DNSFilter has expanded its MSP Partner Program with a new three-tier model for managed service providers building security services around DNS protection, content filtering, and web-layer threat defense.
The company expanded the partner program in response to MSPs increasingly facing more pressure to protect customers from phishing, identity attacks, and other threats without adding more tools to already crowded security stacks.
DNSFilter’s 2026 MSP research found that 85% of surveyed MSP leaders said there is at least one security capability they cannot effectively deliver today. Nearly half said security tool licensing costs are their biggest obstacle to growing security revenue.
Dan Cucchi, VP of MSP and channel sales at DNSFilter, told ChannelE2E that the licensing concern is real, but the larger issue is growth. “Most vendors, us included, price better as you scale, so the fastest way to lower your per-license cost is to grow your practice, not to wait around for a vendor to cut you a deal,” he said.
That is the problem DNSFilter is trying to address with its new partner structure. The company said more than 6,000 MSPs already use its platform, and the updated program is meant to give those partners more support based on how deeply they are building around DNSFilter.
Three MSP partner tiers added
The new program includes three levels: Select Partner, Accelerator Partner, and Strategic Partner.
The Select Partner tier gives MSPs access to DNSFilter’s multi-tenant platform, Partner Edge Portal, white-label campaign assets, self-paced training, and volume-based pricing. DNSFilter said this tier does not require an application, approval process, or long-term contract.
The Accelerator Partner tier is available by invitation or application. It is aimed at MSPs who want to grow their security services business. These partners receive a named account manager, sales engineer support for demos and proofs of concept, co-marketing resources backed by market development funds, and an annual business review.
The Strategic Partner tier is for MSPs making a larger commitment to security services growth. It includes custom enablement, joint selling, co-branded or white-label marketing, ongoing market development funds, and a dedicated DNSFilter team.
Cucchi said DNSFilter will look at both partner commitment and partner growth when deciding which MSPs move into higher tiers. “Growth rate with DNSFilter is the big one, because the whole program rewards how fast you grow, not how big you already are,” he said. “Spend sits right alongside it. A partner who's growing fast and putting real commitment behind it moves up.”
That commitment includes joint co-marketing, certification, training, and use of DNSFilter’s white-label campaigns and sales assets. DNSFilter is also adding an opt-out campaign to help MSPs roll out DNS filtering across their customer base, along with new ways to package CyberSight, its user behavior analytics capability, as an add-on service.
Why DNS protection matters for MSPs
MSPs are being asked to close more security gaps for customers, but many do not have the staff, time, or budget to manage more tools. DNSFilter’s research found that MSPs are especially worried about AI-generated phishing, identity-based attacks, supply chain compromise, and ransomware.
Many of those threats start at the web and DNS layer, before an endpoint tool can respond. Cucchi said that makes DNS protection a practical starting point for MSPs building managed security services.
“DNS isn't the whole security stack, but it's the foundation the rest of it stands on,” Cucchi said. “Almost every attack has to resolve a domain at some point, and our research shows around 80% of threats start at the DNS layer.”
He said DNS filtering can help MSPs block AI phishing before a user reaches a malicious page, spot callbacks tied to identity-based attacks, and support posture reporting through CyberSight. That reporting piece matters as customers face more pressure from cyber insurance and compliance requirements.
“Cyber insurance has driven demand for years, and underwriters increasingly want DNS and web filtering logs to prove a client's security posture,” Cucchi said. “DNS won't replace the rest of the stack. It makes the rest of it work harder, and it gives MSPs an easy place to prove value.”
The program also fits into a larger vendor consolidation trend. MSPs want fewer platforms, clearer pricing, and security tools that are easier to package into managed services. A more structured partner program gives DNSFilter a clearer channel path, while giving MSPs more support to sell and manage DNS protection as part of a broader security stack. Customers need better protection against phishing and web-based threats, but they also want services that are easy to understand and manage. DNSFilter is using this partner program to make that easier for MSPs to package, sell, and deliver.
