Ekco secures all four Microsoft security specialisations

Companies must fulfil several requirements to attain Microsoft’s four security specialisations 

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Anne Sheehan of Microsoft Ireland and Steve MacNicholas of Ekco Ireland. Photo by: Naoise Culhane

Ekco has become the first indigenous Irish Microsoft Managed Service Provider (MSP) to achieve all four Microsoft security specialisations.

Organisations are embracing cloud solutions like Microsoft Azure to accelerate their operations and facilitate secure remote work using Microsoft 365 services. The increasingly digitised landscape corresponds with a heightened vulnerability to cyber threats.

Additionally, Ekco has also increased staff from 650 to 860 after acquiring Irish MSP Radius and Bluecube. 

Microsoft’s four security specialisations cover core priorities for businesses including identity and access management, threat protection, information protection and governance, and cloud security. To attain a Microsoft advanced specialisation, companies must fulfil several requirements, including undergoing third-party audits, securing customer references, demonstrating proficiency in relevant skill sets, and meeting precise performance benchmarks. 

Ekco collaborated with Microsoft and the National Cyber Security Centre to develop the secure configuration framework for Microsoft Office 365. They were also honoured with the Microsoft Ireland Rising Star Partner of the Year Award 2023 for security, acknowledging their delivery in innovative customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

Steve MacNicholas, chief executive officer, Ekco Ireland, said: “A massive congratulations to our cyber security practice, a team of 175 people, which is the largest in Ireland. This team has put in many hours to help us achieve all four specialisations in less than six months. It’s an amazing feat that we are very proud of.

“At the end of the day, it’s about our people. We’re very proud of our team, who have shown such commitment to continually enhancing their skills. It means our customers can use Microsoft 365 to its full potential, and have everything they need to work efficiently and securely.”

Anne Sheehan, general manager, Microsoft Ireland, said: “With cyber attacks increasing in speed, intensity and sophistication, organisations in Ireland must use new technologies to provide end-to-end protection and ensure that security is factored into everything that they do. This is why security has been a massive focus for Ekco, and in the last year it has rapidly ramped up, not only its investment, but its resources, to expand and scale its security practice to support Irish customers in protecting their organisations, while using new and innovative solutions.”

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