Purpose

In September 2024 the council’s Strategy
and Resources Committee approved a 5-year contract for a Managed
Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) cyber-security contract.
This decision awards a 12-month MXDR instead, which is the result
of a national government pilot of an MXDR service which may soon
become permanent.

Content

This decision is to award a 12-month Managed
Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) contract to Bridewell, at a
value of £258,000 (funded by Policy, Strategy and Digital
existing revenue budget).

Alternative options considered

a. Do Nothing. This is not considered a viable
option given global levels of cyber threat.
b. Procure 5-year Contract. This was originally proposed but has
not been pursued, because subsequently the Ministry of Housing,
Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) undertook a free MXDR
pilot and may offer a free or discounted service to Councils in the
near future. We are therefore awarding a short term contract in the
interest of achieving Best Value whilst mitigating immediate levels
of risk.