One of Only Seventeen UK Organisations Recognised for Excellence in Financial Sector Security Testing


Oxford, UK – 04/2025 – Dionach, a leading provider of cybersecurity services, is proud to announce that it has achieved the coveted CREST STAR-FS accreditation for Penetration Testing – a recognition that marks the organisation as one of only seventeen companies in the United Kingdom to hold this distinguished status.
The STAR-FS (Simulated Targeted Attack and Response – Financial Services) accreditation is a benchmark of quality and assurance specifically developed to meet the stringent demands of the financial services sector. Awarded by CREST, a globally recognised not-for-profit accreditation and certification body, this certification validates Dionach’s ability to deliver intelligence-led, sophisticated penetration testing services tailored to the threat landscape facing financial institutions.
“This achievement reflects the deep technical expertise and rigorous methodology that underpin all of our security testing services,” said Ewan McKenzie, CEO at Dionach. “We are incredibly proud to be among the very few UK organisations to meet the high bar set by CREST for STAR-FS. It reinforces our commitment to providing world-class, threat-led penetration testing to clients in the financial sector and beyond.”
CREST STAR-FS penetration testing engagements simulate targeted cyberattacks using tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) of real-world threat actors. These services provide financial institutions with meaningful insights into their resilience, helping to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and regulators placing greater emphasis on operational resilience, Dionach’s STAR-FS accreditation positions the company as a trusted partner in helping clients meet both their security and compliance objectives.
About Dionach
Dionach is a global provider of independent cybersecurity services, including penetration testing, security assessments, and consultancy. With a client-first approach and a team of expert testers and consultants, Dionach delivers actionable insights to help organisations of all sizes protect their systems, data, and reputations.