Enhancing Cyber Resilience in Healthcare IT: A GM61 Success Story
Digital transformation is reshaping healthcare and critical sectors, making data protection and compliance more vital than ever. As organisations embrace new technologies and data-driven approaches, the need for a recognised, robust cyber security framework becomes paramount.
GM61, a UK-based consultancy, is at the forefront of delivering operational excellence through expert implementation, data-driven insights, and innovative technology solutions. As GM61’s reputation and client base grew, so did the challenge: how to safeguard sensitive data in a sector where cyber threats are rising and regulatory scrutiny is intense.
To address this, GM61 turned to the UK government-backed Cyber Essentials certification, recognising it as a trusted standard for demonstrating strong cyber security practices and reassuring clients of their commitment to protecting sensitive information.
For micro businesses, the stakes are high – one breach can undermine trust, disrupt operations, and jeopardise client relationships. Achieving Cyber Essentials not only helped GM61 strengthen its defences, but also provided a credible way to validate their cyber resilience in a competitive and highly regulated environment.
“Working with CyberLab gave us reassurance that our business meets the highest security standards. Their professional, consultative approach made the Cyber Essentials journey straightforward and added real value to our organisation.”
– Matthew LeMasonry, Managing Director at GM61
The Cyber Threat Landscape for Healthcare Consultancies
Healthcare consultancies like GM61 operate in environments where precision, compliance, and security are paramount. The sector faces relentless cyber threats, with attackers increasingly targeting smaller organisations that handle sensitive data. The consequences of a breach extend beyond financial loss, threatening patient privacy, regulatory compliance, and the consultancy’s hard-earned reputation.
For GM61, the stakes were high. As their reputation and client base grew, so did the need to demonstrate a strong commitment to cyber security – especially when working with sensitive data and regulated environments. The healthcare sector is subject to strict regulations and scrutiny from clients and partners, making it essential for consultancies to validate their cyber resilience in a credible and recognised way.
Cyber criminals are constantly evolving their tactics, exploiting vulnerabilities in systems and processes. For micro businesses like GM61, limited internal IT resources can make it challenging to keep up with the latest threats and best practices. The risk isn’t just theoretical – one successful attack could have devastating consequences for both the consultancy and its clients.
As cyber risks evolve, GM61 recognised that demonstrating robust cyber resilience was not just a technical requirement – it was essential for winning client trust and meeting industry standards. Their leadership understood that proactive security measures would not only protect their business but also serve as a differentiator in a competitive market.
Why Cyber Essentials Was the Right Fit
GM61 identified Cyber Essentials as the ideal framework to validate its cyber security posture. Backed by the UK government and aligned with the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) 10 Steps to Cyber Security, Cyber Essentials offers a clear, structured approach to protecting organisations from common threats.
The framework is designed to help organisations of all sizes defend against the most prevalent cyber attacks. For GM61, Cyber Essentials provided a roadmap for strengthening their defences, covering everything from firewalls and secure configuration to user access control, malware protection, and patch management.
However, the challenge for GM61 was navigating the certification process with limited internal IT resources. The requirements can be complex, and the stakes are high – especially for consultancies working in regulated sectors. That’s where CyberLab came in, providing expert, hands-on support tailored to the needs of a micro business.
A Tailored Approach to Cyber Security
CyberLab, an IASME-accredited assessor, partnered with GM61 from the outset. Their consultative, jargon-free approach demystified the certification journey. CyberLab began with a detailed pre-assessment, identifying areas for improvement and offering practical guidance on implementing the five key technical controls: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management.
The partnership was hands-on and collaborative. CyberLab acted as a true partner – answering questions, reviewing documentation, and empowering GM61 to make informed decisions. The process was designed to build internal confidence, allowing GM61 to strengthen its defences while meeting certification requirements.
CyberLab’s support went beyond technical advice. They helped GM61 understand the broader implications of cyber security, from client trust to regulatory compliance. The team provided reassurance at every stage, making the journey straightforward and adding real value to GM61’s organisation.
“CyberLab guided us seamlessly through the Cyber Essentials process and prepared us for Cyber Essentials Plus. Their technical expertise and clear advice meant we could address gaps quickly and gain certification with confidence.”
– Nick LeMasonry, Head of Software & Data at GM61
More Than Compliance: Building Trust and Growth
With CyberLab’s expert guidance, GM61 successfully achieved Cyber Essentials accreditation. The certification validated their cyber security practices and reinforced their credibility with clients – especially in healthcare, where data protection is critical.
The benefits went beyond compliance. GM61 gained a clearer understanding of its cyber risks and a stronger foundation for future growth. The certification became a valuable asset in client conversations, tenders, and partnership discussions – demonstrating GM61’s proactive approach to safeguarding data and systems.
CyberLab’s personalised and comprehensive support made the Cyber Essentials journey seamless for GM61, showcasing how even the smallest organisations can achieve meaningful cyber resilience with the right guidance. The certification gave GM61 the confidence to engage with new clients, expand into new markets, and take on more complex projects, knowing that their cyber security posture was robust and recognised.
A Cultural Shift Towards Cyber Resilience
Achieving Cyber Essentials was more than a milestone, it sparked a cultural shift within GM61.
Security controls were embedded into daily operations, and the team became more proactive in addressing cyber risks. The journey fostered a spirit of collaboration and accountability, ensuring that cyber resilience became a core value.
CyberLab’s personalised support showcased how even the smallest organisations can achieve meaningful cyber resilience with the right guidance. For GM61, the certification is a reflection of their commitment to excellence, trust, and continuous improvement.
The process encouraged cross-functional collaboration and a shared sense of responsibility for cyber security. Employees at all levels became more aware of cyber risks, more proactive in addressing them, and more aligned in their commitment to protecting the company’s data, clients, and reputation.
CyberLab continues to support GM61 and other businesses in navigating the evolving cyber landscape. Their people-first approach and proven track record make them a trusted partner for organisations looking to strengthen their security posture and achieve recognised standards like Cyber Essentials.
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