INTELLIGENT CLOUD
Four key pointers for partners getting into managed security services
Channel partners need to build on resources , partnering , cloud , role play , as they enter managed security services , advises Tarek Jundi at Intel Security .
Over the last couple of years , between the spate of high profile cyber-attacks , the resulting focus on security and the uptake of cloud and IoT , enterprises in the Middle East have realised the only way to safeguard against cyber threats is to deploy cloud-first , integrated security solutions that address entire threat defense lifecycle .
While this makes perfect sense in principle , the reality is that few organisations have resources and the technical know-how to deploy and manage a robust security solution across enterprise networks . To address this security gap , more and more organisations are turning to managed security service providers .
In fact , according to a 2015 Infonetics research report titled Cloud and CPE Managed Security Services , the demand for managed security services is growing at double digit figures and is expected to reach close to $ 20 billion globally by 2019 .
Global IT research firm Gartner , defines managed security services as remote monitoring or management of IT security functions delivered via shared services from remote security operations centers and not through personnel on-site .
For inclusion within Gartner ’ s managed security service provider criteria , players must be able to remotely monitor and manage , through shared service delivery , firewalls , intrusion detection prevention devices from multiple vendors and have security operation centres in multiple locations , among other requirements .
So , what are some of the key success factors that channel partners should consider when embarking on this managed security service providers journey ?
Talent gap
1 Talent shortage in the Middle East and
globally for that matter , particularly in the security space , is a topic of discussion . In fact , by 2017 , reports suggest that there will be a shortage of 2 million cybersecurity professionals skilled in analytics and forensics . The limited resource availability directly translates to weak security protection levels within an organisation and the net result is longer lead times for protection , detection and correction .
While this is one of the main drivers for organisations , when choosing to partner with managed security service providers , the onus now falls on them to bridge this talent gap .
Competing against security vendors for talent could be an effort in futility . Channel
34 Issue 03 INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS