Vertical Structure becomes Northern Ireland's first Digital Security Provider

Cyber security is an increasing threat to business, resulting in all businesses in the UK having some level of digital business risk. The recent 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.

One of the key issues is trust: trust that a business claiming to offer digital security solutions – consulting, training, managed services, security products, etc – will deliver a product or service that actually solves the clients’ needs effectively. Many of the service providers are themselves SMEs, with a large variance in the quality and trustworthiness of their offerings.

The PDSC’s Digital Security Provider scheme is a cyber-security certification aimed at ensuring an easily identifiable platform of best practice across the digital landscape. It is a unique and recognisable certification to assist those seeking a clear differential in a very crowded and ever-changing digital security marketplace.

Vertical Structure 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 certification recognises that Vertical Structure can provide solutions in the field of digital security which genuinely solve their clients’ problems.

Cheyne Marley, Cyber Development Officer at the Police Digital Security Centre 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, said: “Trust is everything in cyber security 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.”

Founded in 2006, Vertical Structure is an independent cyber security consultancy with a ‘human-first’ approach who specialise in providing human-focused security and penetration testing services for web applications, cloud infrastructure and mobile applications.

Vertical Structure conduct technical security training, helping companies to achieve certification to international standards including ISO27001, Cyber Essentials and CAIQ.

Vertical Structure are an Amazon Web Services® Select Consulting Partner, with experts who have more than 60 years of combined experience of technical skills and consulting experience in the information industry, traversing all sectors and disciplines.

The Police Digital Security Centre was established in 2015 by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MoPAC) to raise awareness among small businesses about the importance of good cyber security and now works across the country in support of the Government’s ambition to make the UK one of the safest places to do business online.

The PDSC works in partnership with industry, government, academia and law enforcement, utilising an extensive network of partners, including local police forces, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Chambers of Commerce, Professional bodies and others, to connect with local communities and provide practical support on how organisations can improve security on site.