Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical function. It’s a business imperative tied to trust, resilience, and long-term strategy. In this episode of The Channel Angle, host Cass sits down with Subramani Rao (Subu), a cyber resilience leader at Acronis, to unpack how cybersecurity has evolved from servers and firewalls to AI-driven, outcome-based resilience. Recorded after meeting at MSP Global in Barcelona, the conversation goes beyond buzzwords to explore what AI, agentic AI, and human behavior mean for MSPs preparing for 2026 and beyond. Together, Cass and Subbu explore how solution providers can shift from reactive security to proactive cyber resilience, why people remain the most critical layer of defense, and how MSPs can monetize advisory and consultative services without needing massive tooling investments. This episode is a must-listen for channel professionals navigating AI adoption, compliance pressure, and rising customer expectations around trust and uptime.
How cybersecurity evolved from hardware-focused IT to trust and reputation management
Why cyber resilience goes beyond prevention to include recovery and business continuity
The difference between AI and agentic AI, and why it matters for MSPs
How AI is transforming endpoint, device, and network security
Practical, low-barrier ways MSPs can offer cyber resilience services today
Why culture, communication, and training are still the weakest (and strongest) link in security
“Build a CIA and don’t be a DAD.”
(Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability vs. Disclosure, Alteration, Disruption)
“Every employee is a security person, whether they like it or not.”
“Cyber resilience is about thinking beyond cybersecurity and understanding business impact.”
Subramani Rao (Subu) is a cybersecurity and cyber resilience leader at Acronis, with over 15 years of experience across data center security, cloud security, and endpoint protection. He holds an MSc in Computer Security and works closely with MSPs to help them understand and operationalize cyber resilience for their customers.
Cass Cooper, MHR is the host of The Channel Angle and Channel Women in Security, covering leadership, cybersecurity, AI, and culture across the IT channel ecosystem.
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Learn more about Acronis and cyber resilience solutions at Acronis.com