2020 saw every type of business move online, in turn, 2021 — predictably — saw a rise in just about every type of cyberattack. According to a 2022 report by SonicWall, IoT malware went up by 6%, intrusion attacks by 11%, ransomware by 105% and encrypted threats by 167%. Cybersecurity in 2022 comes with challenges unseen in the threat landscape as recently as five years ago.

It’s no surprise, then, that cybersecurity will be top-of-mind at the Ingram Micro Cloud Summit 2022. The event, to be held in Miami May 17 to 19, will feature keynotes from tech and channel leaders, including Microsoft’s Rodney King and VMware’s Sandy Hogan, as well as 60-plus breakout sessions on relevant topics in today’s fast-paced tech world. On May 19, cybersecurity will take center stage in one of the breakout sessions — Cyber Talks: Building a Strong, Scalable Cybersecurity Practice.

The successful cybersecurity practice of today is a different beast than it used to be. Increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals, emerging technologies such as edge and IoT, and a much broader attack surface thanks to the work-from-anywhere movement have combined to significantly ratchet up the complexity of the threat landscape.

To protect businesses, solution providers need to deliver more than just products. They also need to provide a gamut of services — from end-user training and vulnerability assessments to virtual CISOs and managed detection and response (MDR) — especially to small and midsize companies that don’t have the resources to build their own self-contained security teams.

Here are some key offerings that today’s cybersecurity practitioners should have on their line cards:

Cybersecurity Assessments.

No end user anywhere should be spending money on cybersecurity solutions until they know exactly what they need. A qualified solution provider can help business customers identify their weaknesses and vulnerabilities by prioritizing IT assets and assessing the risk factors for each. A thorough assessment should consider a number of factors, including the overall threat landscape, an organization’s cloud footprint, the value of its assets, the sensitivity of its data and its current and planned vulnerability management controls. It’s becoming common practice to give businesses a cybersecurity score, a numerical value that quantifies its overall level of risk.

Managed IT Services.

For resource strapped SMBs especially, these services can cover the basics of cybersecurity, including antivirus, DNS filtering, firewall monitoring and anti-malware. By making higher-level programs available — those that offer regular security reviews, for example — partners can cater to a broader array of customers.

End User Training and Education.

It’s been well-documented that, aside from cybercriminals, employees pose one of the greatest cybersecurity risks to an organization. With a lack of knowledge about the types of risks that exist, and how to respond appropriately to them, in-the-dark staffers have cost many businesses in the way of compromised data, assets and reputation. For companies that don’t have the resources to train and educate users themselves, a solution provider can reduce risk by setting up training sessions, distributing educational materials and running “drills” — for example, deploying tools that send mock phishing e-mails and monitoring user response.

Virtual CISO Services.

Large organizations often have the benefit of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) — an in-house expert who oversees network defense and guides cybersecurity strategy. For businesses without a CISO, solution providers can play that role “virtually,” as remote, on-demand consultants whose job is to enhance a company’s existing cybersecurity program or build a new one from the ground up. Offering customizable vCISO services allows end users to address specific cybersecurity problems, keep security projects on track or develop an overarching security plan. Specific tasks include aligning cybersecurity plans with business goals, reducing overall risk exposure, securing sensitive data and improving regulatory compliance.

Managed Detection and Response (MDR).

For organizations that can’t afford their own Security Operations Center (SOC), hiring a solution provider for MDR services can deliver peace of mind. MDR software watches for anomalies in real time, leveraging threat intelligence, advanced analytics, and human expertise to alert users of potential threats, investigate incidents, and respond to questionable activity swiftly and efficiently.

By offering these and other security services, including incident response, vendor risk management, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) and policy creation, solution providers can fill in the gaps for customers that don’t have the cash, staff or expertise to build out a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. For partners, spinning up a high-caliber, scalable cybersecurity practice can lead to a well-rounded, satisfied customer base and a steady stream of predictable revenue.

Interested in learning more about managed services that can support your business? Download our End User Report – a valuable resource designed to help you understand, explore and implement cloud computing solutions for business just like yours.