This is evident from the Channel Trends in Cybersecurity report 2026 Benelux; a publication by the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA). This non-profit organization focuses on the IT channel and IT professionals.
Furthermore, the research reveals that two out of five (41%) IT service providers are not in this lucrative market. 10% plan to become active in it in 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. There is a significant shortage of such professionals worldwide, especially in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Market Outlook is Promising
The global market for cybersecurity is expected to grow to $377 billion by 2028, according to market researcher IDC. Cybercrime is increasing rapidly. Additionally, regulatory pressure is mounting, while many companies are undergoing digital transformation, which increases demand.
AI as Both an Opportunity and a Threat
The double-edged sword of AI can be advantageous for both attackers and defenders. AI presents 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 German-speaking countries, expanding the service offering is a priority. In the Benelux, the IT channel is most concerned about providing 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 resonate with professionals across the IT channel, such as the impact of AI on the industry, sustainability, and changing demands in cybersecurity.
There will also be small-scale sessions addressing practical issues. GTIA members will also have 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 knowledge exchange, 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
