Rupert Irons, Threat & Risk Management Sector Manager at C3IA Solutions, a cyber security firm based in Poole, Dorset.
A Dorset-based cyber-security company has urged all small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to become Cyber Essentials-certified.
This is a government certification that helps protect companies from cyber-attacks. Figures show that only a half of small businesses have taken action against these threats.
C3IA Solutions said the government scheme ought to be a minimum level of protection because cyber-threats are on the increase.
It follows a speech by Matt Hancock, the Minister for Digital and Culture, in which he said: “It’s absolutely crucial UK industry is protected against this threat – because our economy is a digital economy.”
The MP also said that he was ‘beefing’ up the requirement for companies working on government contracts to be Cyber Essentials-certified and that some of the country’s biggest firms also require it.
Since October 2014 Cyber Essentials has been mandatory for suppliers of Government contracts that involve handling personal information and providing some ICT products and services.
A third of all small businesses have experienced a cyber-breach or attack in the last year, but only about half have taken action to address the risks.
While Cyber Essentials is a self-certification scheme, C3IA Solutions has developed fixed-priced packages for SMEs to get them accredited.
It is working with large and small businesses to ensure they are protected against the increasingly sophisticated and growing number of cyber threats.
Rupert Irons, C3IA’s Sector Manager, said: “Many SMEs rely on the internet but don’t have the time or expertise to become Cyber Essentials-certified.
“It really should be a minimum level of protection – we have seen what can happen when businesses are attacked.
“Money is stolen and data is lost or encrypted; until it happens people don’t realise what is at stake and how much time and money it takes to clear up.
“Traditional anti-virus software just isn’t enough now, which is why the government is encouraging all small businesses to improve their cyber security.
“We are doing more and more work for SMEs and so have designed fixed-price packages.”
C3IA Solutions, based in Poole, was one of the first companies certified by the government’s new National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which was launched to help the UK become the safest place in the world to do business online.
For more information contact:
Ed Baker at Deep South Media on 01202 534487 or 07788392965
