Virgin Media Business says it has been awarded the UK’s first interim Public Sector Network (PSN) security accreditation. This national milestone has come as a result of a successful security audit across the entire Virgin Media network in accordance with the new NGN 2-2-4 security standards. This security certification was awarded to the organisation on 31 March 2011. In addition to this, a full review of the company’s work with Hampshire and Isle Of Wight Partnership (HIOW) was also carried out.
The accreditation means that Virgin Media Business is the first organisation to be allowed to operate as a Direct Network Service Provider (DNSP) and a Government Conveyance Network Service Provider (GCNSP), enabling it to bring the PSN marketplace to life.
PSN is a Government initiative aimed at providing the very best in voice and data technology and related ICT services to public sector organisations at cost effective prices. Virgin Media Business has been championing PSN through its work with HIOW, one of the country’s first collaborative network projects, enabling a shared service environment built on PSN principles.
“Virgin Media Business has become the first provider to achieve this accreditation and has taken a giant leap to becoming fully PSN Compliant, which is good news for public sector organisations across the country,” said John Stubley PSN programme director. “The company is continuing to deliver on its promises following the commitment of its fibre-optic network to help underpin the PSN.”
In order to fully achieve the PSN accreditation, Virgin Media Business also had to meet the requirements of a rigorous three week security audit and comply with new NGN 2-2-4 standards. This new security standard guarantees the company’s dedication to ensuring maximum security and integrity of data that passes across Virgin Media Business’ network. NGN 2-2-4 Accreditation was awarded to Virgin Media Business on 31 March 2011.
Today’s announcement is a result of millions of pounds of investment in information assurance and security that further bolsters Virgin Media Business’ commitment to growing its prominence within the public sector during 2011 and beyond.
“When we announced that we were committing our high-speed national network to help support the PSN we knew that we were taking our first steps on a longer road that will revolutionise the way the sector procures, bringing both substantial savings and best in breed technology solutions for all. Since then we’ve been pioneering PSN by announcing contracts with the likes of London Grid for Learning and Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trusts. Today’s accreditation is yet another milestone that shows we are more committed to delivering on our public sector promises than any other provider,” said Lee Hull, director of public sector, Virgin Media Business.
“Virgin Media Business has been a driving force behind the success of PSN. Our good rapport with the cabinet office has meant that we’ve been able to move quicker than anyone else in order to get our services in line with government requirements. This accreditation is further evidence that the technology we provide is not only the most innovative, but also meets the standards of quality and security that is expected of any true public sector partner,” said Robert Parker, head of Public Sector Network development, Virgin Media Business.