The one-day conference, held on 18 March at The Ritz-Carlton in Melbourne, brought together Cyber Security industry experts to discuss cutting-edge security innovations and strategies for managed service providers (MSPs). Dan Boufarhat, Director of IT First Responder, moderated the panel “Solving for Compliance, Winning Deals,” representing Acronis as a Platinum Partner.
Elevating Compliance as a Strategic Differentiator
The compliance panel, a highlight of the event, explored how MSPs can transform regulatory obligations into competitive advantages. Dan led discussions with industry experts, including Acronis Senior Solutions Engineer David Mcintosh, Exclaimer’s APAC Commercial Account Executive Anthony Alberici, Cytrack.io Managing Director Nick Milan, and Cyber Threat Insure’s Kristopher Mudd.
Key insights from the panel aligned closely with our approach to cybersecurity and compliance. Notably, Kristopher’s contributions highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between Cyber Security and cyber insurance. He emphasised how MSPs can position themselves as intermediaries, offering best-in-class protection without taking on undue advisory risks. By partnering with Cyber Threat Insure, MSPs can evolve into crucial cybersecurity allies for their clients. This approach not only differentiates MSPs in a competitive market but also positions them as essential protectors in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Olga Burtseva, General Manager of IT First Responder, reflected on the company’s growth trajectory within the Acronis ecosystem:
“We’ve worked with Acronis for over three years, achieving Platinum status in the past year. Our journey from cybersecurity practitioner to compliance innovator serves as a blueprint for MSPs aiming to diversify revenue streams while hardening client defenses.”
Shaping the Future of Cyber Security
Beyond the panel discussions, Dan also contributed to Acronis’ Partner Advisory Council (PAC) session, a closed-door session which provided a forum for a select group of valued partners and industry leaders to collaborate directly with Acronis’ product and innovation teams, contributing to the future direction of cybersecurity solutions.
While the specifics of these discussions remain confidential due to their sensitive nature and potential intellectual property considerations, the sessions underscore Acronis’ commitment to partner feedback and real-world application.
The meetings provided a deep dive, exploring forward-looking approaches, and gathering insights from practitioners actively navigating the evolving threat landscape.
This collaborative approach aligns perfectly with IT First Responder’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of Cyber Security, ensuring its solutions are not only cutting-edge but also deeply practical and client-focused. The insights gained through this process and knowledge shared, further reinforced and validated IT First Responder’s strategic direction.
Partnership-driven Cyber Security Innovation
The opportunity to contribute to Acronis’ ongoing innovation is a valued aspect of the partnership, reflecting a shared dedication to shaping a more secure digital future.
Dan underscored the value of collaboration fostered at events like TRU Security Day:
“Attending Acronis events has helped us deliver more cost-effective, easier-to-manage backup solutions and build long-term security strategies for our clients. Their commitment to transparency, partner feedback, and real-world business challenges ensures we stay ahead of the curve.”
He also emphasised the unique value proposition of Acronis TRU Security Days:
“TRU Security Day is a must-attend for any partner seeking actionable insights to enhance modern workplace security, network with like-minded peers in the IT industry, and better serve their customers. This is the crucible where practical Cyber Security strategies are forged beyond the operational day-to-day.”
As an Acronis Platinum Partner, #CyberFit award recipient, and a leading cybersecurity pioneer in the ANZ region, we continue to harness insights from events like TRU Security Day to address Cyber Ssecurity challenges and transform them into business growth opportunities for our clients. These events provide us with access to the latest trends, technologies, and actionable strategies showcased by Acronis, enabling us to proactively defend against emerging threats.
Our partnership with Acronis ensures that we stay ahead of the curve by leveraging advanced tools and resources to deliver tailored solutions that meet our clients’ unique needs. By constantly analysing global cyber threats and integrating cutting-edge innovations, we empower our clients to remain resilient against potential security breaches while building long-term security strategies that align with their business goals.
The Melbourne event concluded with partners gaining actionable strategies to position compliance services as profit centers–a vision IT First Responder continues to champion through its technology partnerships and client engagements.
For MSPs looking to add another layer of protection for their clients, Dan from IT First Responder shares this advice:
“Start by looking at insurance requirements alongside insights from brokers like Cyber Threat Insure—they’re often the canary in the coal mine for where security standards are heading. What satisfies insurers today may well become tomorrow’s baseline for compliance.”