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Submitted by sonali on February 21, 2023

What is Microsoft SSPA? 

Microsoft SSPA (Supplier Security and Privacy Assurance) is a program that helps ensure the security and privacy of customer data that is processed or stored by Microsoft suppliers. The program requires Microsoft suppliers to comply with specific security and privacy controls, policies, and procedures to protect customer data. 

Microsoft SSPA is designed to ensure that suppliers handling customer data meet the same high standards of security and privacy as Microsoft itself. The program requires suppliers to implement appropriate security measures to protect customer data, such as encryption, access controls, and monitoring of access and usage. 

The SSPA program also requires suppliers to comply with applicable data protection laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The program includes regular assessments and audits of suppliers to ensure ongoing compliance with these requirements. 

Microsoft SSPA provides customers with assurance that their data is being protected by Microsoft and its suppliers to the highest standards of security and privacy. The program also helps to mitigate the risk of data breaches and other security incidents, which can have significant financial, legal, and reputational consequences. 

In summary, Microsoft SSPA is a program that requires suppliers to comply with specific security and privacy controls to protect customer data. The program ensures that suppliers handling customer data meet the same high standards of security and privacy as Microsoft itself. SSPA provides customers with assurance that their data is being protected to the highest standards, and helps to mitigate the risk of data breaches and other security incidents. 

Requirements of Microsoft SSPA 

Microsoft SSPA (Supplier Security and Privacy Assurance) is a program that requires suppliers to comply with specific security and privacy controls to protect customer data. The program helps to ensure that Microsoft's suppliers meet the same high standards of security and privacy as Microsoft itself. Below are some of the key requirements of Microsoft SSPA: 

  • Compliance with Microsoft's Security Policy: Microsoft requires suppliers to comply with its Security Policy, which sets out the minimum-security requirements for the protection of customer data. Suppliers must implement appropriate security measures to protect customer data, such as encryption, access controls, and monitoring of access and usage.  

  • Compliance with Applicable Laws and Regulations: Microsoft SSPA requires suppliers to comply with applicable data protection laws and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). 

  • Regular Assessments and Audits: Microsoft conducts regular assessments and audits of its suppliers to ensure ongoing compliance with SSPA requirements. Suppliers must provide evidence of their compliance with Microsoft's security and privacy requirements. 

  • Data Classification and Handling: Suppliers must classify and handle customer data in accordance with Microsoft's Data Classification Standard, which provides guidelines for handling data based on its sensitivity and confidentiality. 

  • Incident Response and Reporting: Microsoft requires suppliers to have incident response plans in place to address security incidents and to report any incidents to Microsoft as soon as possible. 

  • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Suppliers must have appropriate business continuity and disaster recovery plans in place to ensure the ongoing availability and integrity of customer data. 

In summary, Microsoft SSPA requires suppliers to comply with specific security and privacy controls to protect customer data, including compliance with Microsoft's Security Policy, applicable laws and regulations, regular assessments and audits, data classification and handling, incident response and reporting, and business continuity and disaster recovery. These requirements help to ensure that Microsoft's suppliers meet the same high standards of security and privacy as Microsoft itself, and provide customers with assurance that their data is being protected to the highest standards.