Dive Brief:
- Cybersecurity company Keyfactor announced the expansion of its global partner program last week as part of its efforts to advance rapidly evolving security capabilities such as post-quantum cryptography, a type of encryption designed to resist cyberattacks from quantum computers.
- Keyfactor’s program features value-based incentives, enhanced co-selling, opportunity protection and AI-powered co-marketing, according to the company. The cybersecurity provider will also increase investment in hyperscalers to aid partners with procurement and unlock funding programs.
- “As AI accelerates the growth of machine identities and organizations prepare for post-quantum cryptography, customers need more than technology,” said Louise McEvoy, senior vice president of global channel sales at Keyfactor. “They need trusted partners that can identify cryptographic risk, build a quantum-ready roadmap, secure investment, implement change and manage digital trust over time.”
Dive Insight:
Quantum computers, which harness quantum mechanics to run at super speeds, can break traditional security and encryption algorithms. Though most quantum computing technology is far from market-ready, post-quantum cryptography aims to create quantum readiness.
Some partners, like Accenture and Unisys, are already offering post-quantum cryptography services.
“The market has moved rapidly,” McEvoy said. “AI is driving exponential growth in machine identities, certificates, keys and cryptographic dependencies, while the transition to post-quantum cryptography is forcing organizations to reassess the resilience of their entire digital trust infrastructure. Combined with regulatory pressure and evolving standards, quantum readiness has become an immediate business and cybersecurity priority.”
McEvoy added that partner expectations have changed significantly over the last year. Partners that once focused on product training, incentives and transactional support now want to build differentiated practices, develop advisory and implementation services and create recurring managed services that engage customers earlier in their transformation journey, she said.
Keyfactor expanded its program to enable that shift.
“Most partner programs remain structured around how technology has traditionally been sold,” McEvoy said. “Keyfactor is building a modern ecosystem around how customers need to prepare for the AI and post-quantum era, and how partners can lead that transformation.”
Keyfactor’s partner program aims to bring together advisory firms, systems integrators, service providers, resellers, hyperscalers and technology partners to help clients move from the cryptographic discovery and assessment phase to remediation, migration and ongoing governance of quantum threats and post-quantum capabilities, according to the company.
“Our partnership with Keyfactor enables us to serve as a trusted advisor, helping customers modernize their cryptographic foundations and prepare for what's next," Mark Thornberry, SVP of partnerships at cybersecurity reseller and consultancy GuidePoint Security, said in a press release.
The expanded partner program offers a new skills-based badge and certification framework and allows the channel to develop and test post-quantum cryptography solutions before taking them to clients. Partners can also earn quantum-ready service competencies.
The program will roll out globally in phases throughout the second half of 2026.
“Every partner type has a role in solving this challenge,” McEvoy said. “Advisory partners can assess risk and build roadmaps. Service partners can discover cryptographic assets and lead migrations. Resellers can bring the right technology to customers. Technology and build partners can make products quantum-ready. MSPs can provide ongoing cryptographic governance and lifecycle management.”
