Q & A
EDITOR ’ S
SAMER EL KODSI , CHANNEL SALES DIRECTOR , EMERGING MARKETS , EMEA , PALO ALTO NETWORKS
With the massive technological innovation over the years , the cybersecurity sector has had to adapt and create new solutions for better safety of people and organisations . About 20 years ago , an organisation ’ s data was behind corporate headquarters but now people have immediate access
Channel partners must evolve their strategies as per the latest technologies and innovations .
to data from the cloud through laptops , tablets and other devices . Because we now have data everywhere – it is important to shift from the ‘ layered defence model ’ to the ‘ zero trust model ’, which is the ability to microsegment parts of your data or network environment and apply visibility and control . With the zero trust model , you can microsegment all your critical assets including machine , server or endpoint from the rest of the network with full visibility and available controls .
Channel partners need to integrate threat intelligence natively , protect against known and unknown threats , implement automation , deliver persistent protection , and provide full visibility into activity on the network , endpoint and cloud .
With solution providers and systems integrators facing a number of challenges
when it comes to endpoint security , it is important for them to understand that cybercrime has evolved immensely , making advanced and highly evasive threats more accessible and common . There are many challenges that both organisations and solution providers face when identifying and preventing threats such as the threat marketplace , inadequate defences and open-source vulnerabilities .
Having the wrong endpoint security solution can compromise your safety , leaving your clients vulnerable to threats and can undo the work that has gone into securing the network . As a general rule , channel partners must evolve their strategies as per the latest technologies and innovations because Digital Transformation is now becoming a huge player in successful channel partnerships .
As the technology sector is advancing greatly , the knowledge and interest to learn about security is high in today ’ s generation . It is important to offer attractive opportunities to help foster and develop young talent . Palo Alto Networks is offering an interactive learning programme , Cyber A . C . E . S , which equips children aged 5 to 15 with cybersecurity knowledge on how to protect their digital future . We also offer a wider cyber academy programme for local universities to integrate into their curriculum and thus educate students on new cybersecurity principles and practices .
That said , solution providers and systems integrators need to be aware that there is a mindset shift moving from the layered defence model to a zero trust model , and there will be a growing requirement for Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) and automation skills in cybersecurity .
Given that most organisations are promoting remote working and adopting hybrid work models , channel partners need to factor in several considerations and scenarios when developing a comprehensive endpoint security management policy .
Clearly , the pandemic has altered the ways of living , working and doing business , forever . With the adoption of remote or hybrid work models , channel partners need to work closely with CIOs , CISOs or IT heads of organisations and have full visibility into remote user activity . Rather than only investing in point solutions , channel partners need to help their clients to consider security platforms to maximise integration between systems . •
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS 53