Secure Nexus
Speciality: Penetration Testing
Secure Nexus is a private UK-based technology and cybersecurity firm founded in 2023, with 2 employees. Specializing in advanced network design, penetration testing, and security solutions, it aims to build a secure digital nexus for clients. Headquartered in Stirling, Scotland, the company focuses on safeguarding digital assets and optimizing connectivity.
Cyber Essentials Certification
Origin
Cyber Essentials was created by the UK Government in 2014 in collaboration with industry experts and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The scheme was developed in response to the growing threat of cybercrime and the recognition that many cyber attacks could be prevented through basic security controls. It was designed to help organizations of all sizes protect themselves against common internet-based threats and establish a baseline of cybersecurity hygiene.
Industry Value and Importance
Cyber Essentials is highly valued in both public and private sectors as it demonstrates an organization's commitment to cybersecurity. UK government contracts involving handling of sensitive and personal information require Cyber Essentials certification as a mandatory prerequisite. Beyond compliance, the certification helps organizations reduce their vulnerability to approximately 80% of common cyber attacks, provides insurance benefits with some providers offering premium reductions, and serves as a trust signal to customers and partners. Many businesses also require their suppliers to hold the certification as part of their supply chain security requirements, making it increasingly important for maintaining competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Origin
Cyber Essentials Plus was created by the UK Government in 2014 in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of GCHQ. The scheme was developed in response to the growing threat of cyber attacks against UK businesses and organizations. It was designed to help organizations of all sizes implement basic cybersecurity controls to protect against the most common internet-based cyber threats, with the "Plus" variant including hands-on technical verification by qualified assessors.
Industry Value
Cyber Essentials Plus is highly valued because it provides verified assurance that an organization has implemented fundamental cybersecurity controls effectively. Unlike the standard Cyber Essentials self-assessment, the Plus certification requires external testing and vulnerability scanning, making it more rigorous and credible. It's increasingly required for UK government contracts involving sensitive information and is recognized by insurance providers, clients, and partners as evidence of a serious commitment to cybersecurity. The certification helps organizations demonstrate due diligence, reduce cyber risk, and differentiate themselves in competitive bidding situations.
ISO 27001:2022: Origin and Industry Value
Origin
ISO 27001 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), first published in 2005 as ISO/IEC 27001. The standard evolved from the British Standard BS 7799-2, which was created in the late 1990s. The 2022 version represents the latest revision, updated to address modern cybersecurity challenges including cloud computing, remote work, and emerging technologies. It was created to provide organizations with a systematic framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Industry Importance
ISO 27001:2022 is highly valued because it provides internationally recognized proof that an organization takes information security seriously and has implemented comprehensive controls to protect sensitive data. The certification demonstrates to clients, partners, and stakeholders that a company follows best practices for managing cybersecurity risks, often becoming a prerequisite for doing business with government agencies and large corporations. Organizations benefit from reduced security incidents, improved customer trust, competitive advantage in procurement processes, and potential compliance with various legal and regulatory requirements. The standard's risk-based approach ensures that security measures are proportionate and aligned with actual business threats.