FluidOne’s cyber division, Cyber Security Associates (CSA), has acquired SureCloud Cyber Services. This acquisition positions CSA to offer a more robust suite of cyber security solutions, integrating SureCloud’s expertise in CREST and NCSC CHECK certified penetration testing and cyber risk consulting.

SureCloud, a cloud-born company since 2006, brings a team of 28 specialists and a history of innovation in penetration-testing-as-a-service (PTaaS). The acquisition is a response to market demands for enhanced cyber security, following FluidOne’s investment in CSA as a Centre of Excellence in 2020.

CSA, under the leadership of Dave Woodfine, a former MOD Cyber Defence Unit commander, has excelled in monitoring and detection, leveraging Microsoft Sentinel and other Microsoft security products. The addition of SureCloud’s in-house expertise, led by Ben Jepson, fortifies CSA’s capabilities in penetration testing and incident response, previously outsourced to specialist suppliers.

The move is timely as FluidOne’s Connected Cloud Solutions cater to the growing need for secure remote work environments. With over 60% of UK businesses reporting cyber breaches in the past year, FluidOne’s focus on cyber security is more crucial than ever.

The SureCloud acquisition follows FluidOne’s December 2023 purchase of CNC, boosting the group’s revenue to £109m and its workforce to 500, with a significant focus on IT and Cyber Security. This expansion underscores FluidOne’s commitment to safeguarding digital transformations in an increasingly vulnerable cyber landscape.

Commenting on the acquisition Russell Horton, FluidOne CEO and Chairman of CSA, said: “During the acquisition process we have got to know Ben and the senior SureCloud team, combined with surveying their key customers. This has reinforced the quality and expertise of their staff, and a strong alignment in culture and drive to deliver great customer service. We will work together to deliver a world-class cyber Centre of Excellence that together with the other FluidOne pillars will strengthen our range of Connected Cloud Solutions.”

Ben Jepson, Commercial Director, SureCloud Cyber Services, added: “I am extremely excited at the prospect of integrating with one of the best cyber providers in the UK – Cyber Security Associates (CSA), part of the FluidOne group. Prior to the acquisition process we have worked on a number of joint bids with CSA and it became immediately apparent that both businesses had a complementary service portfolio and were an excellent cultural fit. CSA’s focus on technical excellence, its customers and dedication to developing its people echoes our own ambitions. Having a home in a fast-growing business dedicated to cyber will enable us to provide clear career paths for our current people and attract new talent – both of which will enable us to increase the value delivered to our joint customers. I’m looking forward to getting started on this new challenge and for the broader team and our clients to see the huge potential that I have experienced throughout the last couple of months.”

Dave Woodfine, Founder and MD Cyber Security Associates added: “Both myself and James Griffiths as the co-founders of Cyber Security Associates are delighted to add the world-class cyber services that SureCloud Cyber Services brings to the growing portfolio of CSA capabilities. Having met Ben and his team at SureCloud we see a great opportunity to enhance the range of cyber services we can offer both existing and new clients through the provision of penetration testing, red teaming and specialist consultancy. The addition of CREST and CHECK certified testing alongside a team who understand the specialism of cyber in operational technology and the Payment Card Industry (PCI) will accelerate the growth of CSA this year and beyond. More importantly as one team we will be able to work together to close the cyber threat gap and enable all our clients to be more secure.”

Post-acquisition, FluidOne’s CEO, Russell Horton, is to become Chairman of SureCloud Cyber Services, with FluidOne Directors Simon Ward, Chris Rogers and Roy Hastings also becoming board directors.

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