Updates to Data Security specialization (formerly Information Protection and Governance)

As of 8/26/2025, the Information Protection and Governance specialization is now updated to the Data Security specialization in response to partner feedback and evolving market conditions. In addition to a new name, the specialization also features updated skilling and performance requirements. As more organizations integrate generative AI into their processes, this evolution of the specialization is designed to give customers greater confidence in partners’ ability to manage and discover data utilized within AI applications and tools. This specialization is aligned to the Solutions Partner designation for Security, and partners still need that designation in order to earn or renew the Data Security specialization.

Updates to the performance and skilling requirements are as follows:

• Performance: We are increasing the monthly active users (MAU) growth requirement from 1,000 to 2,500 MAU.  ​ 
• Skilling: Your organization must have at least six individuals who have passed SC-401 Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate. NOTE: This certification replaced the SC-400 Microsoft Certified: Information Protection and Compliance Administrator Associate certification, which retired in May 2025. If individuals obtained the previous certification before its retirement date, their certification will remain valid and count toward this requirement for one year after attainment. 

Four or more individuals within the partner organization must pass any of the following Applied Skills (APLs): ​ 

• Applied Skill: Prepare security and compliance to support Microsoft 365 Copilot
• Applied Skill: Implement information protection and data loss prevention by using Microsoft Purview​ 
• Applied Skill: Implement retention, eDiscovery, and Communication Compliance in Microsoft Purview​ 

Your Partner Center admin can view the specializations dashboard to explore the new criteria and check which requirements you’ve met. Review the list below to help determine necessary actions to earn or maintain your Data Security specialization.

• Attain or renew your Solutions Partner designation for Security.
• Ensure you meet all performance requirements.
• Ensure you meet all skilling requirements.
• Ensure you meet all customer reference requirements.

The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program has the resources you need to meet these new benchmarks and stand out to customers. This evolution of the Data Security specialization validates the specific capabilities customers are searching for—so they know they can trust your security expertise.

To learn more about all of the requirements visit the Data Security specialization page.