CompTIA, a nonprofit organization and IT certifications provider, has created the Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (ISAO) for MSPs, solution providers and other channel partners. The ISAO effort surfaces after ConnectWise transitioned its technology service provider (TSP) ISAO to CompTIA in early 2020.
Specialized ISAOs are popular within specific vertical markets. For instance, banks typically participate in threat intelligence ISAOs designed for financial services firms, while telecom companies typically participate in in threat intelligence ISAOs for global service providers.
In contrast, CompTIA's ISAO provides a cybersecurity threat intelligence resource for channel partners. Founding industry partners include Bellini Capital, ConnectWise, Dark Cubed, Sophos and Axcient. It is backed by a group of cybersecurity subject matter experts from the following companies:
CompTIA also has partnered with Information Technology-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (IT-ISAC) and TruSTAR to build out a threat intelligence feed and custom reporting for ISAO, the organization stated. In doing so, ISAO will provide channel partners with timely, relevant and accurate cybersecurity threat intelligence.
What Does ISAO Mean for Channel Partners?
ISAO is dedicated to advancing the cybersecurity resiliency of the global technology industry, CompTIA indicated. As such, ISAO provides channel partners with a variety of cybersecurity offerings, including:
- Real-time threat intelligence
- Analysis of the potential impact of cyberattacks
- Cybersecurity best practices
- Cybersecurity workforce education
All ISAO members also receive full access to CompTIA corporate member benefits, including resources, communities and tools.
CompTIA ISAO: Building On Earlier Work
CompTIA's new ISAO builds upon earlier work by the ConnectWise TSP-ISAO. Prior to its transition to CompTIA, the TSP-ISAO had roughly 650 technology companies as participants.
