Cost of Backup Solutions
across the UK

# Backup Solutions Trade Body Accreditation

Several key UK trade bodies and regulatory schemes govern backup solution providers. The Information Security Management (ISO/IEC 27001) certification is the most widely recognised, confirming that a provider follows strict security and data handling procedures. The Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus schemes, backed by the UK government and NCSC, demonstrate that a provider meets baseline cybersecurity standards. For those handling payment card data, PCI DSS compliance is mandatory. The British Standards Institution (BSI) oversees many of these certifications, while industry-specific bodies like the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) may recommend trusted providers. Some backup firms also hold CompTIA Security+ or similar technical certifications for their staff. Understanding these credentials matters because they indicate a provider has undergone independent audits, follows documented security protocols, and is accountable to a regulatory body if things go wrong.

To verify a provider's accreditation, ask for their current certification documents and check these directly with the issuing body's online register. The NCSC maintains a list of Cyber Essentials certified organisations, ISO certifications can be checked through UKAS (the UK's national accreditation service), and PCI DSS compliance status should be verifiable through the payment card companies. Speak to your potential provider about their audit schedule; reputable firms undertake annual or biennial recertification audits. It's worth asking whether their certifications cover their entire operation or just certain departments, as some providers may only be accredited for specific services. Why this matters is simple: if your data is lost or breached, an accredited provider with insurance backing and formal accountability structures gives you much stronger legal grounds for compensation and demonstrates they were operating to recognised standards.

Accredited backup providers typically charge 15