At 101 Data Solutions, cybersecurity isn’t an add-on, it’s at the core of how we work. Every organisation we support depends on secure, resilient systems, and the UK government-backed Cyber Essentials certification remains one of the most effective ways to achieve strong cyber hygiene and reduce the risk of attacks.
A Clear Commitment to Higher Standards
To ensure we maintain the highest levels of protection across everything we deliver, we are strengthening our approach to partner assurance.
We are now formally advising every partner in our network who does not yet hold a Cyber Essentials certificate to begin their accreditation journey by the end of this year, with full certification expected by summer 2026.
This commitment helps us ensure that all organisations we collaborate with uphold the same high level of cybersecurity, and that our customers can trust the entire 101 ecosystem.
Why Cyber Essentials Matters
Cyber Essentials isn’t just a badge. It’s becoming a non-negotiable requirement and plays a measurable role in improving cyber hygiene.
- 91% report increased confidence in their ability to implement ongoing security measures. GOV.UK
- The 2025 Cyber Security Breaches Survey found that 43% of UK businesses and 30% of charities experienced a breach in the last 12 months. GOV.UK
- Organisations certified under CE report that 82% feel the technical controls positively impact their level of protection against common cyber threats. GOV.UK
- Around 80% say the controls help to mitigate cyber-security risks within their organisation. GOV.UK
For our customers, these figures offer reassurance. For our partners, they signal readiness for future opportunities. For us, they strengthen our commitment to delivering secure, compliant, and trusted services.
Don’t Be the Weak Link in the Supply Chain
Recent high-profile incidents have shown how vulnerable supply chains can be. The data breaches affecting Marks & Spencer and Co-Op were both traced back to weaknesses within third-party suppliers not the organisations themselves. These events highlight a growing reality: large enterprises are now scrutinising their external partners more closely than ever.
Mandating Cyber Essentials certification for our partners ensures safety and compliance standards, strengthening trust and protecting customers across industries. This mandate not only protects customers but also strengthens our ecosystem, ensuring innovation is built on a foundation of quality and accountability.
