Discussion about a cybersecurity framework for MSPs and technology solutions providers will emerge at this week's ConnectWise IT Nation Connect 2018 conference in Orlando, Florida.
The cybersecurity framework, leveraging some pioneering legwork by NIST, features standards, guidelines, and best practices to manage cybersecurity-related risk.
The framework will grab the spotlight during an IT Nation Connect 2018 panel discussion on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in room Orlando M. The panel, titled Key Starting Points for Managed Cybersecurity Services, will feature:
- ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini;
- MITRE Corp. Chief Engineer Harry Perper
- Apex IT Group CEO George Mach
- Sienna Group CEO John Ford
- MSSP Alert is scheduled to moderate the panel
Reframing the Managed Security Services Discussion
Much of the managed security industry has been discussing the journey from MSP to MSSP. But this panel will reframe the conversation -- focusing on how attendees can discuss and address risk mitigation for customers.
That journey, the panelists will assert, requires a Rosetta Stone-type approach that ensures vendors, partners and customers are all speaking the same cybersecurity language. In other words, a standard framework for cybersecurity is required for partner and customer success.
ConnectWise has made several cybersecurity-related moves ahead of the conference -- including the recent Perch Security investment; along with integrations to Cylance and Foresite. Bellini and several of his lieutenants have been huddling with MSSPs, MSPs and CISOs in private gatherings to further shape the company's cyber-partner strategy.
Bellini's overall goal: Help partners to automate much of their cybersecurity work, thereby avoiding talent and technology costs that many small businesses can't afford.
Managed Security Business Guides
Multiple MSP-friendly technology vendors and distributors have been developing managed security services guides and frameworks for partners. For instance, Continuum unveiled a managed security business planning guide for MSPs during that company's Navigate conference in September. And Ingram Micro recently vowed to develop a cybersecurity business guide for partners, based on the NIST framework. The 2112 Group is assisting Ingram Micro with that effort.
