Why Cyber Overwatch Became an NCSC Assured Service Provider and Why It Matters

In an industry crowded with cybersecurity vendors and self-proclaimed experts, the NCSC Assured Service Provider (ASP) and Cyber Advisor status is more than just a badge. It’s a mark of trust, rigour, and alignment with the UK’s national cybersecurity priorities. Cyber Overwatch, part of Cognition Intelligence, is proud to have been among the first organisations in the UK to be awarded both NCSC Assured Service Provider and Cyber Advisor status.

But what does this mean, and why should it matter to our clients?

What Is the NCSC Assured Service Provider Programme?

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, launched the Assured Service Provider (ASP) programme to raise the bar in the cybersecurity services market. Operated in partnership with IASME as the managing body, the programme accredits companies that deliver high quality, cyber risk reduction services beginning with Cyber Essentials support and with the opportunity of expanding to broader advisory roles.

The ASP badge isn’t handed out lightly. Each provider must:

• Pass a rigorous 2 stage quality assurance, GDPR and cyber assurance process
• Demonstrate a strong track record of delivery
• Employ at least one NCSC-assured Cyber Advisor
• Follow NCSC-endorsed practices when supporting clients

The aim is to give UK businesses confidence that their cybersecurity provider is competent, trusted, and aligned with the national interest.

Why Cyber Overwatch Chose to Become an ASP

From the outset, our mission at Cyber Overwatch has been clear, to provide accessible, transparent, and enterprise-grade cybersecurity to SMEs, MSPs, and regulated industries across the UK.

But we also knew that "trust" had to be earned — not claimed.

We pursued NCSC Assured Service Provider and Cyber Advisor status to:

• Prove our commitment to high standards — under independent scrutiny
• Reassure clients that they were getting advice grounded in best practice, not sales targets
• Support the UK’s cybersecurity maturity at a time when threat actors are becoming more aggressive and sophisticated
• Separate ourselves from the noise, we’re not just a service provider, we’re a trusted partner aligned with the NCSC itself

What Does This Mean for Our Clients?

Our ASP and Cyber Advisor status isn’t symbolic. It has real benefits for the organisations we support

1. Independent Validation

Our advice is assured by the UK’s top cyber authority. That means no fluff, no ambiguity, no upselling just advice that meets the NCSC’s strict criteria.

2. Proven Competence

All Cyber Advisors undergo an in-depth assessment by IASME and the NCSC. You’re working with experts who understand how to reduce real-world risk, not just tick compliance boxes.

3. Priority Alignment

We bring your organisation in line with national cybersecurity priorities, including Cyber Essentials, GDPR, NIS2, and beyond.

4. Strategic Insight

Cyber Overwatch goes beyond basic auditing. We actively monitor risk, improve posture, and build long-term resilience. Being NCSC assured means our methods are robust, measurable, and accountable.

How We Differ from the Pack

Most cybersecurity providers can talk about threats. Few are trusted to advise on them by the UK Government.

Here’s how we stand apart:

Feature Cyber Overwatch Typical MSP/Cyber Vendor

• NCSC Assured Service Provider          ✅ Yes  ❌ Rare
• NCSC Cyber Advisors on Staff          ✅ Yes  ❌ No
• Transparent, outcome-focused methodology          ✅ Yes  ❌ Often product-led
• Compliance & posture improvement          ✅ End-to-end  ⚠️ Inconsistent
• Used by regulated firms & infrastructure          ✅ Yes  ❌ Rare

Final Word: Why It Matters

Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue, it’s a boardroom priority, a regulatory requirement, and in many cases, a business-critical differentiator.

We do not have the backing of multimillion-dollar venture funds, so we cannot flood the market with advertising. All we can do is make our platform better and offer more value than our competitors, and show we hold ourselves to a higher standard.  Being among the first wave of NCSC Assured Service Providers and Cyber Advisors is not only an honour, but a responsibility. We’re here to make high-assurance, best-practice cybersecurity available to all, from small businesses to infrastructure operators.

If you're unsure whether your current provider can match these standards, ask them one question:

Are you NCSC assured?