Tampa Bay, FL (Sept. 27, 2016) – Tech Data Corporation (Nasdaq: TECD) today announced an agreement with KnowBe4, a leading provider of new-school security awareness training, to offer KnowBe4’s portfolio of end-user security training and phishing simulations to its network of solution providers in North America through the company’s Security and Information Management business unit.
“Our agreement with KnowBe4 enables our partners to offer comprehensive security awareness training services at a time when cybersecurity is a growing concern and priority for all organizations,” said Tracy Holtz, director, Security and Information Management at Tech Data. “Innocent human error brings on vulnerabilities that are not detectable through even the strongest security defenses. KnowBe4’s services help organizations of all sizes address the weakest link—human error. Adding KnowBe4 to our security portfolio is part of our continual effort to provide enhanced security opportunities, while enabling our solution providers to protect their customers.”
KnowBe4’s web-based interactive trainings are designed to engage users and provide them with opportunities to continually test their knowledge. The trainings combine simulated phishing attacks, case studies, demonstration videos and tests with real-world scenarios to help employees understand the mechanisms of spam, phishing, spear phishing, malware and social engineering. Education modules include the use of mock attacks and ongoing assessments to promote continuous improvement. KnowBe4’s platform is used across many industries, including highly regulated fields such as finance, healthcare, energy, government and insurance.
“Corporate awareness of phishing attack vectors and ransomware has increased, but users need continuous education about the threat—especially as techniques used by cybercriminals become more sophisticated. Our recent long-term study on ransomware showed that 79 percent of companies are very concerned about it and 54 percent of mid-size companies with 250 to 1000 employees were victims of ransomware attacks. KnowBe4’s trainings and simulations are specifically designed to help manage these ongoing problems,” said Stu Sjouwerman, chief executive officer at KnowBe4. “Through our partnership with Tech Data, we will expand our education efforts by helping solution providers enable their customers to effectively transform and positively impact their own cybersecurity landscapes.”
Tech Data’s Security and Information Management business unit focuses on the delivery of customer enablement tools, including security assessments and professional services. The Security and Information Management team delivers solutions on security, compliance and business goals in the areas of network security, data security, enterprise architecture, endpoint security, security intelligence, application security and cloud security.
For more information visit www.KnowBe4.com or contact Tech Data at (800) 237-8931 ext. 73246
About KnowBe4
KnowBe4 created the world’s most popular integrated Security Awareness Training and Simulated Phishing platform. Founded by data and IT security expert Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 helps organizations address the human element of IT security by raising awareness of ransomware, CEO Fraud and other social engineering tactics through new-school security awareness training. Kevin Mitnick, internationally recognized computer security expert and KnowBe4’s Chief Hacking Officer, helped design KnowBe4’s training modules based on his well-documented social engineering tactics. Thousands of organizations trust KnowBe4 to mobilize their end-users as their first line of corporate IT defense and this is a part of Tech Data’s new security initiative.
Number 139 on the 2016 Inc 500 list, KnowBe4 is based in Tampa Bay, Florida. Follow KnowBe4 CEO Stu Sjouwerman on Twitter at @StuAllard.
About Tech Data
Tech Data Corporation is one of the world’s largest wholesale distributors of technology products, services and solutions. Its advanced logistics capabilities and value added services enable 105,000 resellers to efficiently and cost effectively support the diverse technology needs of end users in more than 100 countries. Tech Data generated $26.4 billion in net sales for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016. It is ranked No. 108 on the Fortune 500® and one of Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies.” To learn more, visit www.techdata.com, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
