Oldham firm protects SME’s during Cyber Security Awareness Month

Aspect IT director Peter Dorotiak

An Oldham technology company has introduced a new initiative to help local businesses protect themselves against the threat of cyber-attacks.

Aspect IT will roll out a new service during National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, 2018, which will assist businesses in gaining Cyber Essentials certification.

The government-backed scheme, which was launched by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), helps firms to guard against online threats, improve organisation efficiency and indicate to stakeholders that they have safety measures in place.

The government now requires all suppliers bidding for contracts involving the handling of sensitive and personal information to be certified against the Cyber Essentials scheme.

The accreditation can be obtained by all organisations, of any size, in any sector.

Having achieved cyber essentials certification itself, Aspect IT is now working with the approved body, IASME Consortium, to offer other local businesses the opportunity to become accredited.

Founded in 2003 by directors, Peter Dorotiak and Ian Howarth, Aspect IT is currently celebrating its 15th year in business in 2018.

The consultancy provides IT services including web design, software development and IT Support to small and medium sized businesses in the Greater Manchester region.

Commenting on the launch of the Cyber Essentials service, Mr Dorotiak said: “Over the last few months we’ve been putting plans in place to ensure that we can help all our customers achieve the Cyber Essentials certification.

“It’s incredibly important for businesses to take cyber security seriously but this doesn’t have to be over-complicated; it’s about taking simple steps to ensure that your business is equipped to deal with common threats.

“Cyber security issues can affect everybody involved with a business; from employees to customers.

"With the recent introduction of GDPR it is now more important than ever to ensure you are handling sensitive data in the correct manner.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.