This is evident from the Channel Trends in Cybersecurity report 2026 Benelux; a publication from the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA). This non-profit organization focuses on the IT channel and IT professionals.
Furthermore, the research shows that two in five (41%) IT service providers are not in this lucrative market. 10% plan to become active in it over the next 12 months, while 31% have no plans. The latter is a missed opportunity.
Shortage of security professionals hinders growth of service providers
GTIA cites the shortage of security experts as one of the reasons that service providers cannot fully leverage the potential of this market. To effectively guide clients in managing risks, the right people are needed. And there is a huge scarcity of them worldwide, especially in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Market outlook is optimistic
The global cybersecurity market is expected to grow to $377 billion by 2028, according to market researcher IDC. Cybercrime is increasing rapidly. Regulatory pressure is also growing, while many companies are undergoing digital transformation, which increases demand.
AI is both an opportunity and a threat
The knife of AI cuts both ways. Both attackers and defenders can benefit from it. AI is both a risk and an opportunity for service providers. 56% of IT service providers in the Benelux plan to add new AI-related security solutions to their 'offerings' in the next 12 months.
Insights into sales opportunities
The GTIA report also provides insights into the six areas where the best sales opportunities in security lie. It also answers the question of what is needed for suppliers to improve. At the top are the need for more industry-specific cybersecurity training, better partnerships, and increased collaboration in the industry.
Significant regional differences
The challenges in service delivery vary significantly by region. In North America, customer awareness is the main challenge. In the German-speaking countries, expanding the service offering is the top priority. In the Benelux, the IT channel is most concerned about offering more cost-effective solutions, followed by acquiring more technical expertise and strengthening cloud/app security.
Also read: Cybersecurity is becoming more dynamic: 4 predictions for 2026 from Fujitsu
Global study
For the study, representatives from 1,110 IT service providers were surveyed in North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland, German-speaking countries, Benelux, Southeast Asia, and Australia/New Zealand. In the Benelux, the number of respondents was 128.
Also read: Dutch security researcher ranked number one worldwide on Microsoft's Security Leaderboard
Community Forum February 5
GTIA is organizing the Benelux Community Forum on February 5 at the Van der Valk Hotel in Ghent. This event will feature a series of sessions on topics that will strongly appeal to professionals from across the IT channel, such as the impact of AI on the industry, sustainability, and changing demands in cybersecurity.
Smaller sessions will also be held on practical issues. GTIA members will also receive free access to the Genius Café, where short one-on-one consultations will be offered.
According to Maarten Sibma, manager of member communities Benelux at GTIA, this day is intended for exchanging knowledge, testing ideas, and jointly exploring where the IT channel is heading.
For more information and to register, visit https://gtia.org/gtia-benelux-community-meeting-feb-5.
For more information about GTIA, visit www.gtia.org.
Also read: Tech trends in 2026: digital trust, quantum computing, and agentic AI
