IASME Cyber Assurance for Universities

Why universities and research institutions certify to Cyber Assurance

Where research data or a partner demands more than the baseline, Cyber Assurance evidences a managed information-security system for the relevant unit, an ISO 27001 alternative that suits a department or research group without institution-wide cost.

Scoped to the unit. Cyber Assurance can evidence governance for a specific department or research group rather than the whole institution.
Data-heavy research. Level 2's GDPR assessment and audit suit projects handling sensitive or personal data.
Partner assurance. It satisfies industry and government partners who want more than Cyber Essentials, without ISO 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 universities and research institutions get everything they need from Cyber Assurance.

Common questions

Can Cyber Assurance apply to just one research group?

Yes. Like Cyber Essentials, it can be scoped to the unit that needs it, so a single data-heavy department or project can certify without dragging in the whole university.

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.