Brightridge invests in cyber security services with in-house expertise and Certification Body status

Brightridge has enhanced its cyber security offering with the appointment of its first in-house Cyber Essentials Assessor and accreditation as a Cyber Essentials and IASME Cyber Assurance Certification Body.

Nicola McKay joined the business in February, bringing extensive compliance experience and supporting clients from initial assessment through to certification and annual renewals.

The Livingston-based technology provider is now one of just 13 certifying bodies in Scotland’s Central Belt accredited to deliver both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. The company is also accredited to provide IASME Cyber Assurance at Levels 1 and 2, extending its support beyond technical controls to include policies, processes and people.

Closing the gap between certification and delivery

Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed scheme designed to protect organisations against common cyber threats. It has two levels – Cyber Essentials, a self-assessed certification, and Cyber Essentials Plus, which includes independent technical verification of systems and controls.

While there are around 20 Certification Bodies operating across the Central Belt, only 13 deliver both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, and fewer than half of those provide the in-house IT support and remediation needed to help organisations achieve and maintain compliance.

For many businesses, particularly those without in-house IT expertise, that creates a challenge – being told what needs fixed, but not having a clear route to get there. Brightridge removes that barrier by combining certification, remediation and ongoing IT support within one team.

Making compliance measurable

Accreditation is increasingly a requirement across insurance, supply chains and tender processes, but certification alone is no longer enough. Organisations are expected to demonstrate that security controls are in place and working.

Iain Bett, Founder and CEO of Brightridge, said: “Cyber security has to be built into how a business operates, not treated as a standalone exercise.

“As a Managed Security Service Provider, everything we do is underpinned by security, from protected connectivity through to managed IT. By bringing certification in-house, we can not only assess but implement, support and provide ongoing evidence that those controls are effective and actively managed.

“That’s what gives clients real confidence – knowing their security stands up to scrutiny, whether that’s from insurers, customers or across their supply chain.”

Nicola McKay, Cyber Essentials Assessor at Brightridge, added: “A lot of organisations come to us unsure of where they stand or what’s required. Cyber Essentials provides a clear framework, but the real challenge is applying it properly and consistently.

“By working closely with clients, not just assessing, but supporting them through the process, we act as a reassuring guide throughout their cyber journey.”

Built for what’s next

With increasing reliance on cloud platforms, connected systems and emerging technologies such as AI, maintaining visibility and control over security has never been more important.

Brightridge’s integrated approach – combining certification, in-house expertise and AI-enabled monitoring capabilities – gives organisations a clearer view of their entire environment, helping them identify risks early and address them before they become issues.

Ends

About Brightridge Technology

Brightridge Technology is a Livingston-based provider of managed IT, connectivity, business telephony and cyber security services, supporting organisations across the UK.

With nearly 25 years in business, Brightridge delivers a joined-up approach to technology, bringing together IT support, communications and security within a single service model. As a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), security is embedded across all services – forming the foundation of how the business designs, delivers and supports its solutions.

The company is ISO/IEC 27001 certified and accredited to deliver both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, as well as IASME Cyber Assurance Levels 1 and 2.

Brightridge works with organisations of all sizes, providing a single, trusted partner to improve resilience, meet compliance requirements and maintain secure, reliable technology environments.

Media Contact