With Cyber Security Awareness Month firmly underway, the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group (NCRCG) has proudly welcomed CyberSmart on board as a National Ambassador.

Funded and supported by the Home Office, policing and Ambassador business partners, NCRCG is bringing together all those who have a vital responsibility for combating cybercrime to help strengthen the cyber defences of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The organisation forms part of the Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC) network alongside nine, regional and police-led Centres, which engage directly with the SMEs in their localities.

A leading cybersecurity specialist, CyberSmart is perfectly placed to join the ranks of NCRCG’s National Ambassador Programme. With over 1,000 Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and over 6,000 SME customers in the UK, it is primed to act as an enabler to this crucial sector within the digital economy.

In partnering with NCRCG, CyberSmart will empower MSPs and SMEs around cyber resilience and signpost the support offered by the CRC network and the national technical authority, NCSC.

SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy, making up around half of the turnover in the UK private sector. As a result, SMEs must be made aware of the need to protect themselves and the steps they can take, as well as the value of cybersecurity. CRCs provide vital resources and advice for SMEs, making cyber resilience accessible to everyone, even those with limited in-house IT resources or knowledge.

As seasoned industry experts, CyberSmart will also be using its platform as a National Ambassador to share its wealth of cybersecurity knowledge and research with SMEs across the country, including through NCRCG’s CyberVersed podcast series.

Jamie Akhtar, CEO of CyberSmart, said: “At CyberSmart, we’re proud to join NCRCG as National Ambassadors. Our mission to support, educate and empower UK SMEs, and the MSPs that serve them, on the importance of cybersecurity aligns with that of NCRCG. Whereas many advanced cybersecurity solutions primarily cater to enterprises, SMEs are often underserved, lacking affordable access and dedicated support, despite being major targets. Through initiatives like the UK government Cyber Essentials scheme, we’re able to help establish a baseline security standard for SMEs, which is crucial for supply chain integrity. As SMEs find themselves targeted more heavily by cybercriminals, it is essential that we educate and support these critical organisations.”

“Joanna Goddard, Chief Experience Officer at NCRCG, said: “CyberSmart is a fantastic asset to our National Ambassador cohort and, with the organisation’s links to Managed Service Providers in particular, will enable us to tap into a sector which plays a critical role in contributing to the UK’s cyber resilience.”

“Millions of small and medium-sized businesses across the country rely on the IT support and advice provided to them by their MSPs, however many are still not benefiting from any cyber security support which is a significant missing piece of the puzzle. It is therefore essential that we raise awareness amongst MSPs of the CRC network and where their customers can go for additional, police-backed help.”

“We are so pleased to be working with CyberSmart on this and to be welcoming them on board at such an opportune moment in the cyber security calendar.”

The post CyberSmart Become a National Ambassador of the NCRCG appeared first on IT Security Guru.

We are excited to announce that VISTA InfoSec has achieved CREST membership, a new recognition joining the list of our diverse array of global certifications and accreditations. This new milestone not only marks our ongoing dedication to excellence but also strengthens our standing as a trusted partner for all the organizations seeking comprehensive and reliable security solutions.

What exactly is CREST, and how will it impact our services?

CREST (Council of Registered Security Testers) is a globally recognized, not-for-profit accreditation body. It certifies organizations and individuals demonstrating technical proficiency, ethical conduct, and operational integrity in the cybersecurity space. CREST membership is an important recognition as it implies that the organization that is accredited meets the strict standards for addressing complex cybersecurity challenges and is adhering to best practices in security testing.

Organization that are certified by CREST goes thorough assessments of their methodologies, quality assurance processes, and data security measures, offering assurance to clients seeking reliable and trustworthy security services.

Here is what the president of CREST, Rowland Johnson, says about VISTA InfoSec’s CREST membership:

“CREST is delighted to welcome VISTA InfoSec as an accredited member company for its penetration testing services. VISTA InfoSec has successfully passed our demanding assessment process, which evaluates test methodologies, legal and regulatory requirements, data protection standards, logging and auditing, internal and external communications with stakeholders, as well as how test data security is maintained.”

He further added, “By accrediting VISTA InfoSec’s penetration testing services, CREST formally recognizes the company’s consistent delivery of the highest professional security service standards to its clients.”

You may also read CREST’s latest press release about VISTA InfoSec’s membership in the official Member News section on their website.

Over the years, VISTA InfoSec has partnered with many distinguished organizations worldwide, offering tailored cybersecurity and compliance solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and precision.

While we have consistently delivered exceptional services validated by accreditations like CERT-IN empanelment, PCI QSA, QPA, and SSFA certifications, and CSRO licensed Penetration Testing, CREST membership brings an additional layer of validation to our technical assessments. It opens new avenues for us to expand and enhance our offerings in the following areas:

• Advanced Penetration Testing Services: Leveraging CREST-certified methodologies, we provide precise, reliable, and comprehensive security testing, specifically tailored to your organization’s needs and threat landscape.
• Industry-Specific Security Assessments: Identifying and addressing unique vulnerabilities and risks that are specific to your industry, with customized penetration testing solutions designed to meet your sector’s requirements.
• Enhanced Compliance Support: Assisting clients in meeting regulatory obligations and boosting their security posture through focused penetration testing aligned with international standards and frameworks such as SWIFT CSP, PCI DSS, and GDPR.
• Proactive Threat Intelligence: Utilizing CREST-approved techniques to provide ongoing assessments that help anticipate emerging threats, ensuring your organization remains resilient in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

List of our accreditations that enabled us to be a complete security partner that goes beyond technical assessments.

• CERT-IN Empanelment: Recognized by the Indian government as a trusted security assessor.
• PCI QSA, QPA, and SSFA Certifications: Demonstrating expertise in payment security compliance.
• ISO/IEC 27001 Certification: Upholding the highest standards in information security management.
• SWIFT CSP Assessor Accreditation: Supporting secure financial operations globally.
• CSRO Licensed Penetration Testing (Singapore): Delivering authorized, in-depth security testing solutions.

Stay informed on the latest service offerings and newest updates in cybersecurity by signing up for our newsletter and subscribing to our official YouTube channel.

Frequently Asked Question

• Why is CREST accreditation important for penetration testing?

CREST accreditation ensures that the testing is conducted by highly skilled professionals using proven methodologies, offering assurance of quality and reliability in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.

• Why should I choose a CREST-accredited provider?

Working with a CREST-accredited provider ensures you receive services that meet the highest technical, ethical, and operational standards.

• Will VISTA InfoSec’s pricing change due to the new accreditation?

While pricing may be influenced by the enhanced value and quality of services offered post-accreditation, VISTA InfoSec remains committed to providing competitive pricing while ensuring high-quality service delivery.

• What industries can benefit most from CREST-certified penetration testing?

Industries like finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and government—sectors that handle sensitive data and face stringent regulatory requirements—benefit significantly from our CREST-accredited penetration testing.

• How often should penetration testing be conducted?

We recommend conducting penetration tests at least annually or after significant changes to your systems, applications, or infrastructure to ensure continuous security.

The post VISTA InfoSec Achieves CREST Membership a Milestone in Cybersecurity appeared first on Information Security Consulting Company - VISTA InfoSec.

VodafoneIdea Limited, a leading Indian Telecom Operator has successfully achieved SOC2 Attestation. After undergoing a rigorous auditing process, VodafoneIdea achieved SOC2 Attestation from VISTA InfoSec, a well-known Global Cybersecurity Consulting, and Certification organization. The SOC2 Audit and Attestation is an assessment of internal controls and security practices conducted by the independent auditors of VISTA InfoSec.

Achieving the SOC2 Attestation is a milestone for the organization as it demonstrates their commitment to high-level security and operational resilience. The Attestation is a documented evidence that VodafoneIdea has successfully met all the requirements and implemented security controls in alignment with SOC2 Requirements.

“Performing the SOC2 Audit was a deliberate decision by our management to prove our commitment towards the security of sensitive data. We were adamant to test and ensure the efficiency of our established processes and internal controls within our organization” said Mathan K Babu, CTSO, VodafoneIdea Limited. With the successful completion of the SOC2 Audit and the achievement of SOC2 Attestation, it confirms that VodafoneIdea Limited has all the necessary internal controls in place. “The Management and the entire team of VodafoneIdea Limited were truly dedicated and proactive in ensuring an efficient conduct of the audit process,” said, Narendra Sahoo, Founder & Director of VISTA InfoSec.

The SOC2 Audit performed is based on the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria. The Audit report focuses on Vodafone’s non-financial reporting controls related to the Security and Availability, of their systems and internal controls relevant to their Managed DDOS Protection Services. The audit report provided by VISTA InfoSec verifies the suitability of the design and operating effectiveness of controls that are in alignment with the AICPA’s standards and Trust Services Criteria (TSC).

SOC2 is an international auditing standard and the industry’s best data security practice in the US. Achieving a SOC2 Attestation demonstrates that VodafoneIdea Limited is committed to securing sensitive data and for which they have established a robust security program within the organization.

The Attestation suggests that VodafoneIdea Limited delivers secure services and solutions to their clients, and the audit report is an assurance of their commitment to the security and reliability of their internal controls.

Note-The SOC2 Audit report and findings are only available to the clients and stakeholders of VodafoneIdea Limited for review, based on request.