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Holistic IT Embarks on the Journey to Becoming an NCSC Assured Service Provider 🚀

By 23rd May 2024August 16th, 2024Cyber Essentials, Cyber Security, News4 min read

At Holistic IT we pride ourselves on delivering professional and friendly IT services with a keen focus on security. As a small yet dedicated team, we have fostered long-standing relationships with our clients, ensuring they receive personalized care and attention.

Our goal has always been to educate our audience and collectively raise the level of understanding of cyber security threats within our area. Today, we’re thrilled to share a significant milestone in our journey towards becoming an NCSC Assured Service Provider.

Nova South, in Victoria, London, is home to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – part of GCHQ.

A Step Forward: Passing the NCSC Cyber Advisor Assessment 🎓

Last week, our Technical Manager Patrick, sat for the NCSC Cyber Advisor assessment. Today, we are delighted to announce that he has passed this critical examination. This achievement represents a pivotal moment for Holistic IT as we continue our mission to provide top-tier cyber security advice and support to small and medium-sized businesses in Doncaster and South Yorkshire.

The Cyber Advisor Scheme: What It Means for You

The Cyber Advisor scheme is designed to assure you that your chosen service provider, like Holistic IT, meets the high standards set by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). But what exactly does this entail?

Knowledge and Understanding of Cyber Essentials

The Cyber Advisor assessment rigorously evaluates an individual’s grasp of Cyber Essentials’ technical controls. This includes:

  • Understanding the five key areas of Cyber Essentials: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management.
  • Ensuring practical knowledge of how to implement these controls effectively within a business environment.

Competence in Providing Practical, Hands-On Support

Passing the assessment demonstrates that Cyber Advisors are not just knowledgeable but also competent in delivering practical, hands-on support. This means:

  • Providing actionable advice tailored to the unique needs of each client.
  • Assisting businesses in implementing robust security measures to protect against cyber threats.

Working with Small and Medium-Sized Organisations

The assessment also measures the ability to understand and work effectively with small and medium-sized organisations. At Holistic IT, we know that SMBs face distinct challenges:

  • Limited resources compared to larger enterprises.
  • The necessity for cost-effective yet comprehensive security solutions.
  • The need for ongoing support and education to maintain a secure environment.

The Path Ahead: Becoming an NCSC Assured Service Provider

While passing the Cyber Advisor assessment is a significant achievement, it is just the first step towards our goal of becoming an NCSC Assured Service Provider. Over the next few months, we will complete the remaining requirements to achieve this esteemed status.

Building Trust with Our Clients

Ultimately, this journey is about building trust. By becoming an NCSC Assured Service Provider, we aim to offer our clients:

  • Peace of mind knowing their IT security is managed to the highest standards.
  • Confidence in our ability to protect their businesses from cyber threats.
  • Assurance that we are a partner dedicated to their security and success.

Why Cyber Security Matters for Small Businesses

Cyber security should be a top priority for all businesses, regardless of size. Yet, there’s a common misconception among small business owners that they are too small to be targeted by cyber criminals. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different.

Cybercriminals often target smaller businesses because they may have fewer resources to devote to security and are perceived as easier targets compared to larger organizations.

The consequences of a successful cyber attack can be devastating, including, Financial losses due to fraud or ransom payments, Loss of sensitive data, including customer information and Damage to reputation and loss of customer trust.

Join Us on This Journey

At Holistic IT, we are committed to being industry leaders in cyber security. Passing the NCSC Cyber Advisor assessment is just the beginning. As we work towards becoming an NCSC Assured Service Provider, we invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can build a more secure, resilient future for businesses in locally in Doncaster and beyond.

Stay tuned for more updates as we progress towards achieving this important milestone.