Cyber Security Compliance: Protecting your Business from Online Threats

With cybercrime on the rise and businesses increasingly vulnerable to hackers, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself from the threat of cyber-attacks. Failure to implement appropriate cyber security systems could have disastrous effects for your business, resulting in costly financial and reputational damage. So, if you’re serious about protecting your digital assets and safeguarding your company brand, there are a number of government-approved industry standards you can employ to help you stay two steps ahead of the criminals.

Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials is a government endorsed accreditation designed to protect your company from cyber-attacks. It addresses the most common online threats, and, for any organisation wishing to bid for government contracts, it’s an essential requirement. Cyber Essentials is made up of five key controls:

• Malware protection – Employing up-to-date software and regular security scans to prevent ransomware, spyware and Trojans from compromising your systems.
• Firewalls and internet gateways – Using firewalls to identify and prevent unwanted traffic gaining access to your networks.
• Secure configuration – Applying security controls when installing computers and other network devices to reduce cyber threats.
• Access management – Implementing security controls to protect your network from internal threats.
• Patch management – Keeping your software updated with all the latest security features to eradicate any weak spots in your systems.

By implementing these five key controls, you can protect your sensitive data, demonstrate to clients and stakeholders that you take the threat of cybercrime seriously, and ensure you meet all the necessary government-approved cyber security standards. Here, at DigitalXRAID, we’ve helped certify and secure over a thousand different companies; our highly-trained experts can guide you through the process step by step, helping you attain your Cyber Essentials certification in just 24 hours.  

ISO27001

Information, digital or otherwise, is central to the success of any organisation, big or small. Sensitive client data, online communications and important legal documents form the backbone of your company, and, if improperly managed, it could spell disaster. ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised information security standard which outlines the requirements for implementing, maintaining and continually improving an Information Security Management System within a commercial organisation. It’s designed to protect all your valuable information assets, from printed records and electronic data to letters, emails, even phone messages. If you want to prevent your sensitive information from being stolen or corrupted and demonstrate to shareholders, clients and other key stakeholders that you’re doing everything in your power to protect your data, an ISO 27001 certification is an absolute must. ISO 27001 contains a number of vital controls and objectives. These include:

• Implementing information security policies
• Correct organisation of information security
• Human resource security
• Asset management
• Communications security
• System acquisition, development and maintenance
• Compliance with various legal and contractual requirements

ISO 27001 is the gold standard of information security, demonstrating your commitment to safeguarding your clients’ data and distinguishing your company as an industry leader in cyber security protocols. Here, at DigitalXRAID, we can make sure you meet all the criteria necessary to achieve your ISO 27001 certification.

PCI DSS Penetration Testing

Another crucial area of cyber security compliance is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or PCI DSS. It’s designed to help businesses process card payments securely and prevent credit card fraud. And, if your company handles customer credit or debit card information, it’s essential you meet all the necessary criteria. Failure to do so could have severe implications for your business, leaving you exposed to cyber-attacks and putting your clients’ financial information at risk. The PCI DSS has a number of high-level requirements, most of which are covered by Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001. These include:

• Building and maintaining a secure network
• Protecting cardholder data
• Maintaining a vulnerability management program
• Implementing access control measures
• Maintaining an information security policy

In addition, the PCI DSS requires you to regularly monitor and test your internal and external networks, ensuring there are no gaps in your security systems that could be exploited by cybercriminals. To do this, you’ll need to employ PCI DSS Penetration Testing. And, here, at DigitalXRAID, we can help. By simulating the techniques of real-world hackers, we can assess your systems for any weaknesses, and provide robust solutions to protect your business.     

The DSP Toolkit

If your organisation works within the public health sector, another essential piece of compliance is the Data Security and Protection Toolkit, or DSP Toolkit. The DSP Toolkit is an online self-assessment portal that enables organisations to measure their cyber security and data protection systems against Department of Health policies and standards. These include:

• The secure handling, transmission and storage of confidential personal information.
• The completion of appropriate data security training and testing.
• Annual reviews to identify any weaknesses and improve internal processes.
• Identifying and reporting any cyber-attacks.
• Implementing strategies to protect IT systems from cyber threats.

Any organisation with access to NHS patient information is required, by law, to comply with the DSP Toolkit. In order to achieve this, you’ll need to demonstrate that your IT systems are safe and secure, your organisation meets all the necessary NHS security guidelines, and you’re doing everything you can to protect sensitive patient information. DigitalXRAID can help you exceed all the required standards of the DSP Toolkit, safeguarding your digital assets and keeping your organisation secure online.

Staying Two Steps Ahead of the Cyber Criminals

At DigitalXRAID, we’re dedicated to providing cutting-edge, market-leading cyber security solutions. We make it our mission to shield you from cyber threats and arm you with the knowledge and the insight you need to safeguard your business. For more information about our products and services get in touch today and speak to one of our cyber security experts.