Cisco Sharpens Its Security Edge: AI, Simplicity, and Partner-Centric Innovation, Podcast

"We’re not just enabling secure outcomes — we’re simplifying how partners deliver them." — Brian Feeney, VP of Global Partner Security Sales, Cisco

At Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green sat down with Brian Feeney, Vice President of Global Partner Security Sales at Cisco, to explore how the company is aligning security innovation with real-world partner needs in an era dominated by AI and complexity.

Feeney, whose two-year-old role was created to consolidate and scale Cisco's global partner strategy for security, leads a team of over 260 professionals dedicated to helping Cisco’s VARs, MSPs, MSSPs, cloud providers, and global partners navigate a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Cisco's Three-Pillar Security Strategy:

1. Hybrid Mesh Firewall
2. Universal ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)
3. The SOC of the Future (with Splunk Integration)

All three areas are now AI-infused by design, not bolted on — a shift exemplified by Cisco’s autonomous firewall assistant, which reduces human effort while improving policy execution.

Key Cisco Live Announcements:

• Free Splunk ingestion for Cisco firewall customers, addressing cost concerns and earning applause during the keynote.
• Streamlined portfolio: Cisco has consolidated 30+ point products into 3 strategic solution sets — user, breach, and cloud — dramatically simplifying the sales and adoption process for partners.
• Enhanced partner support tools like a “concierge deal registration desk” — offering one-click access to technical, sales, and promotional resources.

“This isn’t about selling more SKUs,” Feeney said. “It’s about helping partners win with less complexity, more margin, and stronger customer outcomes.”

Feeney emphasized Cisco’s commitment to AI enablement, noting that while only 4% of enterprises are “AI-ready,” partner demand for both securing AI infrastructure and leveraging AI for defense is surging. Cisco is delivering:

• Expert-led deep dives for top AI-focused partners
• Scalable enablement through Talos threat intel, learning platforms, and continuous updates
• AI integrated throughout the security stack — from SOC automation to endpoint visibility

The interview concluded with Feeney highlighting Cisco’s investment in making security more accessible, operationally efficient, and partner-friendly, even for small or emerging partners.

“We want to be the voice and the resource our security partners trust — not just with technology, but with outcomes.”

To learn more, visit cisco.com/security.