10th July 2024
Modern Democracy gets double cyber security seal of approval
Elections technology firm secures ISO27001:2022 and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation
Modern Democracy, a leading technology firm specialising in digital solutions for the elections sector has secured a double stamp of approval for its cyber security after securing two major accreditations.
The company, based in Derry, Northern Ireland has received ISO27001:2022 and Cyber Essentials Plus certification, illustrating its commitment to cyber security, the safeguarding of data and to maintaining the highest standards of information security.
It is among the first in the region to achieve ISO27001:2022 certification, an international standard for Information Security Management System. The certification reflects the company’s systematic approach to managing sensitive information and ensuring its security.
In addition, Modern Democracy has achieved the Cyber Essentials Plus certification, an enhanced version of the UK government-backed Cyber Essentials programme, providing a significantly higher level of assurance.
This certification is given to companies that can demonstrate the implementation of robust cyber security measures verified through an independent technical assessment.
Siobhan Donaghy, CEO, Modern Democracy said:
“As a company providing digital solutions to local authorities across the UK, that enable the smooth running of elections and the democratic process, security is absolutely at the core of our business.
We are delighted to have received these two new certifications that show the significant steps we have taken to protect our systems and data, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining strong cyber security principles across the organisation.
Our customers, local authorities across the UK, rely on us to ensure the security of their data and those of their electorate on election day and throughout the year.
As cyber threats continually evolve, we will continue to ensure we adhere to the very highest standards of security and data protection.”
Mark Hopkins, Quadra Consulting, which worked with Modern Democracy in achieving the ISO certification, added:
"We are delighted to have supported Modern Democracy in attaining ISO27001:2022. This certification is a testament to their commitment to implementing and maintaining a robust ISMS that secures customer data and enhances trust."
Modern Democracy provides a cloud-based digital solution, Modern Polling, designed to streamline election day operations for local authorities across the UK. The system replaces traditional paper-based methods with a tablet-based check-in and voter verification process, enabling efficient and secure management of elections.
The platform was used by almost 50 local authorities across the UK at the General Election in July.
These certifications further cement Modern Democracy’s reputation as a trusted partner in ensuring the effective and secure running of democratic processes.
The rigorous process involved in achieving ISO27001:2022 included an external audit of Modern Democracy’s information security management system and an assessment of its implementation and effectiveness.
The steps to achieving Cyber Essentials Plus included securing the Cyber Essentials basic certification, ensuring compliance with Cyber Essentials controls, undergoing a hands-on technical verification by a certifying body, addressing any identified issues and passing a follow-up assessment, and maintaining certification through annual renewals and continuous improvement.
For more information, visit www.moderndemocracy.com. For more information on ISO27001 visit www.quadraconsulting.com
