One of the country’s leading cyber-security companies is offering a discount for charities that want to become Cyber Essentials certified.
The certification is a government standard designed to help organisations protect themselves against the growing threat of cyber-crime.
Computer Network Defence (CND), based in Bath with offices on the Isle of Man, is a Certification Body for the scheme and wants to help charities during Cyber Resilience Week (11th-15th September).
Its managing director Andy Cuff said that many charities do not realise that they are soft targets and hackers will have no qualms attacking them.
Cyber-criminals find ‘the third sector’ an attractive target not only to extort money from but because they often have lists of donors and benefactors that can be stolen.
Andy said: “Charities are at just as much risk as any other organisation, if not more, which is why we are offering this discount during Cyber Resilience Week.
“Obviously charities want to spend their money on their core purpose, but a hack can devastate their systems and create utter chaos, not to mention the reputational damage.
“Being certified as secure can prevent the most common attacks and ultimately will save money should a charity be targeted. Usually we are called in after an attack and it can be very expensive and time-consuming to sort out.
“Furthermore, Cyber Essentials is a certification that is increasingly mandated if an organisation wants to work for the government or for large businesses.
“The certification focuses on threats which require low levels of attacker skill, and which are widely available online.
“For an outlay of as little as £225 plus VAT we can ensure a charity is certified and give trustees and staff peace of mind.
“We are already working with several charities that understand how important cyber-security is.”
The Crime Survey for England and Wales shows an upward trend in cyber-crime and some attacks, such as the WannaCry ransomware one this summer, demonstrate how devastating they can be.
CND is also offering the award-winning IASME governance standard as part of the promotion.
Taken simultaneously with Cyber Essentials, IASME governance covers additional protections such as physical security, data back-ups and staff awareness.
Notes to editors:
Computer Network Defence (CND) was set up in Bath by Andy Cuff in 2004 and covers all aspects of information security. It has grown organically and now employs 50 staff. CND specialise in providing consultancy services focusing around the development, implementation and manning of Secure Operation Centres (SOCs) and complex Intrusion Prevention System deployments. It has a high number of skilled consultants and only provides products that are of the highest quality. CND also has a long-standing recruitment part of the business, which provides staff for all areas of the cyber security; in both private and public sectors.
For more information contact Ed Baker at Deep South Media on 01202 534487 or 07788392965
IASME Consortium
IASME is one of just five companies appointed as Accreditation Bodies for assessing and certifying against the Government’s Cyber Essentials Scheme. The Scheme focuses on the five most important technical security controls. These controls were identified by the government as those that, if they had been in place, would have stopped the majority of the successful cyber-attacks over the last few years.
Interested charities can apply for the discount during Cyber Resilience Week via www.iasme.co.uk/cyber-safe-charities . A full list of participating partners will be available via the IASME website from p.m. Friday 25 August 2017.
Cyber Essentials is a Government backed scheme, industry supported, scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber-attacks.
IASME Governance standard has been recognised by UK Government, in consultation with trade associations and industry groups, as the best cyber security standard for small companies.
General Data Protection Regulations, (GDPR), will apply in the UK from 25 May 2018.
Cyber Resilience Week has events across the UK where you can learn, share and connect to find out the latest initiatives, intelligence and case studies required to take informed action in building your cyber defences.
Campaign discounts. Cyber Essentials usual price £300, campaign price £225. IASME Governance usual price £400, campaign price £250. All prices are quoted exc. VAT.
IASME Partners are the IASME trained and licensed Certification Bodies authorised to conduct the assessments to Cyber Essentials and IASME Governance. Over 30 ‘partners’ have opted to join IASME in the ‘Cyber Safe Strategies’ campaign. IASME certification Bodies are specialists in IT/ IT security and offer a portfolio of services which include Cyber Essentials and IASME Governance.