S-RM - Experts & Thought Leaders

Global cyber security and corporate intelligence consultancy S-RM has announced a new channel distribution partnership with cyber security solutions provider and distributor, Distology. Distology represents best-in-class cyber security vendors and supports an extensive network of resellers across the EMEA region. This partnership will enable Distology’s network to access S-RM’s global, award-winning, cyber incident response services.   Incident response team S-RM has the largest dedicated incident response team in the UK, responding to over 500 incidents a year. They have a unique set of in-house capabilities that enable them to manage an incident end to end, which includes a dedicated restoration team to support the recovery of complex networks, and full threat actor negotiation support. The UK team is supported by full-service incident response teams in the US, Netherlands, and Singapore, enabling a ‘follow the sun’ model – and 24-hour support – for incident response. A dedicated incident response team can be assembled in as little as six minutes. Cyber protection S-RM's capabilities align with Distology’s, providing quality solutions to protect organisations from cyber threats S-RM’s brand is widely respected within the insurance sector, and the firm is an approved panel vendor with most UK insurance companies. This means that partners can distribute their services with confidence, without caveats, and knowing that they can sit alongside existing cyber insurance. S-RM's capabilities align with Distology’s, providing quality solutions to protect organisations from cyber threats. Both firms place client service at the heart of their offering and have built up trusted relationships with key partners. Incident response and cyber consultancy services David Whiteley, Head of Channel Sales at S-RM, said, "I'm excited to launch our partnership with Distology, one of the pioneering names in cyber security distribution." "This collaboration marks an important step for us as we work together to expand the reach of our award-winning incident response and cyber consultancy services into partners in the UK and Europe." Brand presence “Over the past decade, I've watched Distology build an impressive brand presence. Their innovative thinking and attention to detail mirrors what we’ve built at S-RM. This partnership showcases the hard work and shared vision both companies have invested to bring something special to the market." “Distology’s wide-reaching network and industry know-how make them an ideal partner as we aim to increase our support to the channel in taking market-pioneering services to their clients.” Cyber security incident response Lance Williams, Chief Technology Officer at Distology, said, “I am delighted to welcome S-RM into the Distology portfolio. They are a premier brand in cyber security incident response, helping hundreds of organisations in their greatest hour of need." "It is no wonder S-RM is growing rapidly and we know our stakeholders will be excited to work with a firm with a proven pedigree in incident response.”

Pioneering global cyber security and investigations consultancy S-RM has identified five critical steps for financial institutions and their ICT providers to achieve compliance with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which will enter force from 17 January 2025. DORA establishes an EU-wide oversight framework designed to ensure the financial sector can withstand severe operational disruptions. Covering over 20,000 entities, including financial institutions, crypto-asset service providers, credit rating agencies, and ICT service providers, the regulation introduces strict requirements for cyber risk management, incident reporting, resilience testing and third-party risk monitoring. Steps to prepare for DORA To help organisations prepare for DORA, S-RM recommends the following steps: Conduct a gap analysis to identify weaknesses against DORA’s requirements and establish a targeted plan to address them Educate management on their responsibilities under DORA and adopt a top-down approach to cyber security Test incident preparedness and recovery with key business and IT stakeholders Ensure readiness to classify and report security incidents to relevant authorities within 24 hours Update contractual relationships with relevant ICT third parties to include obligations around information security and risk management as well as rights for inspection, access to information and secure exit strategies Impact of cyber incidents DORA marks a notable step in aligning cyber security needs applied to critical national infrastructures across the EU DORA marks a significant step in aligning cyber security requirements applied to critical national infrastructures across the EU and strengthening the operational resilience of the financial sector and critical ICT providers that support it. It represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the organisations that will be brought within its scope, including those companies headquartered in the UK with service offerings in the EU. By following these steps, organisations can strongly position themselves to detect cyber threats, limit the impact of cyber incidents and prepare for the requirements that DORA imposes on them. Cyber security practices Katherine Kearns, Head of Proactive Cyber Services at S-RM, comments: “While DORA may seem complex, it essentially aggregates and prioritises many of the cyber security practices that financial entities in Europe have already been working towards." "By focusing on the actionable steps outlined, organisations can not only meet compliance requirements but also strengthen their overall resilience to cyber threats. At S-RM, we remain committed to helping organisations navigate regulatory hurdles like DORA and build robust cyber resilience across their business.”

Pioneering cyber security and investigations consultancy S-RM has announced the appointment of Kelly McManus as Global Business Development Lead, Insurance and Legal, as part of its growing global cyber offering. As part of her new role, McManus will focus on developing S-RM’s Insurance and Legal relationships in the US and UK. McManus joins S-RM as a cyber specialist in both sectors, having gained experience during her previous role at Kroll where she was responsible for developing and managing the insurance and law firm relationships in the EMEA region. S-RM’s Insurance McManus studied at the University of Rhode Island where she gained a BA in Communication Studies McManus originally studied at the University of Rhode Island where she gained a BA in Communication Studies, later finding roles at Verizon and XL Catlin, where she gained valuable experience of the Insurance industry, before joining Kroll in 2017. McManus brings a wealth of expertise and leadership qualities to her new role, her seasoned skills will play a crucial part in nurturing S-RM’s Insurance and Legal client base. New and existing relationships Kelly McManus, Global Business Development Lead, Insurance and Legal at S-RM, comments: “S-RM has an outstanding reputation, and their global reach, capabilities, and the calibre of their people are second to none." "They are on an exciting growth trajectory and I’m excited to now be a part of that. I’m looking forward to developing new and existing relationships within the insurance and legal sectors  in the UK and in the US.” Cyber security landscape Jamie Smith, Board Director and Global Head of Cyber Services at S-RM, added: “We are excited to add Kelly to our team to support our growing cyber security practice." "She brings outstanding experience across the insurance and legal sectors, and we are thrilled to be able to leverage her expertise to help new and existing clients navigate the evolving cyber security landscape. She will play a vital role in expanding our capabilities and footprint in the insurance and legal sectors globally.”