Supporting Defence Cyber Certification (DCC) Levels 0 & 1

Introduction

For defence technology innovator Agilexe, navigating the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Cyber Certification (DCC) framework was critical to securing high-stakes contract opportunities. However, bridging the gap between complex Def Stan 05-138 standards and agile software execution required dedicated expertise. Engaging White Hawk Solutions as the overall project lead provided direct C-suite advisory to the CEO and CTO. Over a structured 6-month journey, we translated complex requirements, conducted deep-dive gap analyses, provided actionable recommendations and acted as the primary conduit to independent assessors. Taking Agilexe successfully from baseline readiness to certified DCC Level 0 and Level 1 status.

Requirements

Agilexe needed to achieve both Defence Cyber Certification (DCC) Level 0 and Level 1 to satisfy Ministry of Defence procurement mandates, prove technical resilience and protect official sensitive operations across their application suite.

While Agilexe possessed robust technical capability, navigating the intricacies of Def Stan 05-138 requirements alongside Cyber Essentials Plus demanded specialised project leadership. The executive team needed a trusted partner to take full ownership of the compliance lifecycle, interface directly with executive leadership (CEO and CTO) and act as an expert translator between the internal development team and external independent assessors.

Implementation

White Hawk Solutions stepped in as the overall Project Lead and strategic Security Coach, establishing a direct reporting line to Agilexe’s CEO and CTO.

Over a 6-month engagement, we managed every phase of the compliance journey:

• Translation & Scoping: We decoded complex MOD DCC standards into practical operational objectives aligned with Agilexe’s existing architecture.
• Gap Analysis & Remediation: We conducted a thorough gap analysis across operational, technical and governance controls, providing pragmatic remediation steps that reinforced security without stalling product delivery.
• Assessor Liaison & Evidence Mapping: We acted as the central conduit between Agilexe and the independent assessors. Translating how Agilexe’s technical implementations satisfied strict DCC criteria, preparing all evidence packages and steering the assessment to a successful conclusion.

Challenges

• Complex Framework Translation: Converting Def Stan 05-138 and DCC requirements into clear, manageable tasks for an agile tech environment.
• C-Suite & Assessor Alignment: Balancing strategic executive priorities with the rigorous, formal evidence requirements demanded by independent assessors.
• Dual Tiers in 6 Months: Scaling rapidly from baseline Cyber Essentials and DCC Level 0 controls up to the rigorous, multi-control requirements of DCC Level 1 without creating operational bottlenecks.

Results

Through expert project leadership and strategic alignment, White Hawk Solutions guided Agilexe to complete compliance success:

• Dual DCC Accreditation Achieved: Agilexe successfully attained both DCC Level 0 and DCC Level 1 certifications, cementing their position as an elite, compliant partner in the UK Defence supply chain.
• Unblocked C-Suite & Engineering Teams: By managing the administrative heavy lifting, evidence preparation and assessor interface, the CEO, CTO and CIO remained 100% focused on core technology development.
• Repeatable Security Governance: Rather than a temporary fix, Agilexe established a mature, audit-ready security framework, proving that rapid tech innovation and strict defence compliance can go hand in hand.

Stats at a Glance