Enter the Microsoft ecosystem with confidence
Microsoft's SSPA program requires any vendor that collects, stores, or processes customer, partner, or employee information to meet its reporting requirements. Technology vendors, managed service providers, consulting firms, staffing agencies, and other third-party vendors with access to or processing of Microsoft data depend on this certification to participate in the Microsoft ecosystem. Beyond the requirement itself, Microsoft SSPA signals an organization has mature, validated privacy practices and creates credibility in the market.
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Rigorous, third-party validation of secure data privacy practices
Microsoft is one of the largest, most influential organizations in the technology sector, and its SSPA program is among the most demanding in the market. A-LIGN brings the experience of thousands of ISO audits to deliver validation and credibility you can stand behind.
Accelerate entrance into the Microsoft ecosystem
The Microsoft ecosystem spans millions of enterprise customers across every business vertical. Achieving SSPA compliance accelerates revenue, provides product and integration advantages, and establishes organizations as a trusted supplier. A-LIGN's streamlined, tech-enabled audit process gets you to attestation faster so you can capture that opportunity sooner.
Reduce risk exposure
SSPA controls go beyond satisfying Microsoft, they reflect globally recognized privacy and security best practices. These controls strengthen trust and credibility with your own ecosystem of customers and partners.
Microsoft SSPA services
Maximize revenue and market opportunity by staying on top of Microsoft compliance.
Contact usMicrosoft SSPA assessment
A-LIGN reviews the organization’s controls as they relate to Microsoft’s Supplier Data Protection Requirements (DPR). A-LIGN identifies any gaps against requirements along with remediation recommendations. At the end of the audit, a practitioner’s report will be provided, valid for one year upon completion.
ISO 27001 + ISO 27701 certification
Clients can achieve Microsoft SSPA compliance with a combined ISO 27001 + ISO 27701 certification. This certification pathway provides a three-year certification upon completion and satisfies Microsoft’s requirements for independent third-party validation.
A-LIGN by the numbers
Clients save time with a tech-enabled audit
“We chose A-LIGN because they brought structure, clarity, and confidence to the ISO 27001 certification process. Their reputation, professionalism, and seamless partnership with Vanta made them the right choice to guide us through a complex certification process and provide third-party assurance to our customers around the globe.”
Learn moreDirector, IT Security
Erika Fry
Boomi
“SAS has a strong growth mindset—and A-LIGN demonstrated a strong desire to grow alongside SAS, providing leadership that aligned with SAS' own ambitions.”
Learn moreSenior Director, GRC-A
Cathy Smith
SAS
Support for your compliance journey
From guides to whitepapers, we've got the resources to move your compliance program forward.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Microsoft SSPA program and who does it apply to?
The Microsoft Supplier Security and Privacy Assurance program establishes data handling requirements that suppliers must meet when processing Microsoft Personal Data or Microsoft Confidential Data. It is mandatory for all suppliers as part of their contractual relationship with Microsoft. Whether a supplier requires a self-attestation or an independent third-party attestation depends on the volume and sensitivity of the data processed, as determined by Microsoft's classification tiers.
How often does Microsoft SSPA compliance need to be renewed?
Microsoft SSPA compliance is an annual obligation. Suppliers are required to attest or have their attestation independently verified each year.
How does Microsoft SSPA relate to other compliance frameworks?
The Microsoft SSPA Data Protection Requirements overlap substantially with SOC 2, ISO 27001, and ISO 27701. Organizations can consolidate audit efforts with A-SCEND to cut down manual labor and create a holistic, integrated compliance strategy.
What happens if a supplier does not complete their SSPA attestation?
Non-compliance with Microsoft's SSPA mandate can jeopardize the supplier's relationship with Microsoft and result in heavy restrictions or void the supplier's relationship entirely.