Highland Spring Group, renowned as the leading bottled water brand in the UK, has announced a significant partnership with Acumen Cyber, a Glasgow-based cybersecurity company. This collaboration aims to enhance Highland Spring’s cybersecurity infrastructure through comprehensive, 24-hour monitoring, threat detection, and incident response services. Acumen Cyber, with its robust security credentials, will enable Highland Spring to fortify its defenses while allowing its internal IT team to concentrate on long-term strategic improvements.
Founded in 1979 and operating from its headquarters in Blackford, Perthshire, Highland Spring Group produces an impressive 600 million liters of bottled water each year and employs approximately 500 individuals. Over the years, the company has invested heavily in its information technology and cybersecurity frameworks. However, recognizing the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, the management identified a pressing need for specialized support to ensure constant monitoring and timely responses to potential incidents.
### Strengthening Cybersecurity Across Operations
The partnership between Highland Spring Group and Acumen Cyber signals a proactive approach to cybersecurity vigilance. Under this new agreement, Acumen Cyber will utilize its CREST-accredited Security Operations Centre (SOC) in Glasgow to provide nonstop monitoring, investigation, and response to security threats. The service incorporates sophisticated security information and event management (SIEM), automation processes, threat intelligence, and proactive threat hunting methodologies. This advanced setup will help in detecting and addressing any suspicious activities effectively.
The cooperation will enable Highland Spring’s IT team to directly collaborate with Acumen’s UK-based security engineers. This synergy offers access to specialized expertise without the internal burden of managing ongoing security operations, proving beneficial in streamlining processes. Moreover, the partnership aims to enhance the visibility of emerging security risks, granting Highland Spring’s team the enhanced capacity to strengthen its infrastructure, tackle vulnerabilities, and formulate a robust cybersecurity strategy for the long run.
Tracy Holbein, the IT Manager at Highland Spring Group, articulated the company’s focus on reliability as a central factor in this decision. She noted, “Maintaining reliable operations is essential to Highland Spring. This partnership will give us round-the-clock specialist support and more time for our own team to focus on preventing problems and strengthening our security.” Holbein also emphasized the rapport developed between the two teams, stating that Acumen Cyber’s enthusiasm for collaboration instilled confidence in building a productive partnership.
### Engineer-Led Security Proves Deciding Factor
The selection of Acumen Cyber was the culmination of a thorough tender process, during which their technical prowess and engineer-led approach emerged as compelling factors. The distinctive feature of being able to collaborate directly with the engineers delivering the service appealed to Highland Spring. This factor, in conjunction with Acumen’s CREST accreditation and a transparent pricing model, solidified the decision.
Acumen’s method of continuously validating security controls against real-world attack techniques was particularly attractive. This approach not only assists clients in understanding how their defenses can withstand actual incidents but also promotes a more informed and responsive security posture.
Mark Robertson, the CEO of Acumen Cyber, highlighted the importance of fostering a close working relationship with Highland Spring’s existing IT team. He stated, “Our role is to work as an extension of Highland Spring’s team, with named security engineers who understand the business and take responsibility for strengthening its defenses.” Robertson emphasized the importance of adapting to evolving threats and corroborating confidence with tangible evidence, noting that continuous validation of detection capabilities directly enhances the security services provided.
### Supporting Long-Term Cyber Resilience
This agreement underscores Highland Spring’s ongoing commitment to cybersecurity as an integral part of its business operations. For organizations with intricate production, distribution, and supply chain dynamics, ensuring consistent system reliability and access to expert security counsel is critical.
Acumen Cyber’s managed detection and response service is strategically designed to offer continuous oversight, empowering internal teams to adopt a more proactive stance in identifying and mitigating cyber risks. This partnership not only reinforces Highland Spring’s security posture but also aligns with Acumen’s expanding client portfolio, which focuses on delivering managed cybersecurity services, continuous security testing, incident response, threat intelligence, and strategic advisory services from its Glasgow base.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Highland Spring Group and Acumen Cyber stands as a pivotal step towards enhancing cybersecurity resilience, showcasing the proactive measures businesses must adopt in a landscape dominated by complexity and constant threats. Through this strategic alliance, both companies are positioned to navigate the intricacies of cybersecurity while safeguarding essential services and maintaining operational integrity.