What are the Microsoft Security Excellence Awards?

Every year, Microsoft spotlights the organizations that are helping to build a safer digital world through the Microsoft Security Excellence Awards. These awards, presented in partnership with the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), recognize Microsoft partners who are innovating, protecting customers, and advancing cybersecurity. For companies working in the Microsoft ecosystem, this recognition represents one of the highest industry honors in security.

What are the Microsoft Security Excellence Awards?

The Microsoft Security Excellence Awards are designed to celebrate the independent software vendors (ISVs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), and other Microsoft partners who integrate their specific expertise with Microsoft’s evolving portfolio of security technologies. These awards represent a high-profile global platform for cybersecurity leaders to be publicly honored for maximizing the art of the possible in security in an age defined by rapidly evolving, diversified, interconnected, and high-velocity threats. 

Instead of focusing on a single product or service, the awards evaluate the bigger picture of cybersecurity leadership, such as how a partner is helping customers defend against threats, stay compliant, and adapt to emerging challenges in areas such as data protection, identity management, and cloud security.

Security Categories that Reflect the Dynamic Threat Landscape

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-off or one-size-fits-all challenge, and Microsoft’s range of award categories reflects this spectrum of innovation and leadership. A few examples include: 

• Security Trailblazer: Recognizes bold innovation across the Microsoft security stack.
• Data Security & Compliance Trailblazer: For partners leading the way with Microsoft Purview and advanced compliance solutions.
• Identity Trailblazer: Celebrates expertise in protecting access and digital identities.
• Endpoint Management Trailblazer: Honors those partners securing devices and managing them effectively at scale.
• Diversity in Security: Acknowledges organizations that champion diversity and inclusion within cybersecurity teams.
• Security ISV of the Year and Security MSSP of the Year: Reserved for Microsoft partners providing exceptional contributions as software vendors or service providers.

This broad set of categories ensures that organizations of all types, whether software innovators or service-driven advisors, have an equal opportunity to earn recognition.

How Winners Are Chosen

The Microsoft Security Excellence Award selection process is intentionally collaborative. Finalists are identified based on their achievements, integrations, and measurable impact. From there, both Microsoft and MISA members vote to determine the winners. Basically, honorees are chosen by peers and leaders who understand the tangible value of these contributions.

The submission process for the Microsoft Security Excellence Awards is similar to the Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards; it’s a complex process that requires alignment with unique criteria, entry, and membership guidelines. 

Highlights From 2025

The 2025 awards were announced during the RSA Conference in San Francisco, one of the biggest global gatherings for security professionals. Among the winners:

• BlueVoyant took home the Security Trailblazer award, along with individual recognition for Micah Heaton as Security Changemaker.
• Netskope earned Security ISV of the Year for its seamless integrations across Microsoft security solutions.
• Quorum Cyber was named Security MSSP of the Year, demonstrating how managed services can help organizations strengthen defenses.
• LTIMindtree won the Diversity in Security award for its leadership in building inclusive teams.
• Bridewell received the Endpoint Management Trailblazer award for helping organizations modernize device security.

These examples illustrate how wide-ranging the awards are, covering everything from cutting-edge technical achievements to cultural contributions that make the security industry stronger.

Why These Awards Matter

For partners, being recognized by Microsoft sends a powerful message to customers and the wider market that their security solutions and services meet the highest standards of excellence and innovation. In an industry where trust is everything, that credibility can go a remarkably long way.

For the broader security community, the awards demonstrate what’s possible when companies and people collaborate to stay ahead of threats. They provide a valuable perspective of where the industry is headed and which organizations are setting the pace and the standards.

Ensure Your Award Submission Stands Out

The Microsoft Security Excellence Awards celebrate the people and organizations working tirelessly every day to keep data, identities, and systems safe. If your organization is considering applying for these awards (or others like them), it’s not enough to have the results - you also need to tell your story clearly and compellingly. 

Orange Bridge offers professional Microsoft Security Excellence Award Submission Writing Services purpose-built to help Microsoft partners increase their chances of earning recognition. 

We specialize in technology award submission writing and have a proven history of earning finalist and winning positions on behalf of the world’s foremost technology leaders. Our team leverages cybersecurity expertise and understands Microsoft’s strict award criteria and requirements to differentiate our clients among their peers.

Contact us today to learn how we can help your organization transform your security achievements into global recognition and amplify your brand in the market.