{"id":15349,"date":"2025-09-23T12:59:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T00:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kinetics.co.nz\/?p=15349"},"modified":"2025-09-23T12:59:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T00:59:16","slug":"will-microsofts-secure-score-requirements-for-it-partners-impact-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.kinetics.co.nz\/?p=15349","title":{"rendered":"Will Microsoft’s Secure Score Requirements for IT Partners impact you?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Microsoft Secure Score Requirements for MSPs: What You Need to Know by October 2025<\/h2>\n

Microsoft is raising the security bar for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) like Kinetics Group,and the deadline is approaching faster than many realise. Starting October 1, 2025, MSPs must maintain a minimum 80% Microsoft Secure Score in their Partner Centre or risk losing their authorisation to sell Microsoft services.<\/p>\n

This isn’t just another compliance checkbox\u2014it’s a fundamental shift that will separate strategic IT partners from basic service providers. For New Zealand businesses working with IT partners\/MSPs, this change represents an opportunity to ensure your technology partner is truly equipped to protect your digital assets.<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

The New Security Baseline: What MSPs Must Achieve<\/h2>\n

The requirements are clear and non-negotiable. By October 1, 2025, all MSPs must: maintain an 80% or higher Microsoft Secure Score<\/strong> in their “Microsoft Partner Centre”. This score reflects the overall security posture of the MSP’s own systems and processes.<\/p>\n

Failure to meet these requirements will result in immediate loss of MSP authorization to sell Microsoft services\u2014effectively ending their ability to provide Microsoft-based solutions to customers.<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(34,34,34,0.11)” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_width_all=”2px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Relax!\u00a0 We’re not going to have a problem!<\/h2>\n

Kinetics is well over the threshold.<\/h3>\n

Our exact score is confidential and fluctuates as we maintain our own assets.<\/p>\n

88+%<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Why This Matters for Your Business<\/h2>\n

The answer lies in understanding that your MSP’s security posture directly impacts your organisation’s risk profile.<\/p>\n

Customer Trust and Protection<\/strong> An MSP with a strong Secure Score demonstrates genuine commitment to cybersecurity best practices. This translates to better protection for your business data, more proactive threat detection, and stronger incident response capabilities.<\/p>\n

Insurance and Compliance Benefits<\/strong> Increasingly, cyber insurance providers are using Microsoft Secure Score as a factor in determining coverage rates and terms. Some insurers now offer better rates for businesses whose MSPs maintain high security scores, recognizing that stronger partner security reduces overall risk.<\/p>\n

Strategic IT Partnership Indicator<\/strong> The Secure Score requirements reveal whether your MSP approaches security strategically or reactively. MSPs who have already achieved and maintained high scores demonstrate the systematic thinking and proactive management that characterizes strategic IT partners.<\/p>\n

Red Flags: MSPs Who Aren’t Ready<\/h2>\n

As the October deadline approaches, some warning signs indicate an MSP may struggle to meet the requirements:<\/p>\n