” CaaS conversations When talking to customers about CaaS, there are various facets that resellers should highlight. Ryan Swann, founder of RiskSmart, notes that it is important to keep it simple. “Businesses want to know compliance doesn’t have to be a headache,” he says. “The big points to get across are that automation cuts down the manual work, the service grows with them, expert frameworks keep them on the right side of regulations, and it’s cheaper than doing it all in-house. Framing it as something that helps them grow, not just a cost, really lands.” Zahid sees three key focus areas for resellers: confidence, risk management and business growth. “Firstly, with confidence both internal and external trust,” he says. “Having the peace of mind that regulatory requirements have been identified and are being adhered with. With risk management the ability to identify, manage and remediate risks through defined processes and team awareness. Finally, there is clear linkage

Contributors

Ian Ashworth

qualys.com

Zahid Khimji

helloklyk.com

Karl Bagci

exclaimer.com

Ryan Swann

risksmart.com

CONTINUED