Cyber Security for Defence Suppliers (CS4DS)

Today, the significance of supply chain security need not be overstated. It is currently considered to be among one of the foremost concerns of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), shown by the launch of its Secure by Design principles (SbD) which champion the prioritisation of proactive, rather than reactive, approaches to security measures, particularly in supply chains.

For many organisations, navigating the MOD requirements to meet the SbD standards is an overwhelming and complicated task. However, as cyber security practices evolve to counter continuously evolving threats, implementing secure standards in supply chains is critical to an organisation’s future business development opportunities.

This is where our new, structured service comes in: Cyber Security for Defence Suppliers (CS4DS).

Cyber Security 4 Defence Suppliers

Did you know there are vital cyber security processes to implement before SbD can be considered?

CS4DS focuses on addressing these initial cyber security compliance challenges, directly helping businesses to navigate the Defence Cyber Protection Partnership (DCPP), Cyber Security Model (CSM), and other government defence standards such as DefStan05-138.

Our team has extensive experience with MOD standards, leveraging this expertise to deliver tailored cyber security solutions that meet your immediate needs while implementing proven strategies and frameworks for long-term success and future opportunities. For example, we can help businesses position themselves as MOD suppliers and support them to embed their Cyber Implementation Plans so they can become suppliers.

CS4DS offers a structured four-step process:

• Assess: Evaluate current postures and identify areas for improvement

• Assist: Help you to achieve the cyber resilience you need

• Guide: Guide you in navigating the CSM process

• Support: Commit to supporting your long-term goals for continued, enhanced cyber resilience

CS4DS offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and expert guidance from professionals with in-depth knowledge of the defence sector. By strengthening your security posture, you will be better positioned to achieve future certifications and compete for high-value MOD contracts with confidence.

For organisations seeking to enter the MOD supply chain and support Cyber Implementation Plans, this is a transformative advantage. Effectively navigating these processes is a crucial first step – without them, you can be caught in bureaucratic delays that will incur cost to your business.

The next steps: Secure by Design

We’re proud to offer a truly whole-service approach, supporting you from start to finish to achieve your organisational goals and guide you through the SbD elements of MOD’s CADMID acquisition process. Whether your build is in-house or through procurement, we provide expert guidance on the next stage of your cyber security journey: achieving Secure by Design standards.

Through a proven six-step approach, our team can assess your capabilities, create tailored solutions and support the implementation of new strategies.

Our six-step approach to SbD

• Confirm a requirement for implementing SbD

• Understand which areas or potential risks need to be addressed

• Engage with SbD authorities to take the first official step in being designated Secure by Design

• Develop a culture that ensures security concerns are raised to the appropriate channels

• Assess the project, programme, or system risks, and introduce appropriate controls

• Maintain capability through long-term support in achieving alignment with SbD principles

Cyber Essentials

To enhance your opportunities in MOD’s procurement process, it is essential to set a strong foundation of cyber security across your organisation. This is why we also provide close support for organisations pursuing Cyber Essentials certification.

Cyber Essentials fortifies your systems and processes against common cyber threats and demonstrates your commitment to a secure online environment. Through targeted control of firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, security update management, and cyber essentials assessment process, cyber essentials equips you with essential cyber security measures to mitigate risk and protect your data, information, and reputational trust.

We often recommend it as a strong entry-level certification for those beginning to build their cyber security resilience.

Cyber security: A requirement for defence

A comprehensive approach to cyber security is the most effective way to achieve meaningful cyber resilience, equipping your team with essential cyber security measures to mitigate risk and protect your data, information, and reputational trust.

These cyber security processes are requirements for many government contracts and can offer a competitive edge in contract bidding. With extensive experience guiding organisations through a variety of certification processes, we are ideally placed to strengthen your cyber security resilience, unlocking new opportunities in the defence and security industry. 

If you are interested in hearing how our team can help you build the right approach to achieve your organisational goals, get in touch today.