GUERNSEY IT service provider Resolution IT has just announced it has achieved the Information Assurance for Small and Medium Enterprises (IASME) Governance Gold standard in addition to also gaining Cyber Essentials accreditation.

Based on international best practices and a realistic alternative to ISO27001, this is recognised by the UK Government as the most comprehensive cyber security framework for small and medium businesses and so is particularly relevant locally.

Joint managing director Olly Duquemin said gaining the qualification meant Resolution IT was now able to officially certify businesses and organisations seeking to become Cyber Essentials and IASME compliant.

The government launched Cyber Essentials as part of its strategy to make the UK a safer place to conduct business online and the self-assessment standard is increasingly recognised locally.

The States of Guernsey and Jersey are widely expected to bring in the same or equivalent benchmarks shortly.

The IASME standard, including elements such as physical security, staff awareness, and data backup, shows that the certified organisation is taking good measures to protect customer information properly.

Resolution IT has been awarded the highest standard – Gold – showing that the company’s commitment to cyber and information security is in line with industry expectations.

Mr Duquemin said that the cost and damage of cyber crime plus next year’s introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation, with its heavy penalties for loss of personal information, were putting enormous pressure on local firms and organisations to secure their systems.

‘The best way they can achieve that is by adopting a framework to follow and Cyber Essentials is a perfect starting point.

‘Gaining the IASME governance standard is an important development for us and the island because it is crucial that all organisations handling personal data can demonstrate minimum levels of security. Resolution IT is fully qualified to help businesses demonstrate compliance with the IASME and the Cyber Essentials,’ he said.