Security: Threats Mean Opportunity

No matter what the economic condition we find ourselves in, security remains an area that companies of all sizes continue to invest in.  And with very good reason — with every technological advancement comes a new security risk (and a new opportunity for VARs). Here’s why.

It seems that almost every day, there is some new threat or attack that is bringing systems down, email accounts to a complete standstill, and just causing overall havoc to companies.  Take a look at the recent Conficker worm which targeted Windows operating systems and infected more than five million computers.

And Conficker is just one case. In fact, cyber-security has become so prominent, the president allocated funds earlier this year as part of the economic stimulus package to promote tighter security in the private sector.

So if it is keeping the president up at night, it definitely should keep VARs awake as well. VARs today need stay one step ahead and help their customers protect themselves against various security risks.

First things first, VARs need to have open communication with their customers at all time and always keep in the mind following:

• Work with your customer to conduct a security assessment
• Identify critical information to develop offerings to address their needs
• Consider tailoring security solutions for each customer
• Evolve with them as their security needs broaden, which means you will need to constantly assess their security environment

Issues pertaining to security deeply resonate with just about everybody.  We have all lost time at work, or have had heartbreaking losses when a virus strikes our personal IT equipment.  But, the ever evolving dangers of security threats present an immense opportunity with VARs.  Helping protect a customer and ensuring their business is not derailed by an attack fosters immeasurable good will and helps catapult you to being top-of-mind for all IT service work.

Peter Cannone is the CEO of OnForce a trusted national network that provides access to onsite IT and CE service technicians, connecting service demand with local supply through an online marketplace. OnForce just celebrated its one millionth work order milestone. Guest blog entries such as this one are contributed on a monthly basis as part of The VAR Guy’s 2009 sponsorship program.