SYTECH Continues to Secure Prestigious ISO Accreditation and adds Graykey ETS

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SYTECH Continues to Secure Prestigious ISO Accreditation and adds Graykey ETS

 

SYTECH, the UK’s longest-established digital forensics consultancy service provider, has successfully undergone a rigorous audit to secure its second UKAS re-certification for ISO 17025:2017.

The international standard, which has been made a mandatory requirement by the Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice for forensic providers who are putting evidence into the Criminal Justice System, outlines the robust requirements for testing and calibration in laboratories. It sets out guidelines for quality management, technical competence and the ability to produce accurate and reliable test and calibration data.

In securing the coveted UKAS re-certification for the second time, SYTECH has been accredited under ISO 17025 for the previous eight years – a notable achievement in the digital forensics sector.

Significantly, the Stoke-on-Trent and South Wales firm is now also the first UK private-sector company to undergo an extension to its scope, to now have included within its schedule of accreditation the pioneering GrayKey software solution, utilised for full-file system mobile extractions.

In further successes, SYTECH has successfully passed its re-certification audits for ISO 27001, 14001 and 9001.

 

Jessica Clewlow, Operations Director at SYTECH and Senior Accountable Individual (SAI), commented: “We are incredibly proud to be embroiled in several international quality standards, and to have once again met the stringent audit requirements to secure re-certification for ISO 17025 and highlight our commitment to quality and accuracy.

“With an increasing number of businesses seeking ISO 17025 accreditation to demonstrate their competence, and with our significant testing and calibration laboratory experience, our SYTECH consultancy team is honoured to be supporting companies to secure accreditation – and maintain their status thereafter. By helping businesses navigate the complex process to achieve this globally recognised standard of excellence, we can enable more industries to benefit from the bolstered reputation that the implementation of ISO 17025 accreditation provides.”

 

SYTECH is accredited under ISO 17025 and Forensic Science Code of Practice and Conduct (FSR-C-100), and certified for ISO 27001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

SYTECH’s schedule of ISO 17025 accreditation can be viewed here: https://www.ukas.com/wp-content/uploads/schedule_uploads/00002/8765Testing-Multiple.pdf

 

 

Achieving Excellence in Information Security: The Role of ISO 27001

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Nowadays, organisations face unexpected and difficult challenges, on top of ensuring smooth-running operations and other concerns. One of those challenges is information security. Protecting sensitive information from cyber-attacks and threats remains a top priority. However, top standards may not be met by all organisations. To achieve excellence in information security, organisations should consider getting ISO 27001 certified. Let’s discuss ISO 27001 in more detail and explain its role in achieving information security excellence.

Defining ISO 27001

ISO 27001, officially recognised as ISO/IEC 27001, is the world’s leading standard for information security. It was developed in collaboration with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in 2005 and later revised in 2013 and 2022. It contains three main principles: confidentiality, integrity and availability of data and information. The standard can be implemented by organisations of all sizes and sectors. It provides a structured framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining and modifying an information security management system. 

To achieve ISO 27001 accreditation, organisations are required to establish a tailored information security management system (ISMS). This system contains a set of policies, procedures and controls that determine how an organisation manages their information security risks. Other requirements include risk assessment, risk treatment, evaluation, internal audits and continual improvement. 

Why Is ISO 27001 Important?

With the rise in cyber attacks and the emergence of new threats, it can seem impossible for organisations to stay ahead. Thankfully, ISO 27001 plays a critical role in creating security risk awareness, improving information security management systems and reducing risks of security breaches, cyber-attacks and unprecedented threats within organisations. 

The standard also offers the following benefits for certified organisations:

  • Some ISO 27001 requirements cover those of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and the Data Protection Act, as well as complying with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Builds trust with customers, shareholders and investors in handling sensitive information
  • Gives a competitive advantage by demonstrating that organisations are committed to the highest standards of information security
  • Saves money by increasing efficiency and reduces costs associated with cyber attacks such as legal fees

How To Become ISO 27001 Certified?

Once you understand the requirements of ISO 27001 and your organisation has established an ISMS to meet those requirements, you can proceed to the stages of becoming ISO 27001 certified. Next, the organisation can register for accreditation with a certification body. The certification body will perform a two-stage audit of your ISMS to ensure it meets the ISO 27001 requirements. Once the audit process is successful, your organisation will receive an ISO 27001 certification. 

Achieve ISO 27001 Accreditation With SYTECH

In 2023, 32% of businesses reported suffering a cyber attack or breach. By establishing a robust ISMS and certifying for ISO 27001, you can give your organisation the best possible chance of achieving information security excellence and preventing cyber attacks in years to come.

Before you apply for accreditation, you can prepare your ISMS by working with SYTECH Consultants. We are the UK’s leading digital forensic partner and cybersecurity service company. We are certified for ISO 27001:2013 and have a deep understanding of the accreditation. Through our guidance and support, we have helped many UK organisations in achieving and maintaining their ISO 27001 accreditation. 

How Can SYTECH Help You?

At SYTECH Consultants, we provide organisations of all sizes and types with effective cyber services such as Cyber Essentials, Incident Response and Penetration Testing. For instance, our Penetration Testing is a tailored service that can prepare your organisation to certify for IS0 27001. It involves a simulated cyber attack against your systems. Our cyber experts will attempt to gain access to your systems, identify weaknesses and give you a detailed report on how to correct and enhance your systems against future cyber attackers. 

To book a free consultation with one of your specialists, please get in touch today via phone or email.

Rev up Your Cybersecurity: Why Cyber Essentials Accreditation Is Your Business’ MOT

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You put your car through a MOT as an annual check to keep it operating smoothly, so why not do the same for your business? In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is more important than ever. With the modification of technology and the increase in cyber-attacks, safeguarding confidential and sensitive data is becoming more and more difficult for organisations. Luckily, organisations can undergo a similar MOT by certifying for Cyber Essentials Accreditation to rev up their cybersecurity. Continue reading, as we share a deeper insight on Cyber Essentials Accreditation including how you can benefit from it and explain why it is essentially your business’ MOT. 

What Is Cyber Essentials Accreditation?

If you haven’t heard of Cyber Essentials Accreditation before, it is an internationally verified and government-backed scheme created by the National Cyber Security Centre which protects organisations against the most common cyber attacks. To secure accreditation, an organisation must take an online self-assessment questionnaire to evaluate how the following 5 key cybersecurity technical controls are implemented in their IT infrastructure:

1. Firewalls

A firewall acts as a cyber barrier to prevent access to private networks. When a cyber attacker attempts to gain access to information or data from a private network, it will identify the cyber threat and block them from gaining unauthorised access. This is only effective if the firewall is installed and managed properly. It can also monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic. A firewall can be physical hardware, software, software-as-a-service (SaaS), public cloud or a virtual private cloud.

2. Secure Configurations

Computer networks contain servers that help organise and access information. Another key technical control to effective cybersecurity is secure configurations. When an organisation has secure configurations in place, they help to prevent access where it shouldn’t be granted, reduce network vulnerability and prevent unauthorised actions.

3. User Access Control

Most organisation networks are built with users in mind. They also have network administrators who manage and have total access, ability and control over things within the IT infrastructure. Any organisation has to be mindful about who and how many individuals have administrator privileges. The more people with access, the higher the risk of common cyber attacks. For optimum cybersecurity, organisations will want limited access to computers, applications and networks to anyone without administrator privilege.

4. Malware Protection

Malware is a malicious type of software. It is used by cyber attackers to cause harm to computers and networks within an organisation. It is a criminal offence to install malware as it can damage or lock files, steal or disrupt confidential information and block access. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for cyber attackers to use a type of malicious software called ransomware to gain access to a network and keep it captive until payment is released. Organisations will need to set up their IT infrastructure to prevent such malware attacks. 

5. Security Update Management

Any device that runs software is at risk of security errors, also known as vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are a potential opening for cyber attacks. All software must undergo regular security updates to spot any errors. As soon as a vulnerability is identified, it must be corrected for it to remain completely secure, this process is called ‘patching’. 

Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus

Once the self-assessment questionnaire is submitted, it will be reviewed by a qualified assessor. When the application is successful, a certificate will be awarded to the organisation. There are two types of certifications – Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. Cyber Essentials includes an online self-assessment questionnaire and Cyber Essentials Plus includes a technical assessment. This involves a qualified assessor who will verify an organisation’s cybersecurity technical controls to ensure they are correctly implemented. Many organisations prefer to apply for Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation, particularly those that hold a sustainable amount of sensitive data. Cyber Essentials Plus also offers a higher level of assurance than the basic version, Cyber Essentials. 

How Can You Benefit From Cyber Essentials Accreditation?

Any business, no matter the industry or size can apply for Cyber Essentials Accreditation. Not only does it protect against a vast amount of common cyber-attacks, it also has additional benefits:

  • Reassures your customers, investors and shareholders that you are serious about cybersecurity and you are working to secure your IT against cyber attacks 
  • Attracts new business with the promise you have cyber security measures in place
  • Provides better visibility of potential cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities
  • For some government contracts, a Cyber Essentials certification is required
  • Receive a £25,000 limit of Cyber liability insurance – if the whole organisation is certified and has less than £20m annual turnover (terms may apply).

Get Started With SYTECH Consultants 

If you are thinking about putting your business through a MOT and obtaining Cyber Essentials Accreditation, we can certainly help you. At SYTECH Consultants, we are proud to be an issued certification body for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. Our team of cybersecurity analysts provide support and assistance to organisations across the UK on Cyber Essentials. Similar to a vehicle MOT, you will need to complete an annual review of your cybersecurity every 12 months to renew your certificate.

To receive a quotation or to arrange a free consultation, contact us today via phone or email and we will be happy to get you started on your certification. Our qualified assessors are always on hand to answer any questions that you may have along the way.