BVRLA enhances its cyber security

A: All BVRLA leasing broker members are required to have a regular inspection under the terms of membership.

The inspection programme assesses whether both BVRLA and Financial Conduct

Authority standards are being met and by displaying the BVRLA logo, customers can be assured that they are doing business with a company that adheres to the highest industry standards.

Inspections can occur every 12-18 months depending on the results of the member’s last inspection. Due to constant changes in regulated requirements and the BVRLA Codes, these inspections may differ each time to ensure that the minimum standard is met.

For those members that have an active broker relationship with one of the programme Funders, the inspection cost is covered. If a member does not have a relationship with at least one of these Funders, then they are expected to fund the inspection themselves.

A: The Funders who support the BVRLA Inspection Programme are

ALD Automotive, Alphabet (GB), Arval UK, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions,

LeasePlan UK, Leasys UK and Lex Autolease.

Leasing broker members should ensure that the BVRLA is aware that they have a relationship with one or more of these Funders. To ensure that membership records are accurate, members are encouraged to inform the BVRLA of any changes to the status of their funder relationships, should they lapse or be created.

If you have been contacted about a rental inspection but are not currently operating, please advise the BVRLA immediately.

We understand that some businesses are still closed or operating on a reduced level of staff and we wish to be as flexible as possible under the current circumstances. If there have been significant changes to your working environment that may impact an inspection visit, you will need to notify the BVRLA Compliance Team. u

The accreditation is the latest investment to enhance the BVRLA’s IT capabilities following attainment of the precursor Cyber Essentials accreditation in 2020 and the recent appointment of a new Head of IT, responsible for IT infrastructure, operations, and systems.

Awarded by the National Cyber Security Centre’s partner IASME, the CES+ accreditation demonstrates that the BVRLA meets the standards of IT security required to help protect against cyber attacks. A threat that has become increasingly prevalent as digital working increases and criminals exploit the Covid crisis to unscrupulously target individuals and businesses.

BVRLA Director of Membership & Legal, Shashi Maharaj said: “IT security and the safe and secure management and processing of data has never been more important to organisations as digitisation continues to expand.

“ We are delighted to have obtained the Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation and I would encourage any company to explore obtaining the accreditation, so collectively we can reduce the impact of cyber crime on UK businesses.” u

1. Ensuring a secure internet connection 2. Applying the most secure settings to secure devices and software 3. Controlling access to data and services 4. Protecting against viruses and other malware 5. Keeping devices and software up to date Find out more on the Cyber Essentials

The National Cyber Security Centre has published guidance to support businesses moving from physical to digital delivery as well as a short leaflet to help businesses as part of the ongoing Covid-19 response.