Hedgehog Security facts for kids

Hedgehog Security is a company that helps keep computer systems and the internet safe from online threats. It has its main office in the United Kingdom and also has offices in Gibraltar, Spain, and Japan. The company's main job is to check computer systems for weaknesses, find possible problems, and help businesses get special certificates for good online safety.

History of Hedgehog Security

The company was started in 2010 by Peter Bassill. He has worked for over 27 years helping to keep computer information safe and managing risks. For 10 years, he was a top security leader (called a CISO) for large companies around the world. Hedgehog Security also shares helpful guides and information about cybersecurity on their website.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is all about protecting computers, networks, and data from being stolen, damaged, or misused. Think of it like a shield that protects your digital life. It stops bad people, often called hackers, from getting into systems they shouldn't.

Why is Cybersecurity Important?

In today's world, almost everything uses computers and the internet. From playing games and doing homework to online shopping and banking, we rely on digital systems. If these systems aren't safe, important information could be lost or stolen. Cybersecurity helps make sure our online world stays safe and private.

What Does Hedgehog Security Do?

Hedgehog Security offers several important services to help businesses stay safe online. They act like digital detectives, looking for weak spots before bad guys can find them.

Penetration Testing

Imagine a company wants to make sure its building is secure. They might hire someone to try and break in (with permission!) to find any unlocked doors or windows. This is similar to what penetration testing is for computers. Hedgehog Security tries to "hack" into a company's computer systems. They do this to find any weak spots or "holes" that real hackers could use. By finding these problems first, they can help the company fix them before any harm is done.

Vulnerability Assessments

A vulnerability assessment is like a health check for a computer system. Hedgehog Security scans and checks systems to find any known weaknesses or "vulnerabilities." These could be outdated software, wrong settings, or other issues that make a system unsafe. They then tell the company about these problems so they can be fixed. This helps prevent future attacks.

Cyber Essentials Audits

Cyber Essentials is a special program in the UK that helps businesses improve their basic cybersecurity. Hedgehog Security helps companies go through an "audit," which is like an inspection. They check if the company follows important rules for online safety. If a company passes the audit, they get a certificate that shows they have good basic cybersecurity. This helps customers trust them more.