IASME Cyber Assurance for Colleges

Why colleges and sixth forms certify to Cyber Assurance

For colleges handling significant data and commercial training contracts, Cyber Assurance is the step up from Cyber Essentials that evidences genuine information governance, the kind larger partners, funders and auditors increasingly want to see.

Commercial credibility. Employer and framework contracts increasingly want evidence beyond the baseline; Cyber Assurance provides it.
Data governance at scale. Cyber Assurance evidences management of the large, varied data estate a college runs.
Affordable ISO alternative. It satisfies partners who might otherwise ask for ISO 27001, at a fraction of the cost.

Supported from scope to certificate

Solusec takes you from where you are to a Cyber Assurance certificate: honest scoping, the documentation and controls sorted with you, and a certified IASME assessor — qualified for both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Assurance — who tells you exactly what the standard looks for rather than leaving you to guess.

Level 1 and Level 2

Level 1 is a verified self-assessment across the standard's 13 themes, reviewed by an assessor. Level 2 adds an independent, in-depth audit of your governance, documentation and controls, includes a GDPR assessment, and carries international recognition; a Level 2 certificate is valid for up to three years, with Level 1 renewed annually. We will tell you which level your requirement actually needs.

One prerequisite: you must hold a valid Cyber Essentials certificate throughout the Cyber Assurance period. If you do not yet have it, we help you with both.

Where it fits

Cyber Essentials first (it is the prerequisite), then Cyber Assurance where clients or funders want more than the baseline, and full ISO 27001 only if a contract genuinely demands it. Most colleges and sixth forms get everything they need from Cyber Assurance.

Common questions

Isn't ISO 27001 what partners really want?

Sometimes, but Cyber Assurance Level 2 is independently audited and internationally recognised, and it satisfies most partners at a fraction of ISO cost and time. It is also a clean stepping stone if you later pursue ISO.

Is it a credible alternative to ISO 27001?

For most organisations your size, yes. Level 2 is independently audited and internationally recognised, and it satisfies many buyers who would otherwise ask for ISO. If you later need ISO 27001 itself, Cyber Assurance is a clean stepping stone toward it.

Do we need Cyber Essentials first?

Yes. A valid Cyber Essentials certificate is a prerequisite and must be held throughout the Cyber Assurance period. If you do not have it yet, we help you with both.

How do you help us achieve it?

We scope it with you, get the documentation and controls in shape, and — with a certified IASME assessor qualified for both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Assurance guiding you — support you through the assessment so you pass, rather than leaving you to work it out alone.