The Cyber Scheme recently reached out to individuals who have successfully passed the Cyber Advisor assessment with us, to get a full understanding of their motivations, and what it means for the organisations they work with. We are collating all the answers in a series called ‘Cyber Advisor Success Stories’, to help those who are thinking about taking on this challenging, but rewarding assessment.
In this issue, we talked to Remo Belisari, owner of RB Consultancy Ltd, to find out whether he thinks the scheme has been good for business – and his own professional development.
Thank you for talking with us today Remo. To start with, can you explain why you took the Cyber Advisor assessment?
I relished the challenge of the assessment because I saw the potential of the certification and wanted to position myself and my company to better support small and medium-sized organisations. With a strong background in information and cyber security, most of my career had been spent supporting large corporations and earning certifications such as CISSP and ISSAP. Through networking with NCSC Cyber Advisors, I gained valuable insight and developed a real desire to learn more about the scheme and its status. Attending the one-year anniversary of the Cyber Advisor scheme was an incredible opportunity to deepen my understanding, hear directly from other Cyber Advisors, and engage with NCSC and IASME representatives. This experience enhanced my motivation and strengthened my commitment to be part of the vision for Cyber Advisors moving forward. It also inspired me to become an IASME assessor and ensure my company operates at or above the required standards.
Are you now an NCSC Assured Cyber Advisor?
Yes, I am. The process took two days after I learned I had passed the assessment. I had already done as much groundwork as possible and I was very focused on achieving Certification Body and (hopefully) Assured Service Provider status.
Do you now publicise the fact you are a Cyber Advisor?
I make a point of referencing my Cyber Advisor status because there aren’t many in the UK, and I’m proud to be the first and only person to hold this status in my region. I’m also very proud to hold both Cyber Advisor and Assured Service Provider status, as I believe these credentials can serve as a real differentiator when it comes to supporting others and delivering high-quality services.
Do you think being an Assured Cyber Advisor is beneficial to the organisation you work for?
I believe this status provides extra assurance and credibility, and I’m proud of the support I can offer to others as a result. I’ve been part of the NCSC-funded programme for Cyber Essentials, helping organisations through that scheme, which I think is excellent for everyone involved. At the same time, I’m continuing to build strong relationships with other Cyber Advisors across the UK to share knowledge and strengthen our collective impact.
Has being an Assured Cyber Advisor increased business for your organisation?
Yes, this is tangible through the NCSC funded programme, and intangible through other orders that may have come through as a result of the status.
“I’ve been involved in IT and cyber security throughout my career, and I’m very proud to hold NCSC Cyber Advisor status; the first and only Cyber Advisor in our region. This credential complements my other certifications and experience, including CISSP and ISSAP, and adds a new dimension to the work I do. It demonstrates how I can help organisations tackle cyber challenges in ways that build on my past experience while offering fresh value.”
To contact Remo and RB Consultancy Ltd:
Email [email protected]
Website https://rbconsultancyltd.co.uk