Acquarius earns IASME Cyber Assurance Level 1 certification, demonstrating commitment to robust cyber security, privacy, and data protection measures beyond Cyber Essentials Plus.
Information Assurance for Small and Medium Enterprises (IASME) is a UK-based organisation that provides a framework that is designed to help improve the cyber security of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
Acquarius is delighted to have become IASME Cyber Assurance level 1 certified which is a comprehensive, flexible cyber security standard. It provides independent assurance that an organisation has put into place a range of defined cyber security, privacy and data protection measures. The IASME certificate complements and builds upon the Cyber Essentials Plus standard, to which Acquarius had previously committed. The earlier certification focuses on verifying basic cybersecurity controls through a technical audit. The new accreditation goes further.
Acquarius undertook a rigorous evaluation process leading to achieving the new IASME certification. This covered additional, wider-ranging aspects of cybersecurity and compliance, highlighting key governance standards including risk assessment and management.
As COO, Gareth Cross led the process, requiring Acquarius to work closely with RightCue, one of the UK’s leading authorities on cyber security compliance. Headquartered in Basingstoke, Hampshire, they have worked with Acquarius for some time and as Gareth points out, RightCue has been extremely supportive during the IASME accreditation process.
In an increasingly interconnected online world, cyber security is of paramount importance to most businesses, none more so perhaps than those involved in the provision of trust and corporate services. IASME accreditation demonstrates Acquarius’ commitment to cyber security, which itself helps to creates a safer and more secure working environment.
For Acquarius clients too, IASME certification aids mutual trust proving that cyber security is taken seriously, adhering to recognised international standards. In an era where business is increasingly digital, clients require assurance that their sensitive information is secure from cyber threats. Confidence in a collective ability to protect sensitive information ensures that Acquarius becomes more attractive to potential clients and partners.
IASME’s accredited cyber security programme demonstrates that a business has implemented robust security measures to protect against hacking, fraud, and data breaches. Moreover, accreditation signifies adherence to industry best practice and legal regulations, such as GDPR, thus mitigating risk and avoiding fines for any breaches. For clients, this provides comfort that their data is being handled responsibly and ethically. Businesses with accredited cyber security frameworks can respond quickly and effectively to security incidents, reducing the risk of financial loss or reputational damage. Ultimately, it strengthens client confidence and contributes to long-term customer loyalty.
In setting out the desired impact on clients, Gareth explains that whilst such accreditation is a good thing to have, Acquarius will by no means relax its strict control on standards in the cyber security field. As in so many other areas, it is vitally important that the business maintains a compliant stance in cyber security at all levels right across the business. In other words, he says, “the hard work is by no means over – not by a long stretch”.
In a clear demonstration of Acquarius’ continued commitment to cyber security, Gareth confirms that RightCue has been retained to provide ongoing guidance on the necessary cyber security standards to which Acquarius must adhere. RightCue’s Jenny Leah commented: “It was a pleasure working with Gareth at Acquarius to achieve IASME-accredited status.” She further emphasised, “It is crucial that these standards are consistently maintained, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Gareth and his team in order to achieve this.”
In an ever more interconnected global business environment, Gareth is determined that Acquarius will not only maintain its IASME accreditation but will build on this success where possible. The ability to demonstrate to clients, their advisers and new business introducers that Acquarius remains fully compliant is vital. Please contact Gareth for more information or if you would like a high-level introduction to IASME and RightCue.