Belfast-based Vertical Structure is the first organisation in Northern Ireland to be recognised as a Digital Security Provider by the Police Digital Security Centre (PDSC).
The PDSC’s Digital Security Provider scheme is a cyber-security certification aimed at ensuring an easily identifiable platform of best practice across the very crowded digital landscape.
Founded in 2006, Vertical Structure is an independent cybersecurity consultancy that specialises in providing human-focused security and penetration testing services for web applications, cloud infrastructure and mobile applications.
The Covid-19 crisis has accelerated further change to business practices, with a sudden increase in remote working, and its associated increase in cyber risk. This is particularly a big problem for SMEs, who often struggle to find the expertise and funding to implement effective ICT security.
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Vertical Structure said it underwent a robust accreditation process to prove that they met the PDSC’s requirements. They were able to demonstrate that they had taken the necessary security steps to instil confidence in their product and supply chain, and they help end users choose effective and appropriate solutions.
The PDSC evolved from the London Digital Security Centre, which was set up in 2015 by the Mayors’ Office for Policing and Crime in partnership with the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police to help small and medium sized organisations across the capital reduce their vulnerability to cyber-crime.
Cheyne Marley, Cyber Development Officer at the PDSC said: “Cyber security has never been more important for businesses, and the Digital Security Provider certificate will help businesses make the right choices when choosing a cyber service or provider.
“Vertical Structure, attaining our Digital Security Provider status, underpins their credentials and sends out a clear message to their customers that they are a trusted provider of cyber security services.”
Simon Whittaker, Cyber Security Director of Vertical Structure added: “Trust is everything in cybersecurity protection, especially as the world has been rocked by the changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a feather in our cap that demonstrates our credibility to customers who may have only just met us, or come to us through a referral.
"We are working with SMEs located all around the UK and further afield – the US and continental Europe – so to gain this stamp of approval is hugely beneficial in gaining their trust. Most of these companies are now using remote working, and this means cyber security protection is more important than ever.”
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Source: Written from press release
