Скачать или смотреть Partner or Vendor? Why Relationships Matter in Cybersecurity - Cybersplainers Season 2 Episode 4

In this on-location episode of Cybersplainers, we step out of the studio and into downtown Buffalo to have a candid conversation about one of the most overlooked elements of cybersecurity success: relationships.

What’s the real difference between a vendor, a supplier, and a true partner? And why does that distinction matter more than ever in today’s complex security landscape?

Drawing on decades of experience across financial institutions, enterprise security, and consulting, this discussion explores how trust is built, why purely transactional relationships often fail, and how honest, human conversations lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. From navigating sales pressure and technical blind spots to admitting “I don’t know” and knowing when to bring in the right people, this episode breaks down what effective partnership really looks like in cybersecurity.

If you’ve ever wondered whether someone is trying to help you—or just sell to you—this episode will resonate.

In this episode, we cover:

The difference between partners, vendors, and suppliers

Why trust and transparency matter more than tools

How relationships impact security outcomes

Navigating complexity through collaboration

Why long-term partnerships beat short-term transactions