UK Police Introduce Cyber Security Certification

The London Digital Security Centre (LDSC) has announced a pilot of the UK’s first police-backed cyber security certification scheme. The national scheme is being launched in partnership with Secured by Design (SBD), the national police crime prevention initiative, and is supported by The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (Mopac), alongside The Metropolitan and City of London Police.

At the heart of the two-part certification scheme is Cyber Essentials. This is a government-backed industry-supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common online threats.

Guy Ferguson, chief executive officer at Secured by Design, said: “Police crime prevention initiatives have always responded to developing and emerging crime patterns with innovation and creativity.

“We are delighted to be working closely with the London Digital Security Centre to develop new techniques that will better support people and businesses online,” he said.

Chris Diogenous, chief commercial officer at the LDSC, said almost half of small businesses in the UK have been the victims of cyber-crime in the past 12 months. “Yet the overwhelming majority of cyber-attacks can be prevented using simple measures,” he said.

“For the first time, UK businesses can demonstrate that they have taken the necessary measures to protect the data they hold and reduce their overall vulnerability to cyber-crime,” he added.

The award will launch with seven early adopters: BlockPhish, CyberSmart, the IASME Consortium, SecurityScorecard, Titania, Xcina and Yoti.

The certification scheme is divided into two awards. The first award Secured by Design – Police Preferred Specification, will assess and verify cyber security suppliers to ensure supply chains are resilient.

“Being part of the Secure by Design scheme is a natural fit for us, and we look forward to working with our new partners in helping companies to improve their cyber defences,” said Daryl Flack, CIO at BlockPhish.

“Joining the scheme will allow us to promote good cyber practice to a wider audience, helping protect even more organisations against an ever-increasing modern day threat,” said Emma Philpott, CEO at the IASME Consortium.

“Participation will benefit our customers alongside the communities and partners we work with, creating greater resilience within the environments they use to live and work,” said Kevin Porter, director business development and sales at Xcina.

“By joining this new cyber security initiative, we can ensure people have a greater awareness of what they need to do to keep themselves safe and their data secure,” said John Abbott, director of business growth at Yoti.

The second award, Digitally Aware – Secured by Design, is an educational initiative designed to help SBD members improve their protection against cyber-crime. Using a risk assessment tool and an award scheme, the LDSC will educate members on implementing basic measures and promoting good security within their organisations.

UK organisations interested in joining the scheme are encouraged to contact Chris Diogenous or Simon Newman by email.
The London Digital Security Centre is a not-for-profit organisation founded by Mopac as a joint venture with the Metropolitan Police Service and the City of London Police.

The LDSC works alongside the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre (ActionFraud) to help prevent businesses being the victims of cyber-crime.

The LDSC provides free impartial advice and support to businesses to help improve their digital security and enable them to work in a secure online environment.

Computer Weekly

You Might Also Read: 

Cybercime Against UK Business Is Up 63%:

UK Police Give Cybercrime Warning:
 

« Dutch Intelligence Agency Pinpoints Cyberattacks
North Korea's Cyber Soldiers Are Concealed Abroad »

Infosecurity Europe
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Directory of Cyber Security Suppliers

Directory of Cyber Security Suppliers

Our Supplier Directory lists 7,000+ specialist cyber security service providers in 128 countries worldwide. IS YOUR ORGANISATION LISTED?

Infosecurity Europe, 3-5 June 2025, ExCel London

Infosecurity Europe, 3-5 June 2025, ExCel London

This year, Infosecurity Europe marks 30 years of bringing the global cybersecurity community together to further our joint mission of Building a Safer Cyber World.

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

Clayden Law

Clayden Law

Clayden Law advise global businesses that buy and sell technology products and services. We are experts in information technology, data privacy and cybersecurity law.

Authentic8

Authentic8

Authentic8 transforms how organizations secure and control the use of the web with Silo, its patented cloud browser.

Acuity RM Group

Acuity RM Group

Acuity RM Group helps businesses worldwide effectively manage, prioritize and report on their risks to inform strategic and tactical decision-making and build long-term resilience.

Silicom Denmark

Silicom Denmark

Silicom Denmark is a premier developer and supplier of FPGA-based interface cards for cyber-security, telecommss, financial trading and other sectors.

MIT Internet Policy Research Initiative (IPRI)

MIT Internet Policy Research Initiative (IPRI)

IPRI's mission is to work with policy makers and technologists to increase the trustworthiness and effectiveness of interconnected digital systems

National Security Authority (NBU) - Slovakia

National Security Authority (NBU) - Slovakia

The National Security Authority (NBU) is the central government body in Slovakia for the Protection of Classified Information, Cryptographic Services, Trust Services and Cyber Security.

VXRL

VXRL

VXRL is a Hong Kong-based cybersecurity company. We provide consulting services, penetration testing, and corporate training.

Sequoia Capital

Sequoia Capital

Sequoia Capital is a venture capital firm focused mainly on technology. We partner both with young companies finding their stride and established ones looking for growth.

Data Privacy Office (DPO)

Data Privacy Office (DPO)

Data Privacy Office is a company that specializes in privacy and personal data protection, following the highest standards in its sector.

Quantinuum

Quantinuum

Quantinuum is the combination of Cambridge Quantum with Honeywell Quantum Solutions, structured to drive the future of quantum computing.

CyberEdBoard

CyberEdBoard

CyberEdBoard is a private, peer-to-peer education and networking community focused on cybersecurity, technology, business processes and risk management.

BreachLock

BreachLock

Breachlock delivers the most comprehensive Penetration Testing as a Service (PtaaS) powered by Certified Hackers and AI.

GRSi

GRSi

GRSi deliver next-generation systems engineering, cybersecurity, technology insertion and best practices-based Enterprise Operations (EOps) management.

Hyperproof

Hyperproof

Hyperproof is a cloud-based compliance operations software. Launch new programs immediately, collect evidence automatically, and manage a compliance program intelligently.

Xceptional

Xceptional

Xceptional is a multi-award-winning technology services firm that celebrates the unique strengths of people with autism.

Guardian Angel Cyber

Guardian Angel Cyber

Guardian Angel Cyber, is your trusted ally in safeguarding your digital assets and online presence.

XY Cyber

XY Cyber

XY Cyber enable Generative AI for Cyber Operations. We simplify the complex world of cyber threats into actionable strategies, empowering your defense with AI-powered solutions.

Point Wild

Point Wild

Point Wild is a holding company that acquires, integrates and manages a diverse portfolio of best-in-class cybersecurity brands for consumers and enterprises.