Keyfactor expands partner push for AI & PQC services

Keyfactor has expanded its global partner programme to help partners build services around artificial intelligence and post-quantum cryptography.

The revised scheme is designed to move partners beyond software resale into advisory, implementation and managed services tied to digital trust. Keyfactor is positioning the overhaul around rising demand from organisations that need to manage growing volumes of machine identities, certificates, keys and cryptographic dependencies as AI systems spread across business operations.

At the same time, concern is growing over the long-term resilience of current cryptographic systems as businesses prepare for post-quantum cryptography, or PQC. The shift is also being shaped by tighter regulatory expectations and changing standards, increasing pressure on companies to become more agile in how they manage encryption and digital identities.

The expanded programme gives partners tools to deliver crypto-agility and quantum-readiness services, establish PQC Centres of Excellence and provide broader support to customers navigating cloud, AI and cryptography challenges.

Partner focus

The programme includes value-based incentives, co-selling arrangements, opportunity protection and AI-assisted account planning. It also extends support across major cloud ecosystems, including AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, to help partners use marketplace procurement and access hyperscaler funding programmes.

Another element is a skills-based badge and certification framework that recognises expertise by role, capability and customer use case. Keyfactor is also introducing a Not-for-Resale PQC Lab programme to give partners a technical base for developing their own crypto-agility and quantum-readiness services.

These additions are intended to support service lines covering assessment, migration, implementation, managed services and ongoing cryptographic governance. The programme is available worldwide across sectors including financial services, telecommunications, automotive, government, healthcare, industrial and consumer internet of things, software and other regulated industries.

For channel partners, the announcement reflects a wider cybersecurity push to capture service revenue from major architectural shifts rather than rely on one-off product sales. Vendors and resellers alike have been looking for ways to tie AI-related security risks and quantum-readiness planning into longer-term consulting and operational work.

Machine identity management has become more visible as organisations deploy more connected devices, cloud workloads and automated systems. Each can require certificates and keys to prove identity and secure communications, creating operational complexity that many companies have historically managed with fragmented tools.

Quantum computing adds another layer of urgency because advances in the field could, over time, undermine some current cryptographic methods. While large-scale practical threats remain a matter of preparation rather than immediate crisis for most organisations, cybersecurity suppliers are increasingly framing migration planning as a near-term business issue because replacing cryptographic systems across large estates can take years.

Louise McEvoy, Senior Vice President, Global Channel Sales at Keyfactor, described the scale of the market opportunity for partners. "The transition to post-quantum cryptography represents one of the largest technology and services opportunities our industry has seen in decades," McEvoy said.

"Customers aren't simply looking for new products; they need trusted partners who can help them modernize digital trust across AI, cloud, machine identities, and cryptography. Our expanded Global Partner Program brings together hyperscaler ecosystems, technology alliances, AI-powered co-selling, and services enablement to help partners lead that transformation and build sustainable, high-value services practices," McEvoy said.

Two partner companies cited by Keyfactor said the updated programme supports broader customer discussions around cryptographic security. Their comments show how security consultancies and resellers are trying to link technical migration work with board-level risk, compliance and resilience concerns.

"Partnering with Keyfactor enabled us to drive further strategic conversations with our enterprise customers about cryptographic security and unlock new opportunities to improve their security posture, future-proofing their business against malicious actors and reducing risk," said Gavin Wood, Chief Executive Officer at CyberLab.

GuidePoint Security also highlighted the shift in customer needs. "The digital trust landscape is changing faster than ever as organizations contend with accelerating AI adoption, quantum risk, and increasing compliance demands," said Mark Thornberry, Senior Vice President, Partnerships at GuidePoint Security.

"Our partnership with Keyfactor enables us to serve as a trusted advisor, helping customers modernize their cryptographic foundations and prepare for what's next," Thornberry said.