Groundwork East

As part of our regular work with Groundwork East, we take a proactive approach to ensuring that their IT systems are fully supported. We noted that the client could benefit from having Cyber Essentials certification to verify their resilience and protection against cyber security. We presented a business case to the client and explained what the benefits would be. Once Groundwork East signed off the agreement, we began to prepare the assessment.

At this point, we were able to establish what needed to be done to ensure that Groundwork East would pass the Cyber Essentials certification. We knew that many machines needed upgrading, and this was an ideal opportunity to ensure that each user had the opportunity to work from the latest software updates.

As a result, we upgraded a significant number of machines from Windows 7 to the newest Windows 10 inclination.

We also assessed the machines that were held in storage to ensure that they were also updated. Any machines that were no longer suitable for use were removed from the network and replaced with alternatives.

Our initial assessment was about preparing Groundwork East in advance of applying for Cyber Essentials certification. By creating a roadmap for new systems and upgrades, we were laying the foundations for the application.

Coincidently, whilst we were in the midst of upgrading the systems, Groundwork East received details of a new tender that required Cyber Essentials certification as a requirement for application. However, for Groundwork East to apply for this tender in advance of their deadline, we needed to apply for, and secure, the Cyber Essentials certification within just a few days.

As we had already begun preparing the foundations for the Cyber Essentials certification, we felt that it was achievable to gain this certification within the client’s fast timescales.

We had already met with key members of the Groundwork East team to set out the expectations and requirements and create a suitable plan of action.

Thanks to our remote working software, we were able to update the majority of the machines to the latest Windows 10 technology as a priority. This meant that we were able to eliminate the need for any unnecessary travel where possible. However, some site visits were required to assess the machines that were in storage.

Once we felt confident that each user was working from an upgraded machine with access to the latest software, we were able to collate the paperwork required for the Cyber Essentials application.

The certification process is predominantly admin-based. It required us to have evidence of how resilient the Groundwork East team was to online threats. Once we had everything in place, we were able to complete and submit the application promptly.

Our proactive approach to Cyber Essentials certification meant that we were in a positive place to be able to support Groundwork East when they needed the certification quickly.

We had proactively identified the need for certification and presented a business case to the client in Autumn 2020. This gave us several months to fully assess the system and identify areas for improvement or upgrades. During these months, we were able to implement our recommendations and improve their systems in advance of applying for Cyber Essentials certification.

When the client received notice of a potential tender that required Cyber Essentials accreditation, we had less than a week to complete and submit the application. Thankfully, our proactive approach to working with our clients meant that we had already laid the foundations for what was needed, and we were able to seamlessly meet these expedited timescales.

Thanks to our preparation, we were in a good position to make the Cyber Essentials application at a time to suit the clients’ needs. Upon submission of the Cyber Essentials paperwork, we quickly found out that we had passed the requirements with a 100% pass mark.

Typically, most Cyber Essentials approvals come with a series of recommendations for further improvements. We were thrilled for Groundwork East that their application for Cyber Essentials was approved with zero cautions or recommendations.

This success was because we had been proactive in our approach in identifying what the client required before they knew that it was needed.

Thanks to the improvements, Groundwork East now has demonstrable proof that their systems are far more resilient to online threats. The Cyber Essentials certification gives them more scope to apply for new business opportunities, and it is a verified marker of their commitment to security.

But the true measure of success isn’t just in the achievement of the Cyber Essentials certification.

Thanks to the continuous updates and upgrades over the last few months, end users can now benefit from more reliable IT systems. As they now have access to the latest technology, they can work far more collaboratively and effectively. What’s more, as a result of the Cyber Essentials certification, individuals are far more aware of how to protect themselves online.

As Technical Director, Karl is our most senior engineer and responsible for delivering solutions and providing support to our 2nd and 3rd line engineers ensuring that they can resolve any technical issues reported by our clients.