Key Takeaways
- Choose a consultant with genuine, hands on Defence sector experience and a real understanding of how the MOD works if you are seeking Defence specific guidance.
- Make sure they cover all aspects of information security, not just cyber e.g. physical, personnel, IT, Cyber, and Governance.
- Insist on tailored, up to date guidance that keeps pace with evolving standards such as DCC, CSM, and Secure by Design.
- Ensure the consultant treats the engagement as a long-term partnership.
In the Defence industry, security is not merely a priority, it is the bedrock on which every operation is built. That is precisely why the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Other Government Departments (OGD) demand strict security conformance, from any business that wants to work with them. The complexity of the modern supply chain, coupled with Defence’s heavy reliance on civilian contractors, only sharpens these concerns. To address this, standards like Facility Security Clearance (FSC), Industry Personnel Security Assurance (IPSA), Secure by Design (SbD), the Cyber Security Model (CSM), and the Defence Cyber Certificate (DCC) are in place. For businesses hoping to break into the Defence sector, meeting these requirements can feel daunting, particularly when engaging in an unfamiliar environment where a completely culture and nuanced language exists. This is where an expert Defence security consultant, one who understands MOD requirements and knows how to interpret and set MOD expectation, becomes invaluable, and choosing the right partner can make all the difference. In 2026 the landscape has shifted again: with the MOD’s legacy accreditation process having been replaced with Secure by Design and the IASME Defence Cyber Certification process being introduced to evidence conformance with the Cyber Security Model (CSM), knowing exactly which Defence assurance standard applies to your contract and how, matters more than ever. Additionally, when committing to the requirements and expense of Facility Security Clearance (FSC) and Industry Personnel Security Assurance (IPSA), an experienced consultant could save you significant expense and frustration.
As a veteran-led consultancy, with deep roots in the Defence sector, Pera Prometheus has the expertise to guide businesses with confidence. This blog outlines key considerations for businesses when selecting a security consultant to meet defence assurance standards. Our MD, Gareth Shaw, puts it best: “Our team’s unique blend of experience, both within and outside Defence, means we understand the intricacies of standards like FSC, IPSA, Secure by Design, and the Cyber Security Model (DEFSTAN 05-138). Our expert advice can be the bridge between complexity and success”.
Read more: DEFSTAN 05-138, Secure by Design, Physical Security
Why Defence Assurance Standards Matter
Defence assurance standards exist to protect sensitive and classified information, uphold physical security and ultimately safeguard national security. Whether you’re bidding for MOD contracts or aiming to be a trusted supplier in the defence supply chain, meeting MOD expectation with information and physical security is essential. Yet this is about far more than ticking a requirements checklist; it is about embedding security into your everyday operations in a way that realistically and genuinely fits your business. The right consultants don’t just help you achieve standards; they help you build resilience in your organisation, establishing the basis of a security culture which in turn builds trust with defence clients. With evolving threats like cyberattacks, culture, and supply chain resilience a mature approach to risk based security is also critical to remaining competitive through trust in your security. Put simply, the right defence security consultant does more than tick compliance boxes; they help you protect classified information, remain a trusted name in the defence supply chain and win MOD contracts.
Considerations for Choosing Security Consultants
Appointing the right security consultant to lead your Defence assurance strategy and implementation is one of the most important decisions you will make. Before you commit, weigh these five factors against your own contractual requirements and risk appetite:
- Defence Industry Experience: Defence is unique, with its own protocols, terminology, and expectations. Consultants should have hands-on experience in the Defence sector, like our veteran team at Pera Prometheus who understand the nuances of working with the MOD. They should also have a thorough understanding of the MOD’s hierarchical structure and its various departments. Look for consultants with a proven track record of supporting defence clients and who understand the interplay between information and cyber security.
- Expertise in Information Security, not just Cybersecurity: Defence assurance standards require a holistic approach. For example, DEFSTAN 05-138 sets out cybersecurity requirements to protect MOD information and IT systems across the supply chain. Whereas, FSC and IPSA focus on physical security and personnel security respectively addressing secure facility layouts and management to personnel vetting processes. Your consultant should excel in all these areas to deliver best value to your business. Ask potential consultants how they integrate these standards to create a cohesive security framework for your business.
- Tailored Guidance for Security Compliance: Every business is different, varying in operations, structure, and resources, and are therefore have different threat profiles. This means achieving MOD expectations requires tailored approaches while still meeting standards. This is especially true for businesses in the Defence supply chain, where conformance is non-negotiable. Your consultant should offer practical, systematic guidance tailored to your business’s needs and capacity. Look for consultants who simplify complex processes, without compromising quality. Pera Prometheus has a 100% success rate in providing tailored guidance for Secure by Design, CSM, FSC, and IPSA.
- Knowledge of Defence Assurance Standards: A consultant must have in-depth knowledge and understanding of defence assurance standards as well as know where to obtain up to date information. As threats evolve, so do these standards. For example, the Defence Cyber Certification (DCC), developed by Information Assurance for Small and Medium Enterprises (IASME) and supported by UK MOD, is intended to strengthen the cyber resilience of the defence supply chain, through a formal, independently assessed certification process. Standards like Secure by Design require evidence of secure development of digital products, services and solutions provided to MOD. Over time, existing standards will evolve, and new ones may emerge. Ensure your consultant stays up to date by asking for examples of how they’ve helped businesses adapt to new or updated standards.
- A Collaborative, Veteran-Led Approach: Defence compliance is a long-term commitment. Look for consultants who act as partners, not just advisors. Veteran-led firms like Pera Prometheus bring a unique perspective, having served in high-threat environments and understanding what’s at stake. Look for consultants who can work alongside your team to construct security frameworks that align with MOD standards, while supporting your commercial goals. Those who prioritise clear communication and collaboration provide practical solutions to continuously improve your security standards, giving you a competitive edge. As our MD says, “Our veteran roots mean we approach every project with discipline, integrity, and a commitment to getting it right. We know why the question is being asked and therefore can tailor solutions that suit the business and the MOD assurance requirement”
Practical Tip: When evaluating consultants, ask, “Can you share examples of businesses similar to mine that you’ve helped achieve compliance?” This will give you insight into their experience and approach.
Take the Next Step
Choosing the right security consultant is about far more than meeting MOD standards; it is about laying the foundations for lasting success in the defence industry and continually strengthening your security to remain competitive. At Pera Prometheus, we’re more than consultants; we’re your partners in navigating the defence security landscape. Our team, composed entirely of veterans, brings unrivalled expertise in information and cybersecurity, helping businesses achieve FSC accreditation, IPSA compliance, systems assurance, and more. Whether you need FSC accreditation, IPSA compliance, CSM or DCC readiness, end to end support for Secure by Design, or ongoing Fractional CISO or Security Manager Support, an experienced, veteran-led defence security consultancy turns a complex, evolving standards landscape into a clear competitive advantage.
We also share our knowledge through weekly blogs on our website and social media posts on platforms like Linkedin, keeping you informed about the latest information related to security.
Ready to take the next step towards defence assurance compliance? Contact our team today to learn how we can help you secure your future in the defence supply chain.
Stay Safe, Stay Secure
