New digital security certification scheme

Developed in collaboration with BSI (British Standards Institution), the new certification scheme was launched on Monday 17th February, at the TechUK offices in London, with representatives from PDSC and BSI on hand to explain the scheme in more detail.

The scheme has been designed to help SMEs make informed decisions when choosing a vendor to meet their specific cyber security needs. A list of these independently assessed and trusted providers will be available through the PDSC website (www.policedsc.com).

The ‘Digital Security Innovator’ is the first part of the certification and is aimed at start-ups who are seeking an independent assessment of their product or service, including concepts of design. This can help them secure funding from investors or support an application for one of the industry-backed incubator programmes.

The ‘Digital Security Provider’ is the second part of the certification and is aimed at more established cyber companies. Successful applicants must demonstrate that their products or services meet recognised industry standards.

Successful applicants for both certificates will be presented with a police/BSI certificate, valid for 12 months.

Simon Newman, head of cyber and business services for Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, said: “It is our intention that a police-backed cyber-security certification scheme will ensure an easily identifiable platform of best practice across the digital landscape. This will be a unique and recognisable certification that will assist those seeking a clear differential in a very crowded and ever-changing digital security marketplace.

“Organisations will benefit from it because it will enable them to demonstrate that they have taken the necessary security steps to instil confidence in their product and supply chain and help end users choose effective and appropriate solutions.