Scot JCB Group partnered with Acumen Cyber to boost cyber security with 24/7 monitoring, endpoint protection, threat intelligence, and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation for improved resilience and continuity.
Scot JCB Group is a leading provider of construction and agricultural machinery, operating across four divisions: Scot JCB Group, Scot Agri, Scot Industrial Air and Stewart Plant Sales. The company has 15 depots across Scotland and the north of England, with a workforce of approximately 309 employees.
Customer service has always been at the heart of Scot JCB Group’s business, underpinning their reputation for delivering high-quality machinery and responsive support. But with growth came increased digital complexity and greater exposure to cyber threats. The business recognised that its existing approach to security needed to evolve.
Scot JCB Group required a strategic security partner capable of delivering enterprise-grade protection, combining deep technical expertise, cutting-edge solutions, and comprehensive 24/7 threat monitoring to keep the organisation safe, resilient, and fully operational.
Without a comprehensive security framework, Scot JCB Group was increasingly exposed to evolving and sophisticated cyber threats.
Limited Internal Resources
A growing but stretched IT team lacked the capacity to manage cyber risk effectively alongside day-to-day operations.
Lack of Endpoint Visibility
Minimal oversight of field-based devices made it difficult to monitor activity or enforce consistent security controls across the estate.
Increased Brand Risk
As part of the globally recognised JCB family, Scot JCB Group was a potential target for politically or financially motivated threat actors.
No Defined Incident Response Capability
The absence of a structured incident response plan meant the business was unprepared to respond quickly or effectively to a major cyber event.
Recognising the growing risks and limitations of their existing setup, Scot JCB Group set out to find a cyber security partner who could deliver more than just tools - they needed expertise, visibility, and hands-on support.
They were looking for always-on protection, real-time threat detection, and a robust, proactive incident response capability. By partnering with Acumen Cyber, Scot JCB Group implemented a modern, enterprise-grade security strategy and service, tailored to their environment and focused across three core areas:
Endpoint Protection & Vulnerability Management
To protect against ransomware and endpoint based threats, Acumen Cyber deployed our Managed eXtended Detection & Response for Endpoints service, powered by CrowdStrike. This provided real-time protection across all Scot JCB Group devices. We then introduced Continuous Vulnerability Management using Falcon Spotlight, helping to identify and prioritise risks before they could be exploited. To strengthen email defences, we also implemented Check Point Email & Collaboration Security - closing a critical attack vector with advanced phishing and malware protection.
Security Monitoring, Response & Threat Intelligence
Acumen rolled out our Managed eXtended Detection & Response Complete service - a fully managed detection and response service spanning Scot JCB Group’s entire estate. Built on the Elastic Security platform and enhanced with automation, enrichment, and expert-led investigation, it delivers real-time visibility, rapid containment, and 24/7 protection. We also integrated Recorded Future to enable dark web monitoring, tracking leaked credentials linked to high-profile employees and domains, reducing exposure to impersonation and account takeover.
Cyber Resilience & Compliance
To support long-term resilience and trust, Acumen provided penetration testing and guided Scot JCB Group through Cyber Essentials Plus certification, strengthening defences and supporting future business opportunities. Combined with our ongoing managed services, this has helped embed best practice across the organisation’s cyber strategy.
Acumen Cyber’s CREST-accredited SOC in Glasgow ensured 24/7 incident response, boosting trust and confidence through seamless collaboration.
Proven Expertise and a Trusted Team
Scot JCB Group was impressed by the calibre of Acumen’s CREST-accredited SOC team - a group of highly skilled security engineers with real-world experience in high-stakes environments. The combination of technical depth, industry credentials, and a clearly structured proposal made Acumen the standout choice from day one.
Proactive Security & Seamless Implementation
Acumen’s solution aligned seamlessly with Scot JCB Group’s needs without compromise. Built around leading platforms like CrowdStrike and Elastic, the service delivered immediate threat visibility, active risk mitigation, and enterprise-grade protection which was all implemented smoothly and without operational disruption.
UK-Based CREST Accredited SOC & 24/7 Peace of Mind
With a fully UK-based, CREST-accredited SOC providing 24/7 monitoring and rapid incident response, Scot JCB Group gained confidence that support was always available. The local presence and always-on coverage ensured full visibility and control, essential for a business operating across multiple sites and regions.
Harley Wilkie, Group IT Manager, Scot JCB Group
Real-time threat intelligence and advanced endpoint protection have significantly reduced exposure to cyber risks through continuous monitoring.
Acumen Cyber supported Scot JCB in achieving Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.
Deployment was a smooth, collaborative effort, with Acumen Cyber working closely alongside Scot JCB Group’s infrastructure partner, i-konic, to integrate the new security solutions across their cloud and Citrix environments.
The rollout was carefully managed to align with operational demands, ensuring minimal disruption to day-to-day activity. Throughout, Acumen provided hands-on support and clear communication, reinforcing trust in both the partnership and the effectiveness of the services delivered.
Enhanced Security Posture
With 24/7 monitoring, advanced endpoint protection, and real time threat intelligence, Scot JCB Group has significantly reduced their exposure to cyber risks. The implementation of proactive security measures ensures threats are detected and mitigated before they can cause disruption.
Improved Business Resilience
By closing security gaps and minimising vulnerabilities, Scot JCB Group has strengthened its ability to prevent incidents that could lead to costly downtime, protecting critical operations and maintaining continuity across the business.
Seamless Compliance & Accreditation
Acumen Cyber supported Scot JCB Group in achieving Cyber Essentials Plus - a key milestone that reflects their commitment to cyber best practices, strengthens regulatory alignment, and reinforces trust among customers and partners.
Reduced phishing and credential leak risks, boosting resilience.
Acumen’s hands-on approach provided peace of mind and operational stability.
Reduced IT Team Burden & Greater Focus
With Acumen Cyber’s CREST-accredited SOC handling continuous threat monitoring and response, Scot JCB Group’s internal IT team is freed from day-to-day security firefighting. This has enabled them to redirect efforts toward strategic initiatives, knowing that expert eyes are on their environment 24/7.
Smarter Protection for People
Enhanced email filtering and dark web monitoring have significantly reduced the risk of phishing and compromised credentials. These measures protect employees at the front line, reduce human error, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient security culture.
Confidence & Peace of Mind
Round-the-clock protection and real-time response provide peace of mind that cyber risks are being proactively managed. This assurance underpins business continuity and gives leadership confidence in their ability to operate securely, even as threats evolve.
Partnering with Acumen Cyber has enabled Scot JCB Group to significantly elevate its cyber security posture, ensuring critical systems are protected against increasingly sophisticated threats. Acumen’s handson approach and deep technical expertise delivered a tailored strategy aligned to Scot JCB Group’s operational environment, reducing the risk of disruption and freeing up internal IT resource. With 24/7 monitoring in place and advanced protection across the estate, the IT team can now focus confidently on strategic priorities, knowing their security is in expert hands. The collaboration has not only strengthened resilience, but also built lasting trust in Acumen Cyber as a long-term partner.
By adopting Acumen Cyber’s intelligence-led security platform, Scot JCB Group has taken a major step forward in building robust, scalable cyber resilience. Delivered via Acumen’s 24/7 UK-based, CREST-accredited SOC, the solution integrates best-in-class technology including CrowdStrike for endpoint protection, Elastic for advanced analytics, and Recorded Future for real-time threat intelligence and dark web monitoring. This integrated approach delivers proactive detection, rapid response, and complete estate-wide visibility, ensuring Scot JCB Group remains protected while its IT function focuses on driving growth and innovation.
