In Gilbert, Arizona, a facility recently encountered a wave of data breaches, phishing attacks, and cyber intrusions—but there’s no cause for alarm. These simulated threats were part of a unique, in-person event at the TD SYNNEX Cyber Range, designed to equip distribution partners with critical skills to stay ahead of today’s cyber threats. In collaboration with Cisco, TD SYNNEX created an immersive training experience that went beyond virtual sessions to provide hands-on learning in real-world scenarios. The Hack & Innovate event gave partners the chance to collaborate, troubleshoot, and refine strategies with experts and peers, highlighting the unmatched value of in-person, hands-on cybersecurity training.
Bringing Cybersecurity to Life
The Hack & Innovate event brought 39 partners to visit the TD SYNNEX Cyber Range in Arizona, where they could learn, practice, and develop meaningful cybersecurity strategies. One of the most impactful aspects of the event was the hands-on learning experience, a departure from virtual learning. James McGregor, TD SYNNEX US GTM Strategist for Cisco Security, noted that a large percentage of training and educational events moved to virtual platforms such as Webex, post-COVID, causing participants to more often miss the real-time, face-to-face collaboration. He said, “The in-person format allowed partners to engage directly with each other and the presenters, fostering a more immersive learning environment. This was not just about knowledge transfer—it was about collaboration and real-time problem-solving, which are critical in cybersecurity.”
This approach provided a shared learning experience that enabled partners to visualize complex cybersecurity challenges, moving beyond theory to practical solutions. Brett Scott, TD SYNNEX Cybersecurity Director, explained, “What’s great about us is if you fail with us, it’s a ten minute refresh, but if you fail in the real-world, it’s a cataclysmic and very costly loss.” The Cyber Range gave partners the luxury to make mistakes, experiment, and retry solutions. In today’s landscape, where cyberattacks are inevitable, this type of experiential learning equips businesses to anticipate and effectively respond to threats.
Exploring the Hacker’s Mindset in “Hacking 101”
One of the event’s highlights was the Hacking 101 session, which demystified cyber threats in an impactful way. Attendees learned to craft a phishing email, revealing just how accessible and simple these attacks can be. “The average hacker doesn’t often fit the ‘evil genius’ stereotype, but is just someone following readily available instructions,” noted McGregor. “Seeing how quickly and easily a phishing email can be created gave partners a clear view of the threats their customers face.”
By experiencing the ease of crafting a phishing attack, participants gained a deeper understanding of how easily clients can fall victim to these schemes. This firsthand exposure emphasized the urgency of educating clients about phishing risks and implementing proactive security measures. For many, creating and witnessing the potential fallout of a phishing email underscored the importance of vigilance in today’s digital landscape.
A Dark Journey into the Web’s Underbelly
Another unforgettable moment was the dark web demo, providing a “startling glimpse” into the dark web. “The demo revealed the sheer scale of personal data for sale—bank details, passwords, identities—all available at shockingly low prices. This brought home the real-world impact of data breaches and the urgent need to safeguard client data,” McGregor shared.
This peek into the dark web was a sobering reminder of the importance of security in today’s digital world. By witnessing the ease with which cybercriminals trade compromised data, attendees gained a newfound appreciation for comprehensive security protocols, understanding how quickly breaches could turn into real-world threats. Equipped with this knowledge, they left prepared to better advocate for strong security measures with their clients.
Fostering Confidence in the Face of Cyber Threats
As the cybersecurity threat landscape grows ever more sophisticated, events like TD SYNNEX’s Cyber Range offer partners critical experience, allowing them to advocate confidently for stronger security measures with their clients. John Wallace, Cyber Security Specialist, Cisco Systems, summed it up: “Being able to have that experience with hands-on learning with Cisco gear strengthens the value of the offering for our partners and to our customers themselves.”
Partners not only walked away from the event new skills, but also with a clearer understanding of the urgency of cybersecurity. With practical experience in simulating attacks, defending against threats, and leveraging Cisco’s security solutions, these distribution partners are now better equipped to guide their clients through today’s cybersecurity challenges.
Watch the recap of the Cyber Range event.
