Marcus Burnap Recognized as Microsoft MVP for SIEM+XDR and Security Copilot!

What a start to 2025 - Marcus Burnap recognized as a Microsoft MVP

Writing this blog post on New Year's Day 2025 feels surreal. First and foremost, I’d like to extend my warmest regards to you and your family during this festive season. Working in tech is always fast-paced, and in security especially, it often feels like running a marathon at sprint speed. I sincerely hope you’ve had the chance over the holidays to enjoy a much-needed physical and mental break with your loved ones.

On the 1st of January, I was officially accepted into the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) programme for SIEM+XDR and Security Copilot—a tremendous honour that still feels a bit unbelievable as I write this. To be recognised as only the 11th person in the world in the Security Copilot category at the time of writing, just 12 months after gaining early access, is incredible.

This recognition isn’t just about expertise but mainly about contributions to the wider security community—something I have become deeply passionate about. It reinforces my commitment to advancing security practices and sharing knowledge to empower others in this field.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the brightest minds in cybersecurity, contributing in my small ways to pioneering advancements in Microsoft’s security ecosystem. My goal has always been to demystify security, make it actionable, and lead organisations to build resilience in an increasingly complex threat landscape. GSD—Get Security DONE!. Empower and lead others to do so!

Reflections on the Past Year

2024 was a year of significant growth and collaboration. From hosting hands-on Security Roundtables with industry experts and MVPs to launching the new blog, Copilot for Security Unleashed, many public speaking sessions and mentoring rising talents, each experience has been another step towards this milestone.

The highlight has been exploring the potential of Security Copilot and how AI-driven tools can augment human expertise. This area holds immense promise for the future of cybersecurity, and I’m excited to continue driving innovation & thought in this space.

A Community Effort

The MVP award isn’t just about individual contributions—it’s also a reflection of the strength of the community. I’m grateful to be part of a vibrant, supportive network of professionals who inspire, challenge, and collaborate to make cybersecurity more effective and inclusive. #MVPBuzz (I can officially say that now!)

Recently sitting in Luton Airport, travelling to the Scottish summit (UK MS Community Event) I by chance met another random attendee (Never met them) (Working on his session in the coffee shop), I hesitantly asked the question, “Are you off to Scottish Summit?” we chatted about the event and the conversation naturally turned into like-minded common ground Microsoft Product based. Ended up travelling the rest of the way together & catching breakfast.

At the same event, I was waiting for a friend in the hotel bar and got chatting by chance with another MVP, by noticing the CCP Defender Stickers on his laptop. (Shout to the CCP team and MS Product Managers / Teams, you rock! ) Turns out we had mutual connections and had a great chat about all the latest Preview features for over an hour!

Sat on a plane at 30,000 feet, on route to present the MISA booth at Ignite, (Shout to Maria Thompson & the amazing MISA team) and politely said hey to the person sitting next to me. Jokingly asks, “Are you off to Ignite to?” Absolutely he was, a fellow MVP from Finland, 30 minutes later, 7 of us now crammed in the extra legroom space, his colleagues joined us chatting about MS security things with a beverage to weather the 8-hour flight! (Lesson learned, don’t drink with the Fins!)

The point I am trying to make is that the Microsoft community is welcoming, and strong, and if you haven’t been to any events yet, give it a go, be seen, be heard, network & learn! There are some amazingly friendly people, who share the same values and will be willing to talk tech longer than your partner puts up with at home. Haha.

If you're reading this blog post - Some recommendations of events below, lets connect and meet up at one!

Secondly - Sticker up those laptops. They are the BEST conversation starter/icebreaker in my opinion! Get collecting! (And send me any you make!)

To the MS team, community members, event attendees, customers, peers, and mentors who have shared their insights and trusted me with their challenges—thank you. This recognition is a reflection of our collective efforts.

My Sincere Thanks

I can’t possibly tag everyone who has supported me on this journey over the last few years, but here are a few special mentions:

• Jon Jarvis for nominating me to the MVP programme along with Luke Evans, for affording me the opportunity to step in to present workshops alongside them, and for great support and advice along the way!

• José Lázaro Pinos
  for your incredible mentorship and inspiration. Your guidance has been instrumental in helping me get involved and discover the value of the community. I’m truly grateful for your encouragement and the example you’ve set.

• James Key and the entire Security Copilot Product team for your collaboration and insights. Allowing me to actively understand, contribute and support the Security Copilot product journey!

• Rod Trent
  - For recommending this blog to his community of readers from the early days! Truly kept me motivated to share as much as possible and try to keep up with all the latest things!

• Scottish Summit & South Coast Summit - These amazing platforms in the UK are run by and for the Community! Check out the 25/26 dates now!

• Experts Live UK - Again a community group that’s just starting out. Kind enough to have me at their second evening event! Take a look at their next dates!

• Performanta Team - My current employer, leadership team & peers have been supportive in keeping me at the forefront of the Microsoft Technical Relationship. Very much appreciated being encouraged and empowered to use the latest tech and the most modern way to work, even if it is not always the easiest!

Looking Ahead

As we step into 2025, I’m energised by the opportunities ahead. My plans include:

• Expanding Community Initiatives: I aim to launch a new blog sub-series to provide practical, real-world insights into Microsoft security technologies. And try to get some video content up on YouTube!

• Deepening Expertise in Security Copilot: I’ll continue exploring new use cases and best practices for integrating AI into security operations. (It’s unfortunately super hard to release most of the detail in this type of content, due to NDAs)

• Mentoring and Inspiring: I’m committed to guiding emerging professionals in the field, helping them unlock their potential and drive innovation. If you're looking for someone to bounce off, or start your community journey reach out!

I’m looking forward to more collaborations, learning opportunities, and perhaps even more roundtable discussions with the incredible people in this field.

Final Thoughts

Being recognised as a Microsoft MVP is not just an honour—it’s a responsibility to give back, to lead, and to continue striving for excellence. On this New Year’s Day, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s to come.

Here’s to a 2025 filled with mode Copilots, growth, learning, and a more secure future. Thank you Microsoft. Thanks to the community, and thank you for reading, subscribing & being part of this journey. Wishing you a Happy New Year and a healthy 2025!

#MVP

#MicrosoftSecurity

#MicrosoftLearn

#CyberSecurity

#MicrosoftSecurityCopilot

#Microsoft

#MSPartnerUK

#msftadvocate