When you’re dealing with a cyber incident—whether it’s ransomware, data theft, or an insider breach—you don’t have time to gamble on your response team. You need to know they’re qualified, trustworthy, and capable of handling high-pressure situations in line with national standards.

That’s why the NCSC CIR certification is such a big deal. And why Barrier’s status as a certified CIR provider offers real peace of mind to our customers.

What Is the NCSC CIR Scheme?

CIR stands for Cyber Incident Response, and the scheme is managed by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It exists to identify companies that can be trusted to handle serious cyber incidents affecting UK organisations, particularly in critical industries such as:

Healthcare
Finance
Energy
Government
Transport
Education

To be approved, a provider must undergo rigorous assessment across several key areas, including:

Incident management processes
Technical skills and tooling
Legal and regulatory knowledge
Communication practices
Experience working in sensitive or complex environments

Only a small number of UK providers achieve this certification—Barrier is one of them.

Why Does CIR Certification Matter?

Here’s what it means for you if your response provider is CIR-certified:

Proven Experience in Critical Sectors

CIR certification isn’t handed out lightly. Providers must demonstrate real-world experience responding to incidents in complex, high-stakes environments. Barrier has supported

hospitals, banks, housing providers, and public sector bodies through critical incidents—and continues to be trusted across the UK.

Nationally Recognised Standards

CIR certification confirms that we operate in line with the UK’s most up-to-date and reliable cyber response frameworks. You’re not just getting best practice—you’re getting best-in-country.

Confidence in a Crisis

When you're under attack, you want to know you’ve got the right people by your side. CIR certification gives assurance to your leadership, your board, your regulators, and your insurers that your incident is in safe hands.

More Than Just Cleanup

CIR-certified providers don’t just fix the issue. We provide root cause analysis, evidence preservation, post-incident reporting, and help you build long-term resilience so you're better protected in future.

What You Can Expect from Barrier

When you work with Barrier, you’re getting:

A CIR-certified team ready to respond 24/7
A UK-based MSSP that understands the threat landscape facing critical infrastructure
A clear, structured process from breach detection to post-incident recovery
Support with reporting, legal obligations, and stakeholder communication
Long-term cyber resilience planning after the dust has settled

The NCSC CIR badge is more than just a logo. It means Barrier has been independently verified as one of the UK’s top-tier cyber incident response providers. We bring calm, clarity, and confidence to organisations navigating their worst days.

Need help preparing for—or responding to—a cyber incident? Get in touch to speak with our CIR-certified team.

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