Cyberattacks are an ever-increasing threat to businesses and charities, with 39% of businesses and 26% of charities reporting a cyber-security breach or attack in 2020 (Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2021 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)). Therefore, we considered it vital to do all we could to prevent an attack and to work towards a Cyber Essentials accreditation.

Cyber Essentials is an accreditation developed by the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Centre. Cyber Essentials looks at improving cyber security in areas such as computer operating systems, passwords, and staff awareness.

We are lucky enough to have a good relationship with cyber security consultants Pen Test Partners, a recognised Cyber Essentials certifier. Pen Test Partners are passionate about what we do, so offered to support us through the process.

With support from Tom at Pen Test Partners, we worked through the requirements and improved the areas of our IT infrastructure that needed altering and improving. Thanks to Tom’s help, we passed Cyber Essentials the first time! As technology evolves, the accreditation needs renewing each year to ensure FareShare Cymru is as cyber safe as we can be.