News in the Channel - issue #24

PARTNER ECOSYSTEMS IN CYBERSECURITY

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AI allows us to see where data is proliferating, where it lives and how it can be managed most effectively based on what

need for robust, integrated cybersecurity.

security and competitive pricing, ensuring that organisations get the best protection without unnecessary complexity or cost. The advent of AI AI is also shaping up to be a major component of cybersecurity. Forget the tools, such as ChatGPT, that have captured so much of the public imagination. AI, in the context of cybersecurity, has the potential to transform how data centres are built. Hyperscalers and major infrastructure players can’t build data centres fast enough because AI is crunching so much data. And, with the rise in the mobile workforce, the amount of data on the move is increasing exponentially. That means more vulnerabilities to exploit. Thankfully, AI provides a smarter way to protect data and is accelerating organisations’ ability to ringfence sensitive information. AI allows us to see where data is proliferating, where it lives and how it can be managed most effectively based on what is created in the back end rather than the customer-facing front end. Not to mention the vast opportunities offered by AI-enabled automation. When it comes to partner ecosystems, therefore, baking AI in from the beginning makes a lot of sense. Ultimately, these delicate networks of partners all contribute to a broader cybersecurity mission, enabling every participant to enjoy the best security and at the best price.

Bolstering cybersecurity Even the most secure organisations can be vulnerable to breaches. Common issues such as weak Active Directory configurations, lack of two- or three-factor authentication, and inconsistent patching remain significant threats. Recent examples, like those involving Microsoft and CrowdStrike, show that even highly reputable organisations can face security failures when there are gaps in technology integration. This highlights the importance of seamless collaboration between security vendors. No single company or technology can address every aspect of cybersecurity on its own. When organisations integrate their technologies and work together, they create stronger, more cohesive solutions that reduce vulnerabilities. This is where alliances and partnerships become critical. By collaborating, vendors can help ensure their technologies not only work well individually but also integrate effectively with others, offering customers comprehensive protection. For customers, it’s not just about whether solutions work together – it’s also about receiving the best value and total cost of ownership. In cybersecurity, price competitiveness matters, but it should never compromise quality or functionality. By partnering, vendors can deliver strong

is created in the back end

rather than the customer-facing front end.

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