Updates to CloudCapsule Essentials
TL;DR
- CloudCapsule Essentials now includes the CIS M365 Foundations Benchmark and the SMB1001 framework for Australian partners.
- Essentials supports CIS 8.1, Microsoft Security Baseline, NIST CSF 2.0, CIS M365 Foundations Benchmark, ACSC Essential Eight, and SMB1001.
- Three core vCIO Playbooks were added: MFA Adoption, License Optimization, and Cyber Insurance.
- New Device Exclusions let you exclude spare or utility devices to reduce false positives and improve reporting accuracy.
- Support for Cyber Essentials and NIST 800-171 is coming soon.
New Features for CloudCapsule Essentials
As summer winds down, we're excited to share the latest updates to CloudCapsule Essentials—the platform many of our partners rely on to power security processes and client engagements. These new features make it even easier to strengthen security posture, deliver client value, and drive new service opportunities.
Expanded Baselines
CloudCapsule Essentials now includes the CIS M365 Foundations Benchmark, plus the SMB1001 framework for our Australian partners—joining the ACSC Essential Eight released earlier this summer.
With these additions, CloudCapsule Essentials now supports:
- CIS 8.1
- Microsoft Security Baseline
- NIST CSF 2.0
- CIS M365 Foundations Benchmark
- ACSC Essential Eight - Click for More Info
- SMB1001 - Click for more info
And we're not stopping there—coming soon you'll see support for the Cyber Essentials standard (for EU partners) and NIST 800-171. Stay tuned!
vCIO Playbooks for Essentials
Our vCIO Playbooks continue to be one of the most popular features in CloudCapsule. They help MSPs present security improvements in a business-friendly way, while providing the detailed steps needed to deliver outcomes. Each playbook highlights the business case, surfaces related tenant findings, and includes short-, mid-, and long-term remediation plans—plus a full project scope of work to support professional services.
By popular demand, we've added three core playbooks to Essentials:
- MFA Adoption Playbook – Help clients adopt this critical security control with a clear business case and tenant-specific findings.
- License Optimization Playbook – Review licensing across the tenant, understand how licenses are assigned, and map them to users. Especially valuable during NCE renewal cycles.
- Cyber Insurance Playbook – Simplify the application and renewal process by focusing on the most common security requirements, with the option to export a PDF for client submissions.
New Essentials Functions
We've also introduced Device Exclusions for CloudCapsule Essentials. This allows you to exclude specific devices—like spares or utility devices (e.g., meeting room PCs)—to reduce false positives and improve reporting accuracy.
More Updates Coming Soon
This is just the beginning. We have a wave of new features rolling out this fall to make CloudCapsule Essentials even more powerful. Stay tuned—you won't want to miss what's next!
Written by
Daniel Johnson
Global Channel Chief · CloudCapsule
Dan is a 30-year MSP and IT channel veteran, recognized as a forward-thinking leader in the MSP industry, working with vendors such as Microsoft and Pax8 to refine their partner engagement programs and go-to-market strategies. At CloudCapsule, Dan is focused on developing and executing our partner engagement strategy, marketing strategy, and overall go-to-market efforts.
Prior to CloudCapsule, Dan was the CEO of machineLOGIC, an award-winning managed IT services provider based in Denver, Colorado, focused on cloud, cybersecurity, and automation solutions for small and mid-sized companies.
Dan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems and Management Science from Metropolitan State University of Denver, as well as a Minor Degree in Music Composition. In his free time, Dan is an avid drummer, guitarist, and music producer.
