Kevin Krempulec probably has one of the toughest jobs in the IT industry in Canada: Keeping everyone protected from the boogeyman.
Internet security threats are on the rise but fail to be a top priority with the people who provide the money and resources to the experts fighting the war against
hackers and viruses.
It is estimated that the cost of eight days of massive worm attacks in August alone, when Blaster hit, may be valued at up to US$2 billion.
And, according to a Symantec report, the rate of attack activity increased by 19 per cent over this time last year and companies saw about 38 attacks per company, per week compared to 32 in the same time a year ago.
In 2003, Krempulec, the senior district manager, channels and SMB at Symantec Canada, made a concerted effort to address the shortage of security VARs in Canada.
The ever-increasing number and advanced types of threats (including blended ones, which combine viruses, worms and hacker attacks) along with the advent of newer technologies such as wireless and Web services, highlights the need for experienced security resellers to come to the table.
The Canadian security software market, for example, in 2002 reached $131 million and is pegged to hit $173 million by 2005.
But resellers are in a difficult and confusing position because they’re expected to be experts in a market that is still fragmented — and is conducive to selling standalone software products. It was Krempulec, 13th on the 2002 Top 25 Newsmakers list, who developed a plan that would pump more money and resources into enhancing the training and certification of security resellers or those who are interested in developing a security practice.
The program shortens the time it takes a partner to become certified, and reduces the number of security exams from 12 to four.
Krempulec continues to inform partners on virus all in an effort to stay one step ahead of the boogeyman.
