From automation to implementation of new tools and consulting, IT channel partners can help CISOs meet the new challenges of cybersecurity. Having the right allies is essential to face growing security threats.
IT channel plays an important role in supporting the CISOs to overcome its main weaknesses. There are great opportunities for partners to connect these managers with new and innovative tools and serve as trusted advisors that not only help them keep up with the proliferation of cyberthreats, but also ensure that they generate value.
In this scenario, these are the main challenges that these managers face and how the IT channel can help them overcome them.
Time to keep up
There is no doubt how important CISOs are to their organizations in protecting networks and empowering workers in the face of rapid digital transformation. However, they increasingly have more responsibilities and little time.
Added to this is another added stress factor since, when an infraction occurs, the responsibility falls on them. Yet around three-fifths of CISOs have been fired or resigned due to a major security incident under their watch.
The increasing levels of cyberattacks and resource scarcitys mean that even security leaders with the largest teams cannot escape the daily challenges of security activities.
This leads to many CISOs having been too busy fighting fires for more strategic activities, while those working in smaller organizations have fewer opportunities to strategize and plan.
Finding the right solutions and strategies
In addition to overseeing critical security activities such as threat response and vulnerability management, CISOs are also under enormous pressure to keep abreast of the latest developments.
Security managers are often caught in a vicious cycle, with technology and inefficient processes that cause their teams to spend much of their time manually dealing with tactical issues. With little time available, they do not have the opportunity to develop their strategies or investigate more efficient solutions.
IT channel partners help CISOs choose the best solutions and ensure they are optimized
This is where IT channel partners can step up as “solution connectors”, giving CISOs access to the latest technology they need to combat threats. With more tools automatedthey can spend more time developing their knowledge and skills.
Organizations often implement new solutions to meet compliance needs, but are unable to properly manage and use them. While they meet their security goals on paper, much of the investment ends up being wasted. This also leads to bloated security stacks, as companies have an average of 20 different security tools, and some have more than 50 to manage.
IT channel partners can provide valuable information to help CISOs choose the best solutions for their needs, complete the implementation process, and ensure that these solutions are fully optimized.
The value of the IT channel
Given the rapid evolution and growth of cyber threats, it is increasingly important that CISOs rely on the experience of their partners, which is why they play a key role in the most strategic decisions that CISOs make. As trusted advisors, they can guide their clients on how to align security with broader business objectives.
Busier CISOs are less likely to invest in the most innovative security solutions
Do the right investments in security it requires partners who truly understand the business goals, as well as the risks they face.
Busier CISOs are also less likely to invest in the latest and most innovative security solutions. 75% of security managers say they are more likely to choose a solution from a well-known brand than invest in new solutions.
The IT channel can do a lot to help these time-pressed managers get out of their comfort zone and learn that the safest bet is not always the best.
The key here is to back up your statements with independent validation from other users. This means lining up relevant references, case studies, and contacts from the same industry.
Closing the skills gap
The cybersecurity sector has a deep skills gap and an estimated global shortage of 3.4 million professionals.
MSPs, managed service providers, can be invaluable here, allowing clients access to trained and experienced professionals, such as SOC teams, when they need them. MSPs who specialize in training and upskilling their professionals will be able to offer immediate support when it comes to security emergencies and long-term value by giving their clients time to work on their own skills.
As trusted advisors, MSPs can directly share knowledge and training, as well as support against immediate threats.
Thus, 75% of CISOs state that their directory is aligned with their security needs. So, hopefully, once these managers have time to properly research and understand new security innovations, they should have a receptive audience to invest in the future of their organization’s security.
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