If you haven’t already heard the news, Microsoft is introducing important new security and revenue requirements for all partners in the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program, which includes companies that sell and manage Microsoft cloud services.
The new requirements, which Microsoft will begin enforcing on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, are designed to help build a stronger, more secure environment across its partner network.
For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT teams, understanding and preparing for these changes is not just about compliance, but about fortifying operations and client relationships.
What’s Changing?
The updated security requirements apply to direct bill partners, distributors, and indirect resellers alike. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas Microsoft will be enforcing:
Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): All administrative users within a partner’s own tenant must use multi-factor authentication. This means every account with administrative privileges needs this extra layer of security, with no exceptions. Syncro’s Microsoft 365 management capabilities directly assist with this requirement through our Security Essentials, Security Assessments, and MFA management features.
Designated Security Contact: Partners are required to name a specific security contact in their Partner Center, complete with up-to-date contact information, to receive and coordinate on security notifications. Syncro’s integrated ticketing system can be used to route these alerts to a dedicated board, centralizing security notifications and streamlining your response workflow.
Rapid Security Alert Response: Direct partners and distributors must monitor and act on security alerts, such as notifications of suspicious activity, within 24 hours. With Syncro’s security alerts and integrated ticketing system, you can ensure prompt action is taken to limit potential damage from security incidents.
Secure Score Criteria: For direct billers and distributors, achieving a Microsoft Partner Center Security Score of 80 or higher is a key benchmark. While hitting this number is important, the true focus is on actively building and maintaining a robust security environment.
Partners who do not comply with these stringent security measures risk losing their CSP credentials or other partner privileges, which could disrupt their ability to transact within the Microsoft ecosystem.
How Syncro Empowers Partners to Meet These Standards
Navigating these new security mandates can seem daunting, especially when managing multiple client environments. Syncro’s platform includes robust Microsoft 365 Management capabilities designed to boost your security posture and ensure you stay compliant.
Security Baselines
Syncro directly improves your Secure Score by offering actions such as enabling and enforcing MFA, revoking risky sessions, blocking compromised sign-ins, and applying baseline security policies. These capabilities not only protect customer environments but also demonstrate compliance with Microsoft’s new CSP requirements.
Additionally, you can benchmark your Microsoft 365 tenants against CIS-aligned best practices. Syncro provides guided configuration, centralized visibility, drift detection, and automated alerts to help you maintain compliance and improve security.
The “Security Essential” baseline, based on the CIS framework, evaluates Microsoft 365 across five key areas with 22 foundational rules and integrates with Microsoft Secure Score. It also offers prescriptive implementation guidance and branded audit reports that MSPs can share with clients to demonstrate their commitment to security.
Security Assessments
Syncro also provides Security Assessments specifically for Microsoft 365 environments, helping you identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
As mentioned above, these assessments generate branded audit reports that you can share with clients to demonstrate your commitment to security, justify your security posture, and leverage during onboarding and at regular intervals to review security posture with customers.
Streamlining Identity & Access Management (MFA Compliance)
The requirement for 100% MFA coverage for administrative users is critical. Syncro’s Identity Management feature simplifies this process significantly.
For instance, you can manually complete Microsoft Entra ID tasks, including user syncs and password resets. Directly within the Syncro app, eliminating the need to jump between multiple portals. Furthermore, Syncro allows you to take immediate action against suspicious accounts by revoking sessions and blocking sign-ins.
This integrated approach to MFA and identity security not only streamlines management but also strengthens your incident response capabilities.
Simplifying Multi-Tenant Operations
Managing multiple client Microsoft 365 environments to ensure compliance across the board can be complex. Syncro Extended Monitoring and Management (XMM)™ allows you to manage complex Microsoft 365 environments across infinite locations and devices with multi-tenant capabilities from a single dashboard. This unified approach helps MSPs automate IT operations more efficiently, ensuring that security demands are met across all client accounts.
The Path Forward: Your Blueprint for a Secure Microsoft Ecosystem
As the October 1 deadline draws nearer, it’s imperative for MSPs and IT folks to take action now to ensure compliance on day one – and beyond.
By leveraging Syncro’s comprehensive platform, you can not only meet these mandates but also use them as an opportunity to strengthen your security offerings and provide greater value to your clients.
From MFA management and secure baselines to centralized alerting and multi-tenant operations, Syncro provides the unified tools you need to simplify your workflow, improve your clients’ security posture, and confidently demonstrate compliance.
Contact us to learn more today.
Share
Related Resources
