First Response Group Achieves ISO 27001 Certification

In the wake of rising numbers of data security breaches and cybercrime against security and guarding companies in the UK, First Response Group (FRG) has officially been awarded the ISO 27001 certification, reinforcing its position at the forefront of cyber and operational resilience in the security sector.

The achievement comes as UK businesses face a surge in cyber threats, with an estimated 2.39 million cybercrimes reported in and 31% of small businesses confirming they had suffered breaches or attacks. For security companies, who are both protectors and high-value targets, the risk is especially acute.

In line with these growing threats, the UK Government recently introduced new cyber legislation under the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, aimed at safeguarding the nation’s economy. This legislative push further underscores the pressure on security providers to maintain rigorous cyber defences – something FRG has proactively addressed through its newly secured ISO 27001 certification.

Holding surveillance footage, site-access protocols, client details, and even biometric data, security firms like FRG present a treasure trove for cybercriminals. Weak spots in on-site tablets or third-party software can expose sensitive rotas and operational data, while poorly configured systems leave the door wide open to attack. Meanwhile, ransomware shows no sign of slowing, as hackers hold mission-critical information hostage for profit. For companies safeguarding high-profile or national infrastructure, the lurking threat of state-sponsored attackers is a constant concern, underscoring the grave importance of airtight cyber defences.

These combined risks underscore the importance of robust, proactive cyber security frameworks in the security industry. FRG’s ISO 27001-certified Information Security Management System (ISMS) addresses each of these risks through comprehensive governance, access controls, threat detection, and continuous improvement strategies.

Simon Alderson, CEO at First Response Group, said: “Securing ISO 27001 accreditation sends a decisive message to our clients and partners: First Response Group is not only proactive and resilient in the face of cyber threats but firmly protected in a high-risk digital landscape.

“Amid rising threats to national infrastructure, data centres, and other critical operations, airtight cyber security is essential to safeguard service continuity and operational integrity. For us, this achievement marks just the start of our commitment to staying ahead of the evolving threat landscape.”

In its annual review published last December, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) quoted ransomware attacks as posing “the most immediate and disruptive” threat to critical infrastructure like energy, water, transportation, health and telecommunications.

ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The standard helps organisations assess and treat “information security risks in a structured and methodical way.

First Response Group holds the full suite of industry specific certifications, including Security Industry Authority (SIA) Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), NSI Guarding Gold and NSI NACOSS Gold, and goes beyond the levels required for the most demanding industry compliance ensuring a standard of excellence for every client.