Fred Mitchell, division manager DCC.

Check Point Software Technologies has appointed Drive Control Corporation (DCC) as its official distributor for South Africa and the SADC region.

According to a statement released by the companies, DCC will distribute Check Point’s complete range of advanced security solutions which focus on cloud and on-premises security.

The appointment also falls in line with DCC’s current go-to-market strategy, which sees the distributor partnering with vendors that offer globally renowned products “that meet the immediate needs of channel partners, particularly those playing in the medium business to corporate space.”

Vincent Mabaso, Distribution Lead – Africa at Check Point, says, “More often than not, the data breaches that we hear about occur at large businesses or global organisations. But the reality is that small and mid-size businesses are at greater risk. More small to mid-size business are fast becoming aware about Cyber Crime as SMB are not immune to this pandemic, and not spared.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made small businesses more vulnerable to cyber security attacks, increased remote working and use of contactless payment methods have given attackers new opportunities to target. The biggest and most common cyber security threats that small businesses face today are: phishing attacks, malware attacks, ransomware, weak passwords, and Insider Threats.”

Check Point and DCC say that businesses (irrespective of their size) that come under cyberattack incur higher costs from operational disruption and altered business practices. The biggest losses come from reputational damage.

The scope of cybersecurity threats to small companies is no less varied than the threats large multinational corporations face, but SMBs’ size and lack of infrastructure often leave them more vulnerable to targeted hacking schemes and threats. Hackers often opt for schemes that require less preparation and risk and find easier targets in SMBs.

“Drive Control Corporation offers us increased footprint across our territory, providing access to net new customers. They have significantly more presence, covering far more grounds in SADC, bringing the most needed coverage for Check Point,” explains Mabaso.

“Ease of business; easier deal bookings with partners, willingness to accept payment in local currencies, reducing effect of FX volatility on our business. This has been a great challenge for most Check Point partners and Drive Control Corporation will be a game changer in SADC. Drive Control Corporation has an ongoing SMB and mid-market strategy that can easily incorporate Checkpoint strategy and GTM. They have extensive experience in selling to SMB and Mid-Market customers, also, their willingness to drive our SMB business and hold stock for easier distribution will have a positive impact to the SMB market in Southern Africa,” he concludes.

Fred Mitchell, division manager DCC, adds, “Our aim is to proactively develop Check Point’s channel coverage; fostering partnerships with important resellers at all levels - from SMB to enterprise - ensuring that the company’s comprehensive suite of security products reach end users that require robust solutions in a time when security attacks are becoming sophisticated and downright detrimental.”

“To this end our service will be provided at the standard of excellent and speedy service that resellers have come to expect from the DCC’s Software and Security Division.”