---
title: "Cybersecurity Is Critical but Under-Prioritized by ITSPs: New GTIA Research"
description: Cybersecurity is a big opportunity for IT service providers (ITSPs) and channel firms that can master complexity and position themselves as market leaders.
---

[Press Releases ](https://gtia.org/press-releases)

# [Cybersecurity Is Critical but Under-Prioritized by ITSPs: New GTIA Research](https://gtia.org/press-releases/new-gtia-study-reveals-cybersecurity-is-critical-but-under-prioritized-by-itsps)

 Written by [GTIA](https://gtia.org/press-releases/author/gtia) | Nov 19, 2025 1:55:00 PM

 

**OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. **— The Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) today released the *Channel Trends in Cybersecurity 2025 *report. Based on a global survey of more than 1,100 ITSPs, the study highlights how channel partners can capitalize on cybersecurity opportunities and position themselves as leaders in this high-growth market.

GTIA conducted this research to help ITSPs navigate emerging challenges and seize growth opportunities in an era where cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential.

**Five key business and technology trends **uncovered by GTIA include:

- **Cybersecurity remains under-prioritized**: Despite widespread awareness of its importance, only about **one-third of ITSPs **currently treat cybersecurity as a core business focus.
- **Market growth is accelerating**: According to IDC, the global cybersecurity market is forecasted to reach **$377 billion by 2028**, driven by escalating cybercrime, regulatory pressures, and digital transformation.
- **AI is reshaping the battlefield**: **52% of ITSPs **plan to add AI-related cybersecurity tools to their portfolios within the next year.
- **Talent is the top enabler**: **46% of ITSPs **cite the availability of skilled cybersecurity professionals as the number one factor that would enable them to expand offerings today.
- **Threats are real and rising**: **31% of respondents **experienced an attack in the past year, reinforcing the need for stronger internal defenses, audits, and employee training.

 

“Cybersecurity is no longer a side offering—it’s the strategic heartbeat of modern ITSPs,” said **Carolyn April, VP of Research and Market Intelligence, GTIA. **“As the daily battle against an increasingly sophisticated threat landscape persists, it is simultaneously increasing demand and creating new revenue streams. Effective cybersecurity

management, guided by competent professionals, enables ITSPs to establish a reputable brand that is capable of effective risk management. ITSPs that prioritize cybersecurity today will define the channel’s future.”

Other notable insights revealed in the study:

- **Nearly half of respondents (46%) **cite the evolution of generative AI tools used in cyberattacks as a major concern for the future.
- The adoption of AI has accelerated reliance on data, making breaches potentially catastrophic for many customers.
- **42% of ITSPs **identify gaining and retaining customer trust around private data as a critical challenge—especially for MSPs with full access to sensitive information.

 

“While AI might reign as the current darling of the tech hype cycle, the reality is that cybersecurity has established itself as one of the most lucrative and essential sectors in the IT ecosystem, demanded across businesses of every size and industry,” **said April**. “And while at least a part of the portfolio for many ITSPs, cybersecurity has evolved rapidly into a discipline of paramount importance to offer.”

GTIA will host a webinar on Friday, November 21, featuring Carolyn April and Matt Lee, Senior Director of Security and Compliance at Pax8 and GTIA's Member of the Year, during which they will present the top five trends from the *Channel Trends in Cybersecurity 2025 *report. Register here to secure a spot.

GTIA members can access the full report and learn why cybersecurity is central to ITSP growth in the GTIA member portal or through the research page here: https://gtia.org/research

***About the Global Technology Industry Association*** 

The Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) is the only vendor-neutral, 501(c)(6) nonprofit membership community connecting and representing the worldwide IT channel. We set our members up for success by providing benefits that include trusted resources and networking opportunities. In addition, the association sets industry standards that enable companies to build sustainable, secure and profitable businesses in an ever-changing technology landscape. Internationally, GTIA represents hundreds of thousands of professionals from more than 2,400 MSPs, solution providers, vendors, distributors and other companies serving the IT channel. GTIA was formerly known as the CompTIA Community (the membership arm of CompTIA). For more information, visit [gtia.org](https://www.gtia.org/).

[View full post](https://gtia.org/press-releases/new-gtia-study-reveals-cybersecurity-is-critical-but-under-prioritized-by-itsps)

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