InfiniteFlow-stock.adobe.com
Exclusive signs ServiceNow to bolster AI options
Distributor makes vendor signing as Sophos warns criminals are using the technology to launch more attacks
Exclusive Networks has bolstered its ability to support partners looking for artificial intelligence (AI) transformation options with the signing of ServiceNow.
The vendor’s AI control technology is already integrated with a number of security vendors, and will extend its ability to help partners develop wider solution pitches.
Exclusive has identified an evolving market where value-added distribution is now expected not only to bring a diverse number of vendors to market, but to add more of the AI tools that ensure those services are able to secure customer environments.
“Cyber security is increasingly being shaped by AI, automation and enterprise workflows, creating new opportunities for partners to deliver greater business value,” said Paul Eccleston, chief business innovation officer at Exclusive Networks.
“As ServiceNow’s cyber security partner for the channel across EMEA, we are bringing together their market-leading AI platform with our specialist cyber security expertise, partner ecosystem and services capabilities to help partners accelerate growth and deliver better outcomes for customers,” he added.
From a ServiceNow perspective, the decision to appoint Exclusive was seen as an opportunity to widen its channel reach and get in front of more partners.
“Exclusive Networks brings a specialist channel, deep technical expertise and a track record already trusted by customers across EMEA,” said Michael Park, senior vice-president of global partnerships and channels at ServiceNow. “Together, we give partners a faster path to real security outcomes, powered by AI and grounded in the workflows customers run every day. We welcome Exclusive Networks into the ServiceNow partner ecosystem, and we are committed to the success of every partner in their network.”
Rogue agent
The timing of the move comes as AI security is firmly in the spotlight given the increased customer concerns around the topic, as well as yesterday’s admission by OpenAI that during a training exercise, an agent went rogue and hacked into Hugging Face.
Sophos has shared its AI security 2026 report, which finds attackers are using the technology to accelerate the time it takes to run attack workflows to days rather than weeks.
The report stressed that not only was speed an issue, but that the increased volume in attacks was also causing headaches.
“Attackers still need initial access, still move laterally, and still exfiltrate through observable channels. What has changed is the clock,” said John Peterson, chief technology officer at Sophos. “For the first time, we have observed AI being actively used as an operational force multiplier. While the tools and techniques were familiar, the speed of development, testing and iteration was materially different. That is the AI threat that security teams need to prepare against. It means faster cycles and shorter windows to respond, with greater pressure on defenders to detect and contain activity before impact.”
He added that AI was being used by criminals and the threat was not a future prospect, but rather already “in the here and now”.
“As frontier models continue to advance, the next few months will be defined by how quickly organisations can govern AI use, secure the identities and connections around it, and keep pace with attackers who are capable of rapidly adopting new capabilities,” said Peterson.
