technologyreseller.co.uk 39 60 SECONDS... What do you see as the key developments in cyber security this year? 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for developments in cyber security, and what I’m most looking forward to seeing is how organisations harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in automated security systems, facial detection and automatic threat detection and remediation. There is clearly a downside to AI – bad actors can use it to develop smart malware and attacks that bypass the latest security protocols. However, AI also allows us to predict attacks and notify admins of data breaches instantly, which should result in fewer successful attacks. What are your resolutions for 2023? In the business unit I manage, we have two resolutions: the first is to continue to refine and expand our cybersecurity portfolio to focus on delivering the most advanced cybersecurity solutions to our channel partners; and the second is to go through a divisional transformation, focusing on our people, our processes and our visibility in the channel, so that we become recognised as the go to distributor in the UK and EMEA for cybersecurity solutions. What was your highlight of 2022? The expansion of our cybersecurity portfolio and the signing of significant new vendors, such as eSentire, Seceon and Veeam, with more to come in 2023. It’s important for us to be at the forefront of the cybersecurity market, working with vendors that offer market-leading solutions that are disruptive and commercially viable for our channel partners. What are your IT predications for the coming year? Cybersecurity is forecast to be the biggest driver of IT spending this year, closely followed by AI and ML. In a recent report by ESG, only 3% of decision-makers were expecting their budgets for cybersecurity to shrink. An improved cybersecurity posture was cited as the top metric for proving the value of tech investment to business management. What is currently having the greatest impact on MSPs? Their inability to scale to an MSSP, an essential next step for many MSPs. Upskilling staff and investing in technology are often cited as the greatest challenges they face in making this transition. Yet, there are some amazing third-party providers out there that can help an MSP to scale in the short-term. Joining forces with other MSSPs or boutique organisations is another way of working smarter for long-term gain. Where do you see the next big opportunity? For me, the next big opportunity is supporting our channel partners to increase their awareness of the cybersecurity market and to pivot their thinking to detection and response methods. The cybercrime market is growing at an alarming rate and is now estimated to be worth $8 trillion, so there is a lot of work for us to do to get ahead of the bad guys. I have a great team of people around me – experts in the field – and together we’re looking forward to undertaking a great deal of training and enablement with channel partners throughout 2023. What’s the best bit of business advice you’ve been given? Surround yourself with skilled and knowledgeable people. I was given that tip in my first year of working within the industry and it’s the one piece of advice I like to pass on to others. If you had had a crystal ball, would you have done anything differently in life? I’ve never been one for looking back because you can’t change your past. But you can change your future, so I like to focus on the positives and embrace new challenges and opportunities that present themselves. What is your favourite quote? Richard Branson: ‘If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you’re not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later’. I’ve tried to live by that throughout my career. There have been times when I’ve thought the task is bigger than I am, but I have learnt by doing and throwing myself into something. What was your first job? Working for Bibby Route One, planning and executing drivers’ routes for countrywide deliveries. It was a great first job as it taught me a lot about strategic planning and customer service, things I’ve carried with me throughout my career. What would your dream job be? My second passion is music. During my 20s I did a lot of DJ’ing and ran some local nights in Stoke on Trent. I’ve played alongside the likes of Chase and Status, The Freestylers and Lethal Bizzle, and my tracks have been played at Creamfields and Parklife. If I hadn’t made it in this industry, I’d have definitely pursued a career in music. Favourite holiday destination? Io amo l'Italia! Or for those who aren’t fluent in Italian, I love Italy! I’ve been fortunate to travel around most of Italy and you simply can’t beat it. The people, culture, architecture, food and red wine (the most important bit!) all make for a fantastic holiday destination. How do you like to spend your spare time? My 15-month-old son, Teddy, takes up most of my spare time but when I do get time to myself, I enjoy reading, being with the family and keeping active by hitting the gym or climbing a mountain. I’m currently training to tackle an 18-day trek to Mount Everest Basecamp in November, so there’s no let-up in keeping fit. Dominic Ryles, Director of Sales and Commercial – Security, Exertis Enterprise 60 seconds with... Dominic Ryles For me, the next big opportunity is supporting our channel partners to increase their awareness of the cybersecurity market and to pivot their thinking to detection and response methods
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