CREST Accreditation Services

CREST Accreditation Services

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down, and neither are the compliance requirements that come with defending against them. Whether you’re running a growing SME or managing IT across a large enterprise, the pressure to demonstrate credible, verified cybersecurity practices is real. Regulatory bodies, clients, and partners increasingly expect proof that your security testing is done right, by qualified professionals, following internationally recognised standards.

That’s where CREST accreditation comes in.

At AGR Technology, we can help businesses across Australia navigate CREST accreditation services with clarity and confidence. From understanding what CREST certification means for your organisation to integrating threat intelligence into your compliance strategy, we’re here to make the process straightforward, not overwhelming.

This page covers what CREST accreditation involves, why it matters for your cybersecurity posture, and how our team can support you every step of the way.

Get in touch with our team to find out how we can assist with your Cyber security needs

What our clients are saying

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Justine Brummans

Alessio is both incredibly knowledgeable and personable! He gave me great advice that was catered to me and my situation. Thank you Alessio! Super helpful!

Justine Brummans Owner at Brummans Education
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Springfield Equestrian Park

Alessio is amazing! I can not speak highly enough of how helpful and knowledgeable he is, my website he created far exceeded my expectations, he is so accomodating and I can only wish him every success with his business. I rate AGR technology 10 out of 10.

Emily Bannister
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Legacy Energy

We used AGR Technology and dealt with Alessio to design and build our website as well as host our emails. Alessio was a pleasure to deal with and had plenty of ideas that we could implement into our site. He has a great attention to detail, he is also very polite in understanding our goals and what we wanted to achieve with our website.

Thanks mate,
Alex & Rob

Alexander Stamatakis
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Excellent Service

Alessio developed our website for our business and has done a wonderful job. He is very personable and knowledgeable. We have enjoyed working with him. We will be referring others to him and highly recommend him to those who need Tech advice.

Rebecca Mustey Owner of Kyabram District Garden Supplies
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MRC Performance

I have been in business for over 10 Years and recently moved to AGR Technology for all our IT needs. They are able to fix nearly anything remotely and always very helpful in recommending appropriate hardware upgrades that do the job as required but not costing more than needed.

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Alessio provided an excellent service. He was very dedicated in his method of finding solutions to problems. He continued to try different avenues until he found the reason as to why a particular application was not working. He was very knowledgeable in his understanding of the internet and of applications and how they work, and he was able to apply this knowledge in understanding how to resolve the obstacles that continued to appear. He is understanding towards his client's needs and goals and he is willing to work with his client in achieving those goals. He is a very polite and well mannered person and very calm and gentle in his approach. I would highly recommend Alessio's services to anyone.

Salvatore Arturo Lamagna
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Palmira Rigoli

Great work ethics Alessio! We at Totally Gluten Free Products are very happy to have you on board as our IT and SEO master. Very reliable, trustworthy and knowledgeable in the field.

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Brilliant work! thanks very much, you saved my day. I liked the fact that you're articulate as well.

Zak Mitala
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Nat's Custom Designs

Alessio from AGR Technology has recently helped me create a website for my business.
Throughout the whole process from start to finish Alessio made the process easy for me, by calling me and explaining each step of the way. I'm not very computer savvy, but with Alessio taking the time to explain in detail everything I needed to know from putting inventory in to having it shipped. He even remotely joined my computer to help guide me through everything.

He's very knowledgeable and is experienced in everything I needed and if there was anything else I needed to know that wasn't something he was familiar with, he researched it.
I would HIGHLY recommend Alessio to anyone. He has not only helped me for now but I know that if I ever needed help with anything else he would definitely go above and beyond to help. Thank you so much for everything you have done. It's been a long process but well worth it 🙂

Natalie Moore Business Owner
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Byron Macumber

AGR Technology is amazing. not only do they stick with you through out the process, they also accommodate to your wants and needs. They are efficient in their work and they have high integrity. Their capabilities are shown through their website design, and appropriate knowledge of utilities regarding software. over the many years of working with them they have been fantastic. I would recommend to everyone

Byron Macumber
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Very helpful

Alessio was thorough, diligent and kept me updated at all time points. I was very impressed with his performance, passion and dedication. I will continue to use his services.

Business In Melbourne
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Wantrup & Associates

Alessio of AGR Technology is an IT guy we rely on whenever we need IT help. His professionalism impressed us right at the first time. He solved many of our IT problems in no time. Excellent communication and speedy response.
We highly recommend this company

From a happy customer

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Valeria Bianco

I received AGR contact information from a previous client, who had found their service excellent. So I contacted AGR with some expectations, and I can say they exceeded them. Professional, honest, punctual, reliable, their service is faultless. We can't recommend them highly enough.

Valeria Bianco Owner of Soultrees
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Very fast, value for money and a comprehensive service

AGR is professional, organised and very skilled at what they do. They take the initiative, looking after all the details that you would not have thought of to enhance your website presence, marketing funnel and automated appointment bookings. Big bonus - pricings are at a fraction of the cost of competitors.

Maria CEO
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Technical help

A great asset when building a website and expertise in technical help.

Customer from Melbourne
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Alessio from AGR Technology is wonderful at gently guiding the less technically savvy users to solve problems. Back up service excellent. Highly recommended

Belinda Liggins
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SEO for website

The team is very cooperative and delivers clean and very efficient work.

Muhammad Asim SEO
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Raimond Volpe

Nothing but good things to say about Alessio. He has been great service and great at communicating with me by both phone and email. Very good knowledge and problem-solving ability with our web development. I would thoroughly recommend Alessio and AGR Technology to anyone wanting online marketing or web development

Raimond Volpe CEO Dynamo Selling
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Website design

Big thank you to Alessio at AGR Technology for a smooth and easy website development process. Nothing was to difficult to accomplish, I can highly recommend his first class service.

Shaban Mehmet Director Version1Software

CREST and Cybersecurity Compliance

Cyber Security Solutions For Businesses

CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers) is an internationally recognised not-for-profit accreditation body that sets the benchmark for professional cybersecurity services. If your business commissions or provides penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, or security operations services, CREST accreditation is increasingly the standard clients, regulators, and government agencies expect.

In Australia, CREST-accredited services are aligned with frameworks like the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Essential Eight, ISO 27001, and the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme. Working with a CREST-accredited provider, or pursuing accreditation yourself, signals that your security practices meet a rigorous, independently verified standard.

What CREST Accreditation Actually Covers

CREST accreditation isn’t a single certification, it’s a suite of certifications and qualifications that cover a broad range of cybersecurity disciplines:

  • Penetration Testing, including web application, infrastructure, and mobile application testing
  • Security Operations, covering SOC (Security Operations Centre) services and incident response
  • Vulnerability Assessment Services, systematic identification and risk-ranking of security weaknesses
  • Threat Intelligence, structured collection, analysis, and application of intelligence to guide security decisions
  • CREST Certified Professionals, individual-level certifications (e.g., CRT, CCT, CPSA) that validate analyst and tester competency

For businesses on the receiving end of these services, engaging a CREST-accredited provider means you’re not just trusting a vendor’s word, you’re backed by independent validation.

Why CREST Compliance Matters for Your Business

Let’s be direct: cybersecurity compliance is no longer optional for most industries. Financial services, healthcare, legal, government supply chains, and critical infrastructure sectors in Australia face growing obligations under the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act 2018, APRA CPS 234, and sector-specific mandates.

Beyond regulatory pressure, there’s a commercial reality. Enterprise clients and government bodies are increasingly requiring CREST-accredited security assessments as part of their vendor due diligence process. If your business can’t demonstrate compliance, you risk losing contracts, or worse, facing a breach that could have been avoided.

Here’s what working within a CREST-aligned framework delivers:

  • Verified quality assurance, Testing is conducted by professionals who meet defined competency standards
  • Reduced liability exposure, Demonstrates due diligence to regulators, insurers, and stakeholders
  • Consistent, repeatable methodology, CREST processes are structured and documented, making audits easier
  • Competitive differentiation, Accreditation strengthens trust with enterprise clients and government partners
  • Alignment with global standards, CREST is recognised across the UK, US, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East

At AGR Technology, we understand that compliance frameworks can feel like a maze. Our role is to help you find the fastest, most practical path through it, without cutting corners.

How AGR Technology Supports CREST-Aligned Security Services

We work with small to enterprise-level businesses across a range of industries to deliver technology solutions that support security compliance, including the groundwork needed to engage with or prepare for CREST-accredited services.

Our team brings practical experience with:

  • Security gap analysis, Identifying where your current practices fall short of CREST or related framework requirements
  • Compliance roadmapping, Structuring a clear, realistic path toward accreditation readiness
  • Vendor assessment support, Helping you evaluate and engage CREST-accredited penetration testing providers
  • Documentation and policy development, Creating the policies, procedures, and evidence packs that auditors and regulators need to see
  • Ongoing advisory support, Staying across changes in Australian compliance obligations so you don’t have to

We don’t believe in over-engineering solutions. If your business needs a straightforward path to demonstrating cybersecurity due diligence, we’ll tell you what’s necessary and what’s not.

Ready to get started? Contact AGR Technology today to discuss your CREST accreditation support needs.

Proactive Threat Intelligence Integration

Most businesses treat cybersecurity reactively, responding to incidents after they’ve occurred. CREST’s Threat Intelligence framework pushes organisations toward a fundamentally different approach: understanding what threats are targeting your sector before they reach your network.

CREST-certified threat intelligence services involve the structured collection, analysis, and operationalisation of threat data from multiple sources, open-source intelligence (OSINT), dark web monitoring, industry-specific threat feeds, and internal telemetry. When done well, it shifts your security posture from reactive to anticipatory.

What proactive threat intelligence looks like in practice:

  • Threat actor profiling, Identifying which threat groups are actively targeting your industry and what tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) they use
  • Attack surface monitoring, Continuously scanning for exposed assets, leaked credentials, and misconfigured systems before attackers find them
  • Indicator of Compromise (IoC) integration, Feeding real-time threat data into your SIEM, firewall, and endpoint protection tools
  • Sector-specific intelligence feeds, Aligning threat data to your industry (e.g., financial services, healthcare, retail, government)
  • Strategic threat reporting, Translating technical intelligence into actionable insights for executive and board-level decision-making

For Australian businesses, integrating threat intelligence into your CREST compliance strategy isn’t just about ticking a box. The ACSC reports that cybercrime costs Australian businesses over $33 billion per year, with business email compromise and ransomware among the most prevalent threats. A proactive intelligence-led approach reduces dwell time, the period between an attacker gaining access and detection, which directly limits the damage a breach can cause.

How AGR Technology helps with threat intelligence integration:

We work alongside your IT and security teams, or operate as your outsourced technology partner, to embed threat intelligence practices into your existing operations. This includes:

  • Intelligence platform selection and configuration, Recommending and setting up tools that fit your size, budget, and risk profile
  • Integration with existing security infrastructure, Connecting threat feeds to your SIEM, EDR, and network monitoring tools
  • Automated alerting and response workflows, Reducing manual overhead so your team can focus on high-priority threats
  • Regular intelligence briefings, Keeping your leadership informed of the threat landscape relevant to your business
  • CREST alignment documentation, Ensuring your threat intelligence activities are documented in a way that satisfies CREST and related compliance requirements

The goal isn’t to drown your team in data, it’s to give them the right information at the right time to make better security decisions.

We also understand that not every business has a dedicated security team. If you’re a mid-sized company without in-house expertise, we can bridge that gap, acting as an extension of your team and providing the specialist knowledge you need without the overhead of a full-time hire.

Why Choose AGR Technology for CREST Accreditation Support

We’re not a generic IT consultancy that treats cybersecurity as an afterthought. At AGR Technology, security compliance support sits within a broader capability that spans custom software development, AI automation, SEO, and digital strategy, which means we understand how security intersects with every part of your technology stack.

When you work with us, you get:

  • A team that speaks plainly and avoids jargon
  • Practical recommendations tailored to your size, industry, and budget
  • End-to-end support from gap analysis through to compliance readiness
  • A long-term partner invested in your growth, not just a transactional service provider

We’ve supported businesses across financial services, healthcare, e-commerce, and professional services, and we understand that no two compliance journeys look the same.

Get in touch with AGR Technology today. Request a consultation and let’s work out the right approach for your business.

CREST Accreditation: Frequently Asked Questions

Is CREST accreditation mandatory in Australia?

It’s not universally mandated by law, but certain sectors, particularly those operating under APRA, SOCI, or government procurement frameworks, are increasingly requiring CREST-accredited penetration testing as part of their compliance obligations. Many large enterprises also require it from vendors and suppliers.

How long does CREST accreditation take?

The timeline varies depending on the type of accreditation, the maturity of your current security practices, and the scope of services involved. For organisations starting from scratch, preparation can take several months. AGR Technology can help you assess your current position and build a realistic timeline.

Do I need CREST accreditation or do I need to engage a CREST-accredited provider?

This depends on your business model. If you’re a security testing firm, you may be seeking CREST accreditation directly. If you’re a business that commissions security testing, you likely need to engage a CREST-accredited provider. We can help clarify which path applies to your situation.

What’s the difference between CREST and ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is a broad information security management standard covering policies, processes, and controls across an organisation. CREST is specifically focused on the quality and competency of technical security testing services. They’re complementary, many organisations pursue both.

Frequently Asked Questions About CREST Accreditation Services

What is CREST accreditation and why does it matter for businesses?

CREST accreditation is an internationally recognised certification issued by the Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers. It validates that cybersecurity service providers — including penetration testers and SOC teams — meet rigorous, independently verified competency standards. For businesses, engaging a CREST-accredited provider demonstrates due diligence to regulators, clients, and insurers.

Is CREST accreditation mandatory in Australia?

CREST accreditation is not universally required by Australian law, but sectors regulated under APRA CPS 234, the SOCI Act 2018, or government procurement frameworks increasingly mandate CREST-accredited penetration testing. Many enterprise clients also require it from vendors and suppliers as part of due diligence.

What cybersecurity services does CREST accreditation cover?

CREST accreditation covers a broad range of disciplines, including penetration testing (web, infrastructure, mobile), vulnerability assessments, security operations and incident response, and threat intelligence services. It also includes individual-level certifications such as CRT, CCT, and CPSA that validate professional competency.

What is the difference between CREST accreditation and ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is a broad information security management standard addressing organisational policies, processes, and controls. CREST accreditation specifically focuses on the quality and competency of technical security testing services. The two standards are complementary, and many organisations pursue both to achieve comprehensive cybersecurity compliance.

How long does the CREST accreditation process typically take?

The timeline depends on the type of accreditation, scope of services, and the maturity of your existing security practices. Organisations starting from scratch may need several months of preparation. A gap analysis conducted early in the process can help establish a realistic and structured accreditation roadmap.

How does proactive threat intelligence support CREST compliance?

Proactive threat intelligence — including dark web monitoring, IoC integration, and sector-specific threat feeds — shifts your security posture from reactive to anticipatory. Within a CREST-aligned framework, documented threat intelligence activities help satisfy compliance requirements while reducing attacker dwell time and limiting potential breach damage.

Other solutions:

Penetration Testing Services

Unified Cyber Threat Management Solutions

Threat Detection, Investigation And Response (TDIR) Services

Source(s) cited:

[Online]. Available at: https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2025-10-14/annual-cyber-threat-report-highlights-persistent-threat-individuals-across-australian-economy (Accessed: 24 February 2026).

“Cost of a data breach 2022” www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

[Online]. Available at: https://www.cyber.gov.au/about-us/view-all-content/reports-and-statistics/annual-cyber-threat-report-2024-2025 (Accessed: 24 February 2026).

[Online]. Available at: https://en.everybodywiki.com/Council_of_Registered_Ethical_Security_Testers (Accessed: 24 February 2026).