In an increasingly complex security landscape where supply chains provide major risks to national security, IASME are working with the UK government to produce a nuanced standard which defence contractors are mandated to achieve. The Defence Cyber Certification (DCC) will be required by all providers who work with defence and the supply chain, it is an essential quality mark regardless of your position in the defence supply chain.
One of the major benefits of the DCC is that IASME are keenly attuned to the wide variety of services that the Ministry of Defence and UK government depend on, from daily necessities to highly sensitive capabilities. This means that the controls the DCC seek for you to demonstrate reflect your actual business, including your position in the defence supply chain.
This is an essential accreditation for any supplier to the MOD and UK Government on defence matters. It is intended to become the de facto standard to win any contract in the UK defence industry.
What it achieves
This is a very particular certification, the accreditation measures your business against its list of controls depending on the ‘level’ you are deemed to need. As this standard becomes increasingly embedded in the defence supply chain, your business will be required to achieve the ‘level’ which reflects the risk you may pose to the MOD.
As a quality mark, achieving the DCC will mean very little if you do not work in defence supply chains. It is specific to defence contractors, we wish to be very clear on this.
Not achieving the DCC will frankly mean that in time, you will be locked out of the defence supply chain and will be increasingly side-lined by businesses which have invested in their cyber security to become accredited. For those who are pursuing a future in the defence supply chain, the DCC is therefore a win-win.
How we can help
The lovely thing about the DCC is that:
- The DCC is soon to become mandatory;
- The DCC reflects your business and relationship to the defence supply chain.
In other words, the Level 0 control is very straightforward to achieve and is highly recommended for existing businesses working in the defence industry. Level 1 onwards is leagues more complex, but IASME have excellent form on these standards as they also deliver Cyber Essentials. Achieving these standards translates directly into a competitive edge for those in-industry.
Suzaku Consulting are an IT provider with a keen appreciation of the unique challenges working in the defence industry poses. We are an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and have a range of customers in the defence industry. The DCC is nuanced to your business, our bespoke approach to delivering your IT function is readily aligned with these standards.
The best way forward is to simply call us. W can have a chat about what level of the DCC you are required to adhere to, and we can work backwards to ensure you meet the standard.