MIAA gains Digital Security Provider accreditation

With cyber crime being an ever increasing threat to business, particularly for SMEs who often struggle to find the expertise and funding to implement effective cyber security, the PDSC developed the Digital Security Provider certification scheme in collaboration with BSI (British Standards Institution) to help SMEs make informed decisions when choosing a vendor and to promote vendors who take time to understand their customers and deliver solutions that are tailored to their needs.

As part of their certification, MIAA underwent a robust accreditation process and were able to demonstrate that they had taken the necessary security steps to instil confidence in their product and supply chain, as well as demonstrating that they help end users choose effective and appropriate cyber security solutions. The certification recognises that MIAA can provide solutions in the field of digital security which genuinely solve their clients’ problems.

Cheyne Marley, Cyber Development Officer at the Police Digital Security Centre, said: “Trust in any Digital Service Provider is essential. The PDSC recognise the commitment that any applicant shows when applying for the Digital Service Provider Accreditation status and the team at MIAA have dedicated themselves to achieving the accreditation and should be congratulated.”

Tony Cobain, Digital Director at MIAA, said “The world of cyber security is multi-faceted and ever evolving. Successful providers and advisors recognise this and ensure that their services grow and evolve to address the threat landscape and meet client needs. But there are a plethora of providers in the market, some with niche skills, some with broad skills, some new to the market and some established. This creates a challenge for organisations who are looking for support in terms of who can be trusted to deliver. This is where schemes such as the PDSC certification come to the fore as they can provide organisations with assurance that the provider has the skills required and has a track record of delivery.

“MIAA has built its reputation on relationships, trust and delivery; for us this certification is further evidence of the high quality of our services to current clients but also our ability to support new ones and we look forward to working with new clients and the PDSC to raise cyber awareness and strengthen cyber defences. Developing and maintaining cyber security is a daunting task but working with trusted partners will bring real value and assurance.”

MIAA is a shared service, hosted by Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It provides assurance and advisory services to over 80 public, third sector and commercial organisations across the UK.

MIAA was established in 1990 and has grown to be one of the largest providers of such services to the sectors it serves with over 150 employed and associate professionals supporting clients across the range of its services.

Within this service provision are their cyber security related services which are delivered by a qualified and experienced team of cyber security auditors and consultants. These professionals have cross sector experience at senior level and are rigorously supported in their professional development to ensure that they are able to not only support on current issues but can advise on the future threat horizon.

MIAA services have a reputation for professionalism, cost effectiveness and quality of outcome, adding real benefit to clients and supporting security and service improvement in critical national services. MIAA have been recognised with numerous awards and are acknowledged as leaders in their field with a clear focus on delivering maximum benefits for their clients.

The Police Digital Security Centre was established in 2015 by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MoPAC) to raise awareness among small businesses about the importance of good cyber security and now works across the country in support of the Government’s ambition to make the UK one of the safest places to do business online.

The PDSC works in partnership with industry, government, academia and law enforcement, utilising an extensive network of partners, including local police forces, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Chambers of Commerce, Professional bodies and others, to connect with local communities and provide practical support on how organisations can improve security on site.

The PDSC’s Digital Security Innovator and Digital Security Provider certification schemes were launched in February 2020.