How MSPs Can Use SMB1001 to Boost Security Awareness Among Their SMB Customers

by | Jan 27, 2026 | Bluechip Infotech New Zealand, SMB1001

Small and medium‑sized businesses are facing more cyber threats than ever, yet most still struggle with the basics—limited resources, low cybersecurity awareness, and complex requirements that feel out of reach. That’s exactly why the SMB1001 cybersecurity framework was created: to give SMBs a practical, structured, and affordable roadmap for building security maturity.1

For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), SMB1001 represents a powerful opportunity—not just to improve customer protection, but to raise security awareness in a way that is simple, visual, and deeply aligned with SMB realities. Here’s how MSPs can leverage SMB1001 to drive better conversations, stronger security culture, and measurable improvements in customer security posture.

Use SMB1001’s Tiered Model to Make Security Easy to Understand

The SMB1001 framework is built around five maturity tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond—each adding more advanced controls.1

This progressive structure allows MSPs to:
  • Show customers exactly where they are today
  • Lay out a clear and achievable path to the next tier
  • Remove the overwhelm by focusing on incremental improvement instead of big, complex leaps

Many SMB owners struggle with abstract cybersecurity concepts. SMB1001 turns those concepts into a simple maturity ladder, which MSPs can use visually during QBRs, onboarding, or sales meetings.

Come talk to us to know more about the SMB1001 Certification. Reach out to us at sales@bluechipit.co.nz today!

framework
FAQ: SMB1001 for MSPs
    1. What is the SMB1001 cybersecurity framework

    SMB1001 is a tiered cybersecurity standard created specifically for small and medium‑sized businesses. It gives SMBs a simple, affordable, and structured pathway to improving their cyber maturity, moving through levels from Bronze to Diamond.

    2. Why is SMB1001 useful for MSPs?

    SMB1001 helps MSPs translate complex security concepts into clear, visual steps that SMB customers can easily understand. It supports better conversations during QBRs, onboarding, and sales discussions while giving MSPs a measurable way to demonstrate improvements in a customer’s security posture.

    3. How does the SMB1001 tiered model work?

    The framework uses five maturity tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Each tier introduces progressively stronger controls, helping SMBs improve incrementally without feeling overwhelmed by enterprise‑level requirements.

    4. How can MSPs use SMB1001 to boost security awareness?

    MSPs can use the framework as a visual roadmap during customer meetings, helping business owners see exactly where they stand and what improvements are needed next. This makes cybersecurity easier to understand and encourages SMBs to take proactive steps.

    5. Is SMB1001 affordable for SMBs?

    Yes. SMB1001 is intentionally designed to be cost‑effective. It focuses on practical, achievable controls rather than complex enterprise‑grade requirements, making it accessible to SMBs with limited resources.

    6. How does SMB1001 compare to frameworks like ISO 27001?

    ISO 27001 is designed for large enterprises and requires significant investment and long‑term resource commitment. SMB1001 is simpler, quicker to adopt, and more flexible. Making it better suited for smaller organisations while still providing a structured pathway toward stronger security.

    7. Can SMB1001 help SMBs meet insurance or compliance requirements?

    Yes. Many insurers and partners now require proof of baseline cybersecurity controls. SMB1001 provides clear documentation and measurable progress that can help businesses meet insurer expectations and strengthen their credibility with customers.

    8. How often is SMB1001 updated?

    SMB1001 is revised more frequently than many traditional frameworks, ensuring it keeps pace with evolving cyber threats and emerging best practices. This means SMBs and MSPs benefit from more current guidance.

    9. How can MSPs introduce SMB1001 to their customers?

    MSPs can present the SMB1001 maturity tiers during QBRs, onboarding sessions, or sales meetings. Using assessments, visuals, and checklists makes it easier for customers to understand the value and immediately identify gaps.

    10. Where can SMBs and MSPs learn more or get certified?

     

    You can reach out to the Bluechip Infotech NZ team at sales@bluechipit.co.nz to learn more about the SMB1001 Certification. More information is also available on the SMB1001 page at bluechipit.co.nz/smb1001/.