Businesses are now able to benefit from the cyber security expertise that government agencies enjoy – thanks to a Dorset company.
C3IA Solutions, set up by former personnel from the Royal Corps of Signals, provides highly skilled operatives that are embedded into top-level state operations.
But now they have emerged from the shadows to offer their services commercially.
The company has developed ‘Security Management Partnerships’ that are being taken up by an increasing number of SMEs to help them meet growing cyber security requirements.
Rather than being based at companies full-time, the experts spend a set number of days each month within a business and are always available for consultation.
The operatives help take companies through compliance with the upcoming General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and also see them through the Cyber Essentials certification.
Matt Horan, security director of C3IA Solutions, which is based in Poole, said: “What we decided to do was replicate for business what we offer government agencies, but obviously slimmed down.
“We found that businesses were concerned about GDPR and wanted Cyber Essentials certification, but also advice on all their cyber security.
“We developed these Security Management Partnerships to give expert advice and offer peace of mind to businesses.
“Our staff are highly qualified and experienced and are able to provide practical assistance on all aspects of cyber security.
“They can test systems and networks, provide advice on laptop and media encryption and guide businesses through cyber and information security.
“We place them with a company for a set number of days per month and they can be contacted for ad hoc queries.
“Already we are working with businesses in the finance, legal, insurance, maritime and general security areas.
“Businesses are beginning to realise the importance of cyber security and information assurance, but often don’t know where to start.
“We offer a helping hand and provide affordable expertise, advice and assistance.
“When the government launched the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) it was public-facing, so we decided to open ourselves up to support it and deliver our services to the commercial sector.
“We were one of the first businesses to be certified by the NCSC as a cyber consultancy, and through our engagement we are now developing great relationships with those businesses we are working with.”