Yep, it’s time. Security is a conversation that is simply too important – and potentially expensive – to avoid having. Still, many customers are hesitant to tread there, fearing sky-high costs or believing that their current measures are enough – sometimes because they don’t know how exposed they actually are.

For partners, the end of basic authentication can be leveraged to kick off the conversation, highlighting the alternative methods and measures available to customers. There’s also Microsoft’s Secure Score to lean on, showcasing tangible benchmarks and recommendations for context.

Understandably, the unfolding financial crisis will likely deter many customers from spending money, with a freeze on investing in security. Unlocking resources and freeing up funds to reinvest, then, will be a key play for partners to encourage the instigation of new security measures.