Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM unveiled a key strategic alliance with renowned cyber-security provider Salus Cyber.

The partnership is set to supercharge RSM's ambition to become the undisputed market-leading adviser to the UK's middle market for multifaceted cyber-security and technology risk assurance.

The alliance will strengthen, bolster and expand RSM's domestic and cross-border reach, knowledge and expertise to identify and rectify vulnerabilities at almost any level, both in terms of scale and complexity.

Founded in 2017 and based out of the UK's cyber hub in Cheltenham, Salus Cyber is a specialist and certified provider of world-class cyber-security services.

The Salus Cyber team, who deliver projects across multiple sectors from autonomous underwater vehicle security to corporate business security transformation programs, draw upon specialist deep tech expertise to instil measures that address the three lines of cyber defence - prevention, detection, and containment.

Sheila Pancholi, technology risk assurance lead and cyber security partner at RSM, said: "We're delighted to partner with Salus Cyber who have a strong and credible history of providing deep cyber security skills in the defence industry and a number of wider related sectors where we operate.

"This strategic alliance adds strength and capability to the our existing and continually evolving market facing cyber services with a team who have a demonstrated a strong cultural fit with our existing business.

"It also sets us on course to realise our longer-term growth ambitions, and to become the leading cyber-security provider to the UK's middle market."

Jason Kalwa, founder and CEO of Salus Cyber, comments: "Salus are very excited about joining forces with an industry leader in Technology Risk to help bolster capability in cyber security and penetration testing, benefiting businesses in the mid-market to large enterprise.

"The partnership will also help our existing clients access the breadth and depth of services that RSM can deliver. Overall, it's a great long-term move that will help and improve the nation's cyber security."

The alliance benefits from Jason's wider extensive experience and expertise in the testing of web applications, military and defence targets, complex weapons, and access control systems. He has implemented the physical and digital security for the 2009 created NATO Kabul International Airport military base.

An Infrastructure Cyber Scheme Team Leader, and NCSC assessor, Jason brings a wealth of experience from working with teams on-site in the UK, USA, Afghanistan and across EMEA.

The alliance announcement is timely for middle market firms adapting to hybrid working models. New research by RSM, which surveyed over 400 middle market business leaders in April, revealed that one in five companies reported a cyber-attack in the last 12 months and the likelihood of a continued surge in cyber-attacks in the coming months, and beyond.

Of the companies reporting a cyber-attack, over half said security breaches were up in 2020 compared to the previous year. 73 per cent of those surveyed also said their business was at risk of unauthorised users deliberately and illegally attempting to access their data or systems over the next 12 months.

Sheila Pancholi comments: "Cyber risk is a real and growing threat, and we now know that many businesses are facing much more acute challenges as a consequence of the impacts of the global pandemic. With employees working remotely and not being fully safeguarded by corporate infrastructures, recognising and mitigating against cyber threats is more important than ever.

"This key alliance with Salus Cyber, and the extended capabilities and expertise it will offer, will help secure the longer-term future-proofing and cyber maturity that many businesses now need."