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CDS Defence & Security becomes IASME Cyber Essentials Plus certification body

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CDS Defence & Security is continuing its expansion into the Cyber Security sector and is now an IASME licenced certification body able to offer Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.

The IASME consortium were selected to work in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in April 2020 to establish and manage certification bodies such as CDS DS and provide a clearer and more defined path to achieve Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification that can be implemented across the UK.



Martin Nash, Head of Cyber Security & Information Assurance Services at CDS DS said:

“Cyber Essentials is fast becoming the benchmark expectation for suppliers on government and defence contracts, but all companies would most definitely benefit from the scheme. We’re delighted to be able to provide both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications for those companies who may not yet have addressed their growing need for cyber protection. The Cyber Essentials scheme is a simple and cost-effective way for businesses to protect themselves from the vast majority of known cyber-attacks”.

Cyber Essentials helps to protect data and software on networks, computers, servers, and other elements of IT infrastructure and is essential if your business is bidding for central government contracts.

Cyber Essentials Plus is ideal for larger companies with their own small cybersecurity or development teams. Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation includes an onsite audit carried out by an external certified body. The audit tests for the correct implementation of the technical security controls set out in the certification program. Our audit verifies security using techniques such as basic hacking and simulated phishing attacks.

Martin continues “Cyber Essentials provides a really good start to protecting your business from cyber threats. However, for many organisations working within the defence sector, Cyber Essentials Plus will be vital to their cyber contractual compliance. Part of our cyber security services include helping you develop your security maturity through understanding and managing cyber security risk. It’s often the case that organisations are not getting the best out of their cyber security technology investments because of lack of people expertise so we can help with that too. We pride ourselves in our pragmatic, proportionate and cost effective approach to cyber security bringing real value to our customers while reducing operational risk.”

If you’re looking to implement Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, email enquiries@cdsds.uk or call 01242 519119.