Cheltenham MSP is first official local cyber advisor
ReformIT, a Managed IT Service and Security provider (MSP) based in the UK’s cyber-capital, Cheltenham, has become the first MSP in the local area to be accredited as both a Cyber Advisor and a Cyber Essentials Certification Body. The Cyber Advisor scheme was launched by the Government’s official National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the IASME Consortium, aimed at helping businesses to protect themselves from increasing cyber threats.
This new accreditation will place the firm among an elite group of Cyber Advisors and Cyber Essentials Certification Bodies across the UK, giving them the power to assess and certify businesses as Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus compliant, as well as helping them to achieve that status if required.
Initially developed for IT products and services suppliers to the central UK government, the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification demonstrates that an organisation has an essential level of cyber protection in place. NCSC approved Cyber Advisors provide small and medium-sized organisations across a range of industries with reliable and cost-effective cyber security analysis, advice and practical support, focusing on the key areas of the Cyber Essentials criteria.
Prominent cyber attacks in the region have spiked in recent years, with businesses, schools and even the local council becoming victims. Cheltenham’s own Pates Grammar School was one of 14 targeted by Vice Society – a ransomware gang involved in attacks in both the UK and USA; meanwhile, Gloucester City Council was held to ransom by Russian criminals in 2021, costing them £1.14million and causing 18 months’ worth of disruption.
According to the Government’s Cyber Breaches Survey 2024, 18% more businesses across the UK have recalled a breach or attack in the last 12 months compared to findings the year before, with phishing remaining the top attack vector. Despite the growing threat landscape, just three in ten businesses have undertaken cyber security risk assessments in the last year with only around a third deploying security monitoring tools – the same number as the previous year.
On receiving their accreditation, Neil Smith, Managing Director at ReformIT, said: “It’s a real honour to have ReformIT recognised as both a Cyber Essentials Certification Body and a Cyber Advisor. This means that we are the only firm locally to be able to offer complete end-to-end government approved security assessment and certification under one roof; from a cyber security gap analysis, hands-on implementation, to NCSC Cyber Essentials certification.”
With over 25 years of experience assisting clients with a range of solutions, from cyber security and cloud technologies to improving broadband speed and ongoing support, ReformIT is a trusted MSP both in Gloucestershire and across the UK.
Smith added: “Previously, Cyber Essentials certification tended to be more for the very large and complex organisations, often from the finance or defence sector but now with digital transformation top of every company’s agenda, basic cyber security is critical for any sized business or industry. The security of all companies contributes to the protection of UK national security while being Cyber Essentials certified opens doors to government and public sector contracts that previously could have been out of reach.
“Cyber security is a tricky thing to get right if you don’t already know how or have a trusted advisor on your side; the fact of the matter is that nobody is off limits when it comes to organised cyber-crime, whether you are a small business or a larger enterprise. As an MSP, we get under the bonnet of a business and its IT infrastructure; conducting an MOT of sorts to ensure that the wheels keep turning without any nasty surprises along the way.”
About ReformIT
ReformIT is a leading Managed IT Service and Security provider based in Cheltenham. With over 25 years of experience, the service provider is trusted by businesses across the UK to assist with everything from cyber security and cloud technologies to improving broadband speed and ongoing support.
Initially the solo project of Managing Director Neil Smith, the business was started in 1998 and now boasts a growing team of over 20 staff with more than 250 years’ collective experience assisting small to medium sized businesses with their IT solutions. In addition to this, ReformIT works with larger enterprises who may have an in-house IT department, co-managing their IT systems and adding an extra layer of support.
ReformIT is as revolutionary as the name suggests. Whether it is Windows or Apple (or both!), the dedicated team are on hand to provide complete technology peace of mind.
Neil Smith, Managing Director of ReformIT, is passionate about IT Security and Support. He has over 26 years of experience in the IT industry – 24 of them running his own IT company. He started working out of a bedroom on my own but now owns a thriving small business based in Cheltenham. ReformIT is a Managed IT Service Provider, essentially providing an out-sourced IT department to small and medium sized businesses. It is a Microsoft Silver Partner, Cloud Service Provider and Small Business Specialist and can provide everything from a quick bit of phone support to complete business IT solutions with all the required on-going services and support.
ReformIT has qualified engineers experienced in both Apple and Microsoft technologies and specialise in Microsoft 365 solutions on all hardware platforms. The team can support the vast majority of small business IT requirements and has a goal to continue to grow the business into one of Gloucestershire’s best IT companies while still retaining the personal, friendly and professional service it is well known for.
