Quiet Storm has once again demonstrated our commitment to keeping our customers safe and secure online after achieving Cyber Essentials accreditation for the fourth year in a row.
It means we can continue to give all our clients confidence and peace of mind that the digital solutions we provide adhere to the latest cybersecurity standards and best practice.
Launched in 2014, Cyber Essentials is a Government-backed scheme that gives accredited businesses the tools and knowledge they need to protect their data, networks and digital assets from cyberattack. It was developed as a baseline standard for cybersecurity in the UK, to help businesses demonstrate they are taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves from cyberattack and keeping their customer data safe.
This year saw the biggest shake-up to the accreditation since its launch.
The Cyber Essentials scheme’s technical controls have been overhauled in response to the evolving cybersecurity challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic and other global economic and geopolitical issues. The speed of digital transformation and the adoption of cloud services drove the change. So did the shift to ‘Work from Home’ and hybrid working models, which many organisations adopted during COVID lockdowns.
Although the principles and themes of Cyber Essentials remain the same, its scope has broadened to cover cloud-based networks and the newer technologies that businesses have been using more since the pandemic. The updated scheme also places greater focus on improving cloud services security policies, protecting remote workers, multi-factor authentication and password security.
“Securing Cyber Essentials certification for the fourth year running demonstrates our firm commitment to cybersecurity, both for our own business and for our clients.The criteria changed this year to reflect the new ways of working that many businesses have now adopted.
“We’re delighted to have passed the more stringent certification process, which proves we have the skills and knowledge to adapt to the changing cyber landscape, and that our digital solutions continue to meet the latest standards for cybersecurity.”
Amy Heath Production Manager, Quiet Storm
Protecting our clients’ digital assets
Cyber Essentials has helped keep more than 60,000 UK businesses safe online since it was launched in 2014. It enables accredited companies to:
- Reassure customers that they have put measures in place to secure their IT against cyberattack
- Provide a clear picture of their cybersecurity level
- Attract new business with the promise they have independently verified cybersecurity measures in place
- Apply for public sector contracts that require Cyber Essentials certification
“This is the fourth year running that we’ve secured Cyber Essentials certification, which is testament to the hard work, skills, experience and knowledge of our team. It gives all our clients confidence that we take cybersecurity seriously to ensure all our digital solutions meet the latest best practice. We recognise the ongoing risks posed by cyberattack, with criminals constantly evolving the methods and technologies they use to exploit online vulnerabilities.Technology moves fast, and as it continues to develop, more businesses are storing data and communicating with each other using online or digital applications.
“Changes to the ways many businesses work as a result of the pandemic have also increased the cyber threat, which can hit victims hard, in terms of their finances and their reputations. So, making sure we are up to date with our Cyber Essentials accreditation is a key priority. It gives our clients the peace of mind that we are taking proactive steps to keep the websites and digital assets we create and manage for them safe and secure.”
Steve Megson Managing Director, Quiet Storm