When working with suppliers or IT providers, it's important to understand how seriously they take cybersecurity. Asking about their Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 status is a practical way to check if they have robust security measures in place. These certifications show that the supplier follows recognised standards to protect data and systems, which can reduce your risk of cyber incidents that might disrupt your business.
Why this matters for UK SMEs
Cybersecurity isn't just a technical issue; it directly affects your business continuity, customer trust, and compliance with UK laws like the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. If a supplier's security is weak, your data could be exposed or lost, causing downtime and damaging your reputation. For example, a small marketing agency with 50 staff might rely on a cloud-based supplier for client data storage. If that supplier lacks proper security controls, a breach could mean lost client records, regulatory fines, and lost business.
A typical scenario
Consider a UK SME with 100 employees that outsources payroll and HR services. If the payroll provider isn't Cyber Essentials certified or aligned with ISO 27001, they may not have adequate controls like multi-factor authentication or regular security audits. An attacker could exploit these weaknesses to access sensitive employee data, leading to identity theft or payroll fraud. A well-prepared IT partner would help you assess the supplier's security posture before onboarding, ensuring they meet minimum standards and have clear incident response plans.
What to ask your suppliers
- Do you hold Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification? If so, when was it last renewed?
- Are you certified to ISO 27001? Can you provide a copy of your certificate and scope?
- What security controls do you have in place for data protection, access management, and incident response?
- How do you ensure compliance with UK data protection laws, including secure data handling and breach notification?
- Can you provide references or case studies demonstrating your security practices?
Practical checks for your business
- Review your supplier contracts to include security requirements and audit rights.
- Maintain a supplier risk register and update it regularly with security status and certifications.
- Check that your suppliers enforce multi-factor authentication and strong password policies.
- Ensure backups of your data held by suppliers are encrypted and tested regularly.
- Request evidence of regular security training and awareness for supplier staff.
Asking about Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 status isn't just about ticking a box; it helps you manage cyber risk and protect your business from avoidable disruption. If you're unsure how to assess your suppliers' security or want to improve your overall IT governance, consider discussing your needs with a trusted managed IT provider or IT consultant. They can guide you through supplier security reviews and help build a resilient IT environment tailored to your business.