Moulton Parish Council – Cyber Security Scanning and MDR
Challenges
Moulton Parish Council faced increasing pressure to meet cyber insurance requirements and improve their overall IT security posture. Their existing infrastructure lacked formalised policies around patch management, vulnerability scanning, and incident response. Additionally, there was no centralised system for monitoring threats or enforcing configuration standards, leaving the council exposed to potential breaches and compliance risks .
Solution
To address these gaps, Ashby Computer Services proposed a comprehensive security enhancement package. This included:
- Deployment of a next-generation MDR antivirus solution with 24/7 monitoring.
- Monthly external vulnerability scans to identify and mitigate firewall and endpoint risks.
- Implementation of server policies aligned with Cyber Essentials standards.
- Integration of audit logging and review capabilities within the MDR platform.
Implementation/Process
The implementation followed a structured approach:
- Security Audit & Policy Review: The council shared their existing security documentation, highlighting areas such as password policies, remote access, and patch management that required clarification or enhancement .
- Quote Approval & Planning: Revised quotes were approved by the council, and implementation planning commenced with coordination between Ashby’s technical team and the council’s administrators .
- MDR Deployment: The MDR solution was installed on key infrastructure, including the Windows Server 2022 system. This enabled real-time threat detection and response .
- Vulnerability Scanning: Monthly external scans were scheduled to assess firewall exposure and ensure continuous compliance .
Results/Benefits
- Improved Threat Visibility: The MDR platform provided real-time alerts and forensic detail on attempted malware downloads, significantly enhancing the council’s ability to respond to threats .
- Policy Compliance: Server configurations and user access controls were brought in line with Cyber Essentials, supporting insurance and regulatory requirements .
- Operational Assurance: With 24/7 monitoring and automated patch management, the council reduced its reliance on manual oversight and improved system resilience.
- Stakeholder Confidence: The council demonstrated proactive risk management, strengthening trust with constituents and insurers alike.
Key Takeaways
- A layered security approach combining MDR and vulnerability scanning is essential for public sector organisations with limited internal IT resources.
- Clear communication and documentation between provider and client ensure alignment on responsibilities and expectations.
- Real-time threat detection not only mitigates immediate risks but also provides valuable insights for long-term security planning.
- Regular external scans and policy enforcement help maintain compliance and reduce the likelihood of insurance claim disputes.
For more information about our services, please call us today on 01604 790979