Darktrace, a global leader in cybersecurity AI, has launched its new global partner programme, the Darktrace Defenders Partner Programme, aimed at fostering deeper collaboration, empowering partners, and helping organisations enhance cyber resilience with the Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform™ and products. Channel partners play a crucial role in supporting businesses as they navigate the ever-evolving threat landscape. According to Darktrace’s State of AI Cybersecurity 2024 report, 74% of security professionals surveyed believe that AI-augmented cyber threats are already having a significant impact on their organisation, yet 60% feel unprepared to defend against such attacks. Partners can assist customers in overcoming these challenges by selecting the right AI solutions for specific cybersecurity issues, enabling a more proactive approach to cyber resilience. Effective channel partnerships are essential for meeting customer needs.

In this context, Darktrace is introducing the Darktrace Defenders Partner Programme to provide better support for partners as they go to market with Darktrace. The programme includes three tiers—Elite, Premier, and Preferred—with entry requirements and benefits varying by tier. Key features include:

• Darktrace Services Authorised Partner Programme: Partners can become authorised to deliver their own differentiated Darktrace-focused services. The programme provides the necessary training and tools to gain expertise in the Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform and ensures that authorised partners meet high standards for product knowledge, with certified individuals on staff. Currently, partners can receive authorisation to offer managed detection and response services for network and email.
• Personalised Learning Paths & Enablement: The programme offers specialised role-based training and enablement at no cost to partners, including both web-based and instructor-led sessions, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to effectively sell Darktrace solutions.
• Access to Technical Sales Tools: Partners will have access to Darktrace-specific technical sales tools, such as demos and product trials, with training and support from Darktrace’s technical and cyber intelligence experts to help drive and accelerate sales cycles.
• Programme Discounts and Access to Market Development Funds (MDF): Partners will be eligible for various price advantages for deal registration, discounts on fees for Darktrace certification tests and not-for-resale solutions, as well as support for joint marketing initiatives.

Denise Walter, Chief Revenue Officer, Darktrace, said: “At Darktrace, partners are critical to our strategy and play an essential role helping customers use AI to increase cyber resilience in the face of a rapidly changing threat landscape. We have made several strategic investments over the last year to transform how we go-to-market with the global partner community to drive deeper collaboration and long-term, sustained growth. With the introduction of the Darktrace Defenders Partner Program, alongside our investments in people and technology to support the program, we are poised to accelerate and drive joint success with our partners.”

The launch of the Darktrace Defenders Partner Programme builds on the significant investments Darktrace has made over the past year to expand and evolve its Global Partner Organisation (GPO) team and strategy. Darktrace has tripled the size of the GPO team across key functions, such as sales operations, marketing, and technical partner enablement, and has introduced new systems and technology to better support partners, including a new partner portal. To further accelerate this transformation, Darktrace is also introducing a commission accelerator for its sellers when they transact through a partner, encouraging deeper collaboration and engagement.