Simplifying Cybersecurity Compliance: How SMB 1001 is Transforming Protection for Small Businesses
In a recent webinar, I was able to explore with Ryan Ettridge (CEO of Cybercert), how the SMB 1001 framework is revolutionizing cybersecurity for small and medium businesses—and creating new opportunities for MSPs.
The Problem with Traditional Security Frameworks
For years, small businesses have struggled with cybersecurity standards designed for enterprises. As Ryan Ettridge explained, "Essential Eight was never designed for the small business at the centre. It was designed for government agencies and typically with a Windows-based environment."
The challenge? Small businesses don't have the resources, budget, or desire to become cybersecurity experts. They need a practical, proportionate approach that matches their risk profile without overwhelming them with enterprise-level complexity.
What Makes SMB 1001 Different?
SMB 1001 is an international standard specifically designed for small businesses, with five tiers that scale from basic protection to advanced security:
Bronze (Tier 1): Six fundamental controls that "shut the front door" to common cyber threats
Silver (Tier 2): Fourteen controls aligned with typical cyber insurance requirements
Gold (Tier 3): Twenty-three controls demonstrating compliance readiness
Platinum (Tier 4): Enhanced protection with independent verification
Diamond (Tier 5): Comprehensive security with external audit
The framework recognizes that the SMB sector isn't one-size-fits-all, covering everything from sole traders to 200-seat organizations with $100 million in turnover.
Removing Subjectivity from Cybersecurity
One of the most powerful aspects of SMB 1001 is how it eliminates the guesswork. Instead of MSPs debating which controls to implement first, the standard predefines the program of work. As Ryan noted, "It removes subjectivity away from the what do I need to do? It defines the program of work for the MSPs to help the SMBs."
The first requirement at every level? Having someone who can actually implement and verify the controls—recognizing that small businesses are "operators of the washing machine," not the technicians who fix it.
Real Business Outcomes
The framework delivers tangible benefits that resonate with business owners:
Better Insurance Premiums: Silver certification and above simplifies cyber insurance applications, with 20 insurance partners recognizing the certification
Compliance Confidence: Helps businesses demonstrate "reasonable steps" for legal obligations
Supply Chain Recognition: Enterprises increasingly accept SMB 1001 certification instead of lengthy security questionnaires
Competitive Differentiation: Professional services, healthcare, legal, and manufacturing sectors are adopting rapidly
What's New in 2026?
The framework evolves annually to stay current. Key changes for 2026 include:
Basic awareness training now required at Bronze level
Email security explicitly called out at Silver
Cyber insurance requirement moved from Platinum to Gold
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) specifically required at Gold
New AI policy requirement for responsible use
The good news? Certifications remain valid for 12 months from issuance, allowing smooth transitions as the standard evolves.
Microsoft 365 Alignment Made Easy
I demonstrated how MSPs already working with Essential 8 are well-positioned for SMB 1001. "If you've met E8 controls, you've met SMB 1001 controls as well for the most part,"
Using multi tenanted alignment tools, MSPs can:
Automatically assess tenant alignment against SMB 1001 requirements
Deploy pre-configured policy sets matching Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Diamond levels
Generate before-and-after reports showing compliance improvements
Achieve certification-ready configurations in minutes instead of hours
The minimum licensing recommendation? Microsoft Business Premium provides the foundation needed for Bronze certification and beyond.
New Revenue Opportunities for MSPs
The framework creates clear pathways for MSPs to differentiate their services:
Shortened Sales Cycles: Focus on outcomes (certification badges, better insurance) rather than technical specifications
Predefined Scopes: No more debating which controls to implement—the standard defines it
Scalable Delivery: Use proven stacks and automation tools to efficiently roll out protections
Ongoing Value: Annual recertification creates recurring engagement opportunities
With nearly 400 partners already onboard and thousands of businesses moving through certification, the momentum is building.
Getting Started
For MSPs interested in the SMB 1001 pathway:
Sign up at partners.cybercert.ai/MSP (no cost)
Access toolkits, branding resources, and training modules
Certify your own MSP to at least the level you'll guide clients toward (Gold recommended)
Start guiding clients through their certification journey
The Bottom Line
SMB 1001 represents a paradigm shift in small business cybersecurity—from subjective, enterprise-focused frameworks to a practical, outcome-driven standard that works for the realities of SMB operations. For MSPs, it's an opportunity to deliver clear value, differentiate services, and help clients achieve demonstrable security outcomes.
The question isn't whether to adopt SMB 1001—it's how quickly you can get started.