22/05/2024 09:24:27

Blue Stream Academy is now Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certified, whilst also being aligned with the NHS Data Security Protection Toolkit for another year!

Cyber Essentials Plus Certification

The Blue Stream team is proud to announce that we are now Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certified, highlighting our commitment to ensuring our customers data is handled with the highest level of integrity and care.

What is Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials Plus is an enhanced certification under the Cyber Essentials scheme, which is a UK government-backed initiative aimed at helping organisations protect themselves against common online threats. The Cyber Essentials scheme has two levels of certification: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.

Cyber Essentials Plus provides a more robust validation of cybersecurity measures compared to the basic Cyber Essentials certification.

1. Comprehensive Security:
• Cyber Essentials: The basic level where organisations complete a self-assessment questionnaire that is independently reviewed. It focuses on five key controls: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management.
• Cyber Essentials Plus: The advanced level that includes the same five controls but requires a more rigorous assessment. An independent, external assessor conducts tests on the organisation's systems to verify the implementation and effectiveness of the security measures.
2. Verification Process:
• Internal Vulnerability Assessment: The assessor performs an internal scan of the organisation’s network to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
• External Vulnerability Assessment: Similar to the internal scan but conducted from outside the network to detect any vulnerabilities accessible via the internet.
• On-Site Assessment: This may include testing workstations and devices to ensure they meet the required standards of security, focusing on aspects like anti-malware configuration and security patch management.

What does this mean for Blue Stream Academy customers?

For customers of Blue Stream Academy, achieving Cyber Essentials Plus certification means several key benefits and assurances regarding the security and integrity of their data and services. Blue Stream Academy, a provider of online training and compliance solutions for the healthcare sector, benefits from Cyber Essentials Plus in the following ways:

Key Implications for Blue Stream Academy Customers:

1. Enhanced Data Security:
• Cyber Essentials Plus certification indicates that Blue Stream Academy has implemented rigorous cybersecurity measures that have been independently verified. This means customer data, including sensitive information related to training and compliance, is better protected against cyber threats.
2. Increased Trust and Confidence:
• Customers can have increased confidence in Blue Stream Academy’s commitment to cybersecurity. The independent verification process assures clients that the organisation follows best practices in protecting against cyber threats, which is crucial for maintaining trust.
3. Compliance with Regulatory Standards:
• The healthcare sector is highly regulated, with stringent data protection requirements. Cyber Essentials Plus certification helps Blue Stream Academy demonstrate compliance with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant standards. This can reassure customers that their data is being handled in accordance with legal requirements.
4. Risk Mitigation:
• The advanced level of assessment involved in Cyber Essentials Plus helps Blue Stream Academy identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in their systems. This proactive approach to cybersecurity reduces the risk of data breaches and other cyber incidents that could disrupt services or compromise customer information.

Practical Benefits for Blue Stream Academy Customers:

• Peace of Mind: Knowing that their data is protected by robust cybersecurity measures that have been externally validated.
• Improved Service Quality: Enhanced security practices can lead to fewer disruptions and higher availability of Blue Stream Academy's services.
• Regulatory Assurance: Confidence that Blue Stream Academy complies with important data protection regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues related to data handling.
• Enhanced Reputation: Associating with a provider that holds a recognised cybersecurity certification can positively reflect on customers' own commitment to security.

NHS Data Security Protection Toolkit | Alignment

We are also pleased to announce that our alignment with the NHS Data Security Protection Toolkit has been reconfirmed for another year.

What is the NHS Data Security Protection Toolkit?

The NHS Data Security Protection Toolkit serves as a comprehensive framework designed to safeguard sensitive information within the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. It encompasses a set of standards, guidelines, and best practices aimed at ensuring the secure handling, storage, and transmission of patient data across the healthcare system. This toolkit not only addresses technical aspects like encryption and access controls but also emphasises the importance of staff training and organisational policies to mitigate the risks of data breaches and cyber threats. By adhering to the NHS Data Security Protection Toolkit, healthcare providers can uphold patient confidentiality, maintain trust, and uphold the integrity of the healthcare system.

What does this mean for Blue Stream Academy customers?

For Blue Stream Academy customers, our alignment with the NHS Data Security Protection Toolkit means they can rest assured that any sensitive data is handled with the utmost care and security. By adhering to the rigorous standards and best practices outlined in the toolkit, we ensure that organisational and patient information held on our platform remains confidential, protected from unauthorised access or breaches. Our commitment to continuous staff training and robust organisational policies further strengthens this assurance, demonstrating our dedication to maintaining the integrity of the healthcare system. With our alignment reconfirmed for another year, our customers can have confidence in the reliability and trustworthiness of our services, knowing that their data privacy and security are prioritised at every step.

Want to find out more?

Click here to contact Blue Stream Academy's friendly team for more information on our eLearning for healthcare professionals and range of market-leading management platforms.