The extent of the cybersecurity skills gap is well documented but how to most effectively bridge the chasm remains a far less chronicled issue.
According to David Ellis, VP Security and Mobility Solutions for Europe at Tech Data, a drive for all-level education is key, from distributor support through to forging links with education establishments.
"The collective channel should align with universities for example, and work more closely on programmes in terms of graduate recruitment and apprenticeships," he said. "The lack of skills in the channel needs addressing.
"Another big question is how resellers can gain a low cost of entry with reduced risk levels. This is a common challenge for partners who are juggling core business but want to do new things. How do they keep the plates spinning?"
Ellis said Tech Data is busy providing academy services and training to educate the channel and customers, giving partners a leg up to the high growth security market where the SMB space has become a focal point.
"The security channel has traditionally focused on the enterprise, but there's a growing appetite and need to address the SMB market," he said. "Whether a two or 2,000 person company, hackers are looking for weaknesses, and if there's a weakness there's a risk. It's important for SMBs to secure their infrastructure."
Ellis highlighted key opportunities for managed UC providers to offer security, and equally important opportunities for providers of managed security to overlay an existing infrastructure.
"It's key for customers to buy a service and a business outcome rather than a technology," added Ellis.