New partnership helps managed service providers align security operations with a recognized resilience framework, strengthen client protection, and support eligibility for preferred cyber-insurance programs.
September 16, 2026 — Blacksmith, the cybersecurity compliance platform built for managed service providers (MSPs), today announced a strategic partnership with SPECTRA, a cyber-resilience certification and risk-management platform serving the MSP ecosystem.
Through the partnership, Blacksmith will add support for the SPECTRA framework within its platform, giving MSPs a clearer path to document, manage, and demonstrate the security capabilities that support cyber resilience and insurance readiness.
SPECTRA’s Business Advantage Program evaluates the people, processes, technologies, and service delivery practices that contribute to an MSP’s ability to protect customers and respond effectively to cyber incidents. By operationalizing the framework in Blacksmith, MSPs can turn certification requirements into actionable compliance work, evidence collection, and ongoing accountability rather than treating resilience as a one-time assessment.
“MSPs are being asked to prove that their services are resilient, repeatable, and aligned with customer and insurer expectations. Having security tools in place isn’t enough,” said Mike Zbarsky at Blacksmith. “Bringing SPECTRA into Blacksmith helps providers make that work practical. They can manage requirements, collect evidence, and maintain the operational discipline needed to build a stronger security posture.”
The partnership is designed to help MSPs:
- Map existing security operations and controls to the SPECTRA framework.
- Identify and remediate gaps that may affect resilience and certification readiness.
- Organize evidence and documentation in a centralized compliance workflow.
- Create clearer, more defensible records of their cybersecurity practices for customers, partners, and insurance-related assessments.
- Support stronger client outcomes by connecting security maturity with cybersecurity performance warranties and easier access to broader insurance coverage and lower premiums for MSPs and their customers.
For MSPs and their clients, the value extends beyond compliance. SPECTRA’s certification-based Business Advantage Program is intended to give insurers and brokers validated information about the security services and resilience practices supporting an organization. Certified providers may help clients qualify for preferred coverage programs and more favorable cyber-insurance terms, subject to carrier underwriting and program eligibility. SPECTRA has reported that qualified programs can provide premium reductions of up to 35 percent.
“Cybersecurity and cyber insurance have historically operated as separate conversations,” said Edouard von Herberstein, CEO at SPECTRA. “This partnership with Blacksmith helps close that gap by making the work of achieving and maintaining cyber resilience more visible, measurable, and operational for MSPs. Together, we are helping providers turn strong security practices into a meaningful business advantage for themselves and their customers.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping MSPs move beyond checkbox compliance toward demonstrable cyber resilience. As insurance carriers increasingly expect clearer proof of risk management and security performance, Blacksmith and SPECTRA will provide MSPs with a more streamlined way to manage the underlying controls, evidence, and operational practices that support those expectations.
The SPECTRA framework will be available in Blacksmith beginning October 1st. MSPs interested in early access or learning more can visit blacksmithinfosec.com or spectracyber.com.
About Blacksmith
Blacksmith is an MSP-focused compliance-as-a-service platform with a uniquely designed end-user UX that enhances the shared responsibility model. The platform helps MSPs operationalize compliance, organize evidence, manage security requirements, and demonstrate the maturity of their services across evolving customer, regulatory, and risk-management expectations.
About SPECTRA
SPECTRA is a cyber-resilience certification and risk-management platform for managed service providers. Its Business Advantage Program is designed to assess and validate an MSP’s security capabilities, operational practices, and service resilience, helping equip qualified providers with cyber warranties and connect MSPs and their customers to preferred cyber insurance programs through broker and carrier partners. SPECTRA’s framework is built around verified performance and insurer-aligned resilience requirements.
Media Contacts
Blacksmith
Mike Zbarsky
Co-Founder
mzbarsky@blacksmithinfosec.com
301.541.3237
SPECTRA
marketing@spectracyber.com