PSN IT Health Check (ITHC) | Fidus Information Security

What is an IT Health Check?

An IT Health Check (ITHC) is used to confirm that your information systems and network meet a specified baseline standard. Also known as Codes of Connection (CoCo), these rules are used by organisations like the NHS and the Gambling Commission to ensure only trusted partners are able to exchange data online.

The ITHC provides assurance to your partners that internal and external systems are protected from unauthorised access. This includes wireless access points which connect to the internal network and remote working devices, such as company smartphones. You will need to complete an ITHC once per year – or risk losing access to these trusted resources, such as the NHS Public Service Network (PSN).

Why do I need an IT Health Check?

Your partners operate a CoCo

If your partner applies a Codes of Connection (CoCo), you have no choice – an annual IT health check is a non-negotiable requirement of doing business with them.

You plan to connect to the NHS PSN

If you plan to supply goods or services to the NHS, you will need to ‘earn’ a Public Service Network (PSN) certificate. To do that your IT security systems will need to pass a penetration test carried out according to a specific government standard.

You must renew your PSN certificate

The PSN certificate that grants access to NHS digital resources must be renewed once a year. If your certificate expiry date is approaching, you will need to arrange for a fresh IT health check.

Our Approach

External security scan

The ITHC assesses security provisions at all levels of your network, starting with external facing assets. Our consultants check VPNs, email portals and websites meet the specified government standards.

Internal security scan

Shifting attention to your internal network, consultants will then test at least 10% of your servers and PCs for vulnerabilities that could be exploited. We will also check wireless network configuration to ensure it has been properly secured.

Firewall review

Engineers will ‘attack’ the firewall between your network and the PSN to confirm resilience and integrity. We will also review the rules and configurations of your main firewall to ensure all-round network security.

Device configuration review

To limit potential attack surfaces our consultants will audit desktop and server builds, checking for vulnerabilities. We will also assess your mobile device management (MDM) systems to confirm that smartphones, tablets and laptops are secured in accordance with the relevant CoCo requirements.

Why Fidus?

Penetration testing reveals your most sensitive network vulnerabilities – so you need a partner you can trust. Fidus Information Security are an NCSC CHECK Green Light and TIGER scheme approved consultancy. Our cyber security experts hold some of the most recognised certifications in the industry, including CREST Certified Tester and Senior Security Tester. Fidus is also a Cyber Essentials verified company. Every assessment we perform is carried out according to UK industry approved methodologies (OWASP, PETS, NIST) along with our own internal testing frameworks.

Remedial Support

More than just identifying security vulnerabilities, our cyber security experts are on hand to help you fix them too.

Certified Security Consultants

Our CREST and TIGER approved team holds a range of industry-leading security certifications including OSCP, CCT, SST and CISSP

Easy to Understand Reports

We’ll ensure that your executives and technical teams properly understand our assessment findings using plain-English reporting.

Fixed Price Proposals

The price you’re quoted is the price you’ll pay. Our quotes are broken down into a detailed costing table so you know exactly what to expect.

The Industry Average

Other approaches we've witnessed have included convoluted steps and commonly ends with incorrect information being handed to the consultant assigned to the engagement.

The Fidus Way

Our approach to security involves a qualified security consultant through the entire process to ensure quality, accuracy and consistency.

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“Oysta is very happy with the support, service and dedication of the Fidus team. Working with the Oysta team every step of the way, not only did they check all security on the device, they also provided feedback on the quality of the hardware. I will be working with Fidus again.”

Mario Zuccaro, Founder and CEO, Oysta Technology

June 2019

“We have been really pleased with the service provided by Fidus. We have found them to be extremely easy to work with. We also felt their fee structure was reasonable. We would recommend Fidus to anyone looking for a PCI pen testing partner.”

Andy Phillips, Inspired Outsourcing

May 2019

“Great service. Gave us exactly what we needed, as promised.”

Philip Cunnington, TalkPlus NHS

January 2019

“We were extremely pleased with the service, knowledge and professionalism shown by Fidus. After the remediation phase, we then ran a phishing exercise with them to remind staff of the need to be vigilant with external email communications. I would have no hesitation in using or recommending Fidus in the future due to the quality of work carried out at a great price.”

Graeme Thistlethwaite, ICT, Business Change and Business Support Manager

“Fidus provided a high quality penetration service at a reasonable price … communications were great … the Pen test team flexed around us and our other commitments to get the job done. Thanks!”

Darren Crombie, CEO, Upstream Outcomes

October 2018

IT Health Check (ITHC)