Updates to Free Computer Security guidance notes released by Certified Digital Security

Jan. 24, 2011 - PRLog --  Version 4 of the Certified Digital Security standards Level 1 released.  

The updated versions of the 'Certified Digital Security' (CDS) guides are now being released.  Previously launched at InfoSec 2010; the latest version (four) make it even easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to implement progressive IT Security to enhance their business without stifling it.  

This release completes the conversion of the free guidance documents from the technical references they were into easy to the easy-to-understand, plain English, business orientated documents.  

This language update has been made to further aid the businesses that doesn’t have dedicated in house security staff, and thus does not understand the technical speak common in IT and Computer Security arenas.  This is not 27001 or PCI, this is what SMEs need at a pricing point they like and can afford.

“We wanted to strip away the techie speak so we could reach out to the cash strapped but worried small business owner” said Steve Armstrong Digital Security’s Managing Director and Certified SANS Instructor.  “CDS implementation doesn’t drive you to buy expensive solutions, security appliances or external consultancy; we show you how to implement security on a shoe-string budget”.

“We really wanted to reach out to all business owners, so regardless of your technical skill, you could implement the basics of IT Security on your computers.  We don’t care if you only have a handful of laptops or as many as 50,000 desktops, the principles of IT Security are the same, they just need explaining in different ways.”    

“By allowing the business owner to understand the problem and the way to fix it, we stop security from being a specialisation and make it mainstream.” Armstrong concluded “Only when the secure way is the easy way will it actually be adopted”.  

Aiming for Achievable Security

Easier to understand than ISO 27001 and significantly less arduous achieve than Payment Card Industry (PCI) audits CDS audits are fast and efficient.  CDS can assist organisations that want to demonstrate their increased security; external validation of a CDS level (1-3) with an onsite CDS audit and 12 months membership costs less than £1300.  However, if you don’t want validation, but do want to get some security on your networks, everything you need to meet the requirements is on the website, and is all available for free (www.CertifiedDigitalSecurity.com)

About Certified Digital Security:
The Certified Digital Security (CDS) levels to allow all organizations to be able to implement some security without breaking the bank or significantly impacting their business processes.  There are nine levels numbered from one to nine.  These are grouped into three ranges; Standard (levels 1–3), Enhanced (levels 4–6) and Advanced (levels 7–9).  Each level has several clear and concise requirements; levels are cumulative, so to achieve level 3 you must pass level 1 and 2.  

World Wide Adoption:  The Certified Digital Security standard Levels 3 & 6 were adopted by the Content Delivery and Storage Association (CDSA) thus is the standard upon which most organisations that support music labels and film studios use to protect their digital assets (http://www.cdsaonline.org/content-protection-and-security... )

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Certified Digital Security provides a roadmap for SME's to implement IT Security in an incremental manner that increases system security without impacting upon the business process and dynamisms.