A north-east cyber security specialist has achieved a prestigious national status that will allow it to protect more businesses and their customers from rising online threats.
TechForce has been formally recognised as an accredited certification body for the UK Government-backed, industry-supported scheme Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus and IASME Governance.
As an independent testing organisation, TechForce can audit the relevant security controls that businesses have in place, verify these, and then benchmark them against Cyber Essentials – or the more advanced Plus version.
Throughout this process, the Aberdeen-based company will identify any gaps in existing processes or systems and recommend appropriate solutions to enhance security and, ultimately, help the organisation towards certification.
The formal certificate, which lasts a year, is available to businesses of all sizes and guards against most common internet-based threats.
Jai Aenugu, managing director at TechForce, said: “We’re extremely pleased to have reached this important milestone. It’s a massive step forward for the company which will allow us to protect and empower more businesses through Cyber Essentials certification.
“Businesses are increasingly aware of the need to demonstrate their cyber security credentials, given it is often a requirement for many tender applications. For larger companies, the security of their supply chain is paramount to the safety of the entire organisation.
“Since achieving the accreditation, we have already completed a number of successful certifications and expect demand to remain high from both new and existing customers.”
Having introduced proven cyber security and information assurance controls that help protect against cyber threats, TechForce was able to demonstrate the business’ commitment to information security governance, risk and compliance.
It was subsequently awarded certification body status through the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Essentials Partner, the IASME Consortium, whose CEO, Dr Emma Philpott, commented: “I congratulate TechForce for recognising the key role cyber security plays in any organisation. This accreditation is a true demonstration to its clients that the company has considered the importance of customers’ security as much as its own.”
TechForce is a trusted cyber security partner for businesses and organisations; providing solutions including email phishing and security awareness training, endpoint security solutions, vulnerability management, and cyber essentials certification.
In addition, the company’s cyber security specialist, Harsh Panchal, is now a certified EC-Council Security Analyst; showing TechForce’s commitment to investing in its people, helping them achieve the relevant industry qualifications, and protecting its customers’ businesses.
Jai Aenugu added: “The hard work and dedication shown by our team over the past few months have paid off and prove that the steps we have taken to further enhance the security of our clients’ businesses and critical data continue to make a positive and lasting difference.”
Located at Balmoral Hub, TechForce works with clients across the UK in sectors ranging from energy, finance and professional services to healthcare, government and education.
The company previously secured Approved Cyber Essentials Practitioner (Advanced) status to support clients achieve Cyber Essentials Plus. In 2019, it was awarded a place on the highly competitive G-Cloud 11 framework, the Government’s cloud and IT services procurement platform.