Enhancing Your Cyber Resilience Through Expert Services

Silverthorn Associates, led by Mark Brett, delivers comprehensive cyber resilience auditing aligned with the NCSC's Cyber Resilience Audit scheme. As an NCSC Assured Service Provider, we transform cyber audits from compliance exercises into valuable tools for strengthening your organisation's security posture.

About Silverthorn Associates

Expert Leadership

Led by Mark Brett, whose research focuses on principles-led information assurance rather than policy-driven compliance, creating a holistic approach to cyber resilience.

NCSC Assurance

Fully aligned with the NCSC Cyber Resilience Audit scheme, providing consumers with confidence in our independent cyber audit capabilities.

Sector Experience

Extensive experience across public sector organisations including central, devolved and regional government, Local Authorities, Health and Fire & Rescue.

Our Cyber Resilience Audit Approach

Understand Your Environment

We begin by thoroughly assessing your current cyber security landscape, infrastructure, and governance frameworks to establish a clear baseline.

Conduct Comprehensive Audit

Using the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) or other applicable standards, we perform rigorous evaluations of your systems, processes, and policies.

Deliver Actionable Insights

Our audit reports provide clear, prioritised recommendations focused on genuine improvement rather than mere compliance checkboxes.

Alignment with NCSC CRA Scheme

Assured Service Provider Status

Silverthorn Associates meets the stringent NCSC standards for delivering independent cyber audits, demonstrating our technical competence and organisational commitment.

Flexible Assessment Framework

While initially based on the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF), our audits can be adapted to evaluate compliance against any recognised Cyber Security Standard.

Scheme Partner Alignment

We understand the requirements of Cyber Oversight Bodies and ensure all relevant Scheme Partner standards are comprehensively addressed in our audit approach.

Research-Informed Excellence

PhD-Level Expertise

Grounded in Mark Brett's academic research in Cyber Security Policy & Governance

Innovative Frameworks

Developer of the LACES (Local Authority Cyber Eco-System) framework

Community Engagement

Active leadership in Cyber Security Community WARP groups and CTAG

Our approach to cyber resilience auditing is continuously refined through academic research, practical framework development, and active involvement in professional cyber security communities.

Beyond Compliance

Evaluate

Comprehensive assessment against relevant frameworks and standards

Analyse

Deep analysis of vulnerabilities and resilience gaps

Recommend

Prioritised, actionable improvement strategies

Improve

Guidance on implementing continuous security enhancement

Meeting Diverse Sector Needs

Central, Devolved & Regional Government

Tailored audit approaches addressing the unique security considerations of government bodies at all levels, from national departments to regional authorities.

Local Authorities

Specialist expertise in local government cyber challenges, supported by Mark Brett's development of the LACES framework specifically for the local authority context.

Health Services

Comprehensive understanding of the critical security requirements for health sector organisations, including patient data protection and clinical system resilience.

Fire & Rescue

Specialised knowledge of emergency services' cyber requirements, ensuring resilient communications and operational systems during critical incidents.

Partner with Silverthorn Associates

What distinguishes Silverthorn Associates from other cyber audit providers?

As an NCSC Assured Service Provider, we combine official recognition with Mark Brett's extensive experience across public sector organisations. Our approach moves beyond compliance checklists to delivering meaningful security improvements based on research-informed principles.

How do your audits align with NCSC requirements?

Our audit methodology is fully aligned with the NCSC's Cyber Resilience Audit scheme, initially based on the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) but adaptable to any recognised Cyber Security Standard. This ensures our clients meet all Scheme Partner requirements.

What outcomes can we expect from a Silverthorn Associates audit?

Beyond compliance certification, you'll receive actionable insights prioritised by impact, a clear roadmap for security improvements, and the confidence that comes from a thorough, principles-led assessment of your cyber resilience posture.