UK-based secure data exchange specialist DOQEX has achieved Cyber Essentials certification, adding another recognised security standard to its existing portfolio of accreditations.
The York-based company, which specialises in protecting sensitive information shared between organisations, already holds ISO 27001, ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 certifications. The latest achievement reflects its continued focus on maintaining strong security controls and protecting customer information.
Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed scheme designed to help businesses defend themselves against common cyber threats. It assesses five fundamental areas of cybersecurity: firewalls, secure configuration, security update management, user access control and malware protection.
Getting the Cybersecurity Basics Right
While DOQEX already operates under established international security standards, the company said completing the Cyber Essentials certification process provided a valuable opportunity to revisit its existing controls.
Nick Case, Director and Co-Founder of DOQEX, admitted that the company had initially underestimated the process.
“Having already achieved ISO 27001, ISO 27017 and ISO 27018, I’ll admit we initially underestimated Cyber Essentials. We thought we had the fundamentals well covered, but going through the process reminded us why they matter.”
He explained that the certification’s emphasis on practical security measures provided an important reminder that even organisations with mature cybersecurity programmes need to regularly assess their defences.
“Cyber Essentials has a clear focus on practical, verifiable security controls, and that has genuine value. It’s easy to concentrate on more complex security challenges, but the basics still need attention.”
The certification comes as organisations face increasing pressure to demonstrate that appropriate security measures are in place, particularly when handling sensitive business information or working with external suppliers.
Strengthening Trust Across the Supply Chain
As businesses become more reliant on third-party technology providers and external partners, cybersecurity certifications are playing a growing role in procurement decisions and supplier assurance.
Recognised standards can help organisations demonstrate that they have implemented appropriate safeguards, providing customers and partners with greater confidence in how their information is managed.
Case believes improving baseline security across UK businesses is particularly important as supply chains become more interconnected.
“We fully support what Cyber Essentials is trying to achieve. Raising the baseline of cybersecurity across UK businesses is important, particularly as organisations become increasingly dependent on suppliers and third parties. Stronger security across the supply chain benefits everyone.”
Supporting Secure Data Exchange
Founded in 2013, DOQEX helps organisations securely manage and exchange sensitive information between employees, customers, suppliers and business partners.
Its services combine security technology with managed support, helping businesses maintain control over information as it moves between organisations.
The Cyber Essentials certification builds on the company’s existing ISO standards and reinforces its approach to security governance, accountability and data protection.
For DOQEX, the achievement also highlights a wider message for businesses: while cybersecurity threats continue to become more sophisticated, maintaining effective fundamental controls remains an essential part of protecting sensitive information.
