GTIA, Pax8 and DSI team up for global cybersecurity training

The Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) and Pax8 Academy have joined forces with Dynamic Standards International (DSI) to improve global cybersecurity training based on the SMB1001 dynamic standard.

By joining DSI's Global Education and Curriculum Committee (GECC), the organisations aim to strengthen global alignment to standardised cybersecurity training for small to medium sized businesses and IT specialists.

The educational collaboration will develop courseware, accreditations, and micro-credentials, enabling training institutions worldwide to leverage DSI's SMB1001 cybersecurity standard to upskill managed service providers (MSPs) and SMBs.

"Cybersecurity threats are growing in complexity, and it's critical that businesses have access to dynamic, relevant, and practical education to stay protected," Maria Armstrong, manager of Pax8 Academy, said.

Pax8 Academy has already announced the first live instruction training course on implementing the SMB1001 security standard for all Pax8 Partners.

"The conversations around cybersecurity often focus on large enterprises, however, SMBs account for such a large percentage of the global economy," she added.

"We see it as our job to ensure MSPs and SMBs have the knowledge and support to navigate an increasingly challenging digital landscape," Armstrong said.

GTIA, representing the worldwide IT channel as a vendor-neutral, non-profit membership community, will join both DSI's Steering Committee and GECC.

The organisation connects tens of thousands of industry professionals across more than 2,000 MSPs, solution providers, tech vendors, and distributors globally.

"GTIA brings together a wealth of knowledge and an extensive network of IT professionals to help design fit-for-purpose educational tools, providing our members with access to vendor-neutral, industry-leading training," Wayne Selk, vice president of cybersecurity programs at GTIA said.

The SMB1001 standard offers a certification pathway that enables small businesses to comply with multiple legislative and cyber governance frameworks at a low cost.

Co-founder of DSI, Ryan Ko, pointed to the importance of a globally recognised approach to strengthening SMB cybersecurity resilience.

"The scale and reach of GTIA and Pax8 in the global MSP space are extensive," Ko said.

"Their expertise, influence, and commitment to raising standards across the IT industry make them invaluable collaborators."