emt adds cybersecurity awareness solutions to portfolio

Cybersecurity specialist distie emt Distribution has formed an agreement with the Australian Layer 8 Security to offer a suite of security awareness solutions that use progressive training techniques to improve human response to cyber attacks.

Layer 8 Security developed the first fully measurable Security Behaviour Framework and Cyber Escape Room training adventures in Australia, New Zealand and Asia as part of its security awareness suite.

These address the shortcomings of traditional security awareness training programmes which typically tick a compliance box without effectively preventing cyber attacks.

"Security awareness training should be more than an annual one-size-fits-all computer-based training course and a simulated social engineering attack," says layer 8 Security CEO and founder Robert de Haan.

"To truly address the human dimension of cyber risk prevention, measurements of each individuals' attitude, behaviour, culture and knowledge must be taken into account.

Layer 8 Security's Security Behaviour Framework employs a cyclical model of assessment, education, reinforcement, and measurement.

"Our framework has helped our customers change behaviours within their organisations and reduce the damage caused by cyber criminals, malware infections and phishing attacks by up to 90%," adds de Haan.

Layer 8 Security's Cyber Escape Room training adventures address local standards, requirements and cyber risks.

Embedded lessons cover areas such as passwords, physical security, remote access and mobile devices.

They also function as team building events and dramatically improve knowledge retention which can be as low as 5-10% using computer-based training alone, according to Layer 8.

"Knowledge retention is key to a successful cybersecurity awareness programme," says emt Distribution CMO Scott Hagenus.

"Government initiatives and compliance regimes often recommend or require cybersecurity awareness training. But if you want this stuff to stick, and get an actual improvement in cyber risk prevention, Layer 8 Security is a better choice.

Under the agreement, emt Distribution will execute a 100% channel strategy and expand Layer 8 Security's existing base of IT Security resellers in Australia, and recruit partners in New Zealand and Asia as well. emt is implementing a broad channel programme with ongoing lead generation and pre-sales support.

This builds on the programme created by Layer 8 Security when it moved to a 100% channel sales model in 2019.

The security awareness training market exceeds AU$1.5 billion globally with annual growth of about 13%, according to research firm Gartner. Layer 8 Security doubled staff numbers and more than doubled revenues in the last year.

"I expect that growth to accelerate with the partnership between Layer 8 Security and emt Distribution," says de Haan.

Partners also receive cybersecurity awareness training as part of their enablement programme, helping to give them a good understanding of how their customers will benefit.