As part of its plans to support channels moving in Security-as-a-Service, distributor Tech Data has signed up Information Security Hub (ISH) to offer cybersecurity competency and training. ISH is the cybersecurity expert for Munich Airport and aims to bring real-life experience and expertise from this role into its education programmes.
During the second half of 2019, Tech Data plans to launch a “partner transformation program” to enable customers wanting to remodel their businesses from selling traditional technology into becoming “Security-as-a-Service” providers. This will offer Tech Data’s Practice Builder methodology, its digital platforms, and portfolio of products, solutions and services. The program aims to be a highly consultative process that guides and supports channel partners on their journey.
Through the ISH agreement, Tech Data customers will be able to develop new cybersecurity technical skills and practice them in simulated cyberattacks. The ISH cybersecurity courses will cover topics including incident detection, analysis and response, business continuity management, and information security management.
David Ellis, vice president, security and mobility solutions, Europe, at Tech Data said, “The industry-wide cybersecurity skills shortage has been well publicized, and with the addition of ISH courses to our portfolio, our MSP and other channel partners are ideally positioned to help end-customers deal with this ever-growing issue. The training and education programs that we are developing with ISH allow partners and end-customers to experience a simulated cyberattack and provide a safe space to hone their skills. With this initiative, we are helping our partners to accelerate their transformation journeys to building their own specialist security practices.”
Marc Lindike, head of cyber defence at Munich Airport, ISH, said: “This initiative shows that Tech Data recognizes the important role IT resellers can play in helping their customers address constantly evolving cyber threats. Tech Data and ISH are looking forward to helping channel partners develop the expertise needed to become trusted partners in the field of information security – as a managed security services provider or as an enabler for client evolution.”
As part of a broader range of activities aimed at the MSP and Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) market, Tech Data will host a security summit on Nov. 14, 2019, at the ISH Munich Airport Cyber Range facility. This event is aimed at partners interested in growing their managed security and SOC service offerings and will include attack simulation demonstrations and discussions on how IT channel partners can develop their service portfolio to maximise opportunities in this high-growth sector.