Illumio, the zero-trust segmentation provider, is now working with MSPs for the launch of its new MSP partner program. It aims to help SMBs reduce the risk of suffering from ransomware attacks and other breaches.

Illumio launched the partner program with multiple MSP partners, including FusionTek and Straight Edge Technology.

MSPs that partner with Illumio can:

Addressing MSPs’ Challenges

John Ryan is Illumio‘s vice president of Americas channel sales.

Illumio’s John Ryan

“With the Illumio MSP program, we wanted to ensure simplicity across deployment, usage, management and procurement,” he said. “Many members from Illumio’s team who designed this program come from an MSP background. So we deeply understand and empathize with the challenges MSPs face. That’s why we built this program with ease of use in mind. We wanted to be accessible to MSPs and ultimately customers.”

Last year showed how catastrophic ransomware attacks can be, especially for SMBs, Ryan said. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security found that 50-70% of ransomware attacks target small businesses. They struggle to recuperate and resume their business operations after they’ve been hit.

“That’s in part why awareness around zero trust has skyrocketed over the past year, especially among SMBs,” he said. “On a foundational level, Illumio’s passion for bringing zero-trust architecture to SMBs, on top of the growing market demand, prompted the development of our MSP program. Many businesses are also turning to zero trust strategies to better navigate the new normal of working in hybrid and multicloud environments. However, we are not yet seeing widespread deployment of zero trust architecture amongst SMBs.”

Through its partnerships, Illumio aims to provide that infrastructure and help SMBs make progress on their security goals, Ryan said.

“One of the best ways to enable that progress is by working hand in hand with our MSP partners,” he said.

Zero Trust Strategy Daunting for SMBs

Designing and implementing a zero trust strategy can be daunting, especially for small businesses, Ryan said. MSPs can help break down barriers to adoption, particularly for SMBs.

“Illumio’s approach to zero-trust segmentation helps organizations take incremental steps to implement their security controls — meaning they can make progress quickly,” he said.,

While zero trust can’t be achieved with one technology or vendor alone, segmentation is a key pillar of any zero trust architecture, Ryan said.

“With Illumio, our partners are better equipped to attract new customers and help them act on their security goals to ultimately prevent breaches from becoming cyber disasters,” he said.

Doug Miller is Straight Edge Technology‘s CEO.

“Illumio Edge fills a gap in our offerings and adds a necessary layer of security for our customers,” he said. “The solution provides visibility into endpoint network usage and allows us to not only see where we can tighten up endpoint traffic, but also proactively prevent lateral movement, both of which are critical for cyber resilience today.”