Partners are helping organisations streamline complex security environments: Cisco

Cisco 2025 Cybersecurity readiness index highlights major deficits in an organisation’s defences.

As cyber threats continue to ramp up, channel partners are stepping in to help end-users streamline their complex security environments, according to a new Cisco report.

In Cisco’s 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, it highlighted only 3 percent have achieved the 'mature' level of readiness required to effectively withstand today’s cybersecurity threats.

To counteract these deficiencies, Rodney Hamill, director, ANZ Partner Organisation, Cisco told CRN Australia how the channel is key to improving end-user cybersecurity.

“With only 3 percent of Australian organisations reaching 'Mature' readiness, partners act as trusted advisors, helping businesses untangle complex security issues and stay flexible as threats evolve,” he said.

“They bring local expertise and long-term relationships that really build trust, ensuring solutions are tailored to each customer—whether it's a mid-market company or an SMB.”

Cybersecurity preparedness remains low due to hyperconnectivity and AI bringing new complexities for security practitioners, according to the report.

Hamill explained how the channel is providing solutions for filling critical resource gaps.

“As businesses grapple with complex security infrastructures and numerous solutions slowing their response to threats, we are seeing channel partners stepping in to streamline these environments,” he said.

“Through managed services, technical expertise, and ongoing training, they are extending internal security teams and aiding clients in maturing their cybersecurity posture.”

AI has impacted cybersecurity by escalating threat levels, the Cisco report noted that 82 percent of organisations were affected by AI-related security incidents last year.

With more employees using GenAI tools, 18 percent have unrestricted access to public GenAI and two thirds of IT teams have no idea about their employee interactions with GenAI, underscoring major oversight challenges.

As AI is reshaping the threat landscape at speed, Hamill noted that partners have a key role to play in helping customers stay ahead of it.

“The 2025 Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index shows that many organisations are still grappling with the risks of GenAI and lack confidence in detecting unregulated AI use,” he said.

“Channel partners are addressing this by supporting responsible AI adoption and guiding customers on both managing and monitoring AI across their environments.

“By advocating for AI-driven security tools like Cisco AI Defense, partners can help businesses detect, respond to, and recover from threats, enabling them to pursue AI initiatives with confidence.”

Hamill said channel leaders need to be proactive by embracing cybersecurity specialisation, positioning themselves as a valuable asset to customers facing in-house talent shortages.

To stay ahead, channel leaders must focus on building a robust identity security strategy with Zero Trust, leveraging AI to detect risks in real time,” he explained.

“In addition, there is a need for channel partners to move beyond partial security models, as AI continues to push local businesses to act quickly on network resilience.”