IT Support for Recruitment Agencies
Security-First IT Infrastructure for Recruitment Professionals
Recruitment agencies hold vast amounts of sensitive candidate data - CVs, ID documents, financial details, right-to-work information. You're a prime target for cyber criminals. Generic IT support isn't enough.
We're cloud security specialists for recruitment agencies across Liverpool, Wirral, and Cheshire. We don't just fix computers - we architect secure infrastructure that protects your candidates, your clients, and your reputation.
Not sure which tier fits your business? Book a free 20-minute consultation - we'll assess your setup and recommend the right fit. No pressure, no sales pitch.
Why Recruitment Agencies Are Prime Cyber Targets
Recruitment agencies are data goldmines for criminals. You collect CVs, ID documents, bank details, references, and right-to-work information - often from thousands of candidates. This makes you exceptionally attractive to attackers.
Data Theft
Your candidate database is worth thousands to criminals. Personal details, employment history, contact information - everything needed for identity theft and fraud. One breach exposes potentially thousands of people and triggers mandatory ICO notification.
Ransomware Attacks
Attackers encrypt your candidate database and CRM, demanding payment for release. Without access to your data, placements stop, client relationships suffer, and revenue disappears. Even if you pay, there's no guarantee of recovery.
Phishing & Invoice Fraud
Criminals impersonate candidates, clients, or suppliers to redirect payments. Contractor payment fraud is increasingly common - fake bank detail change requests costing agencies thousands per incident.
GDPR Breaches
Recruitment agencies hold extensive personal data under GDPR. A breach means ICO investigation, potential fines up to £17.5M or 4% of turnover, and mandatory notification to every affected candidate. The reputational damage alone can destroy an agency.
The 74% Statistic
Research shows 74% of recruitment agencies experienced a cyber incident in the past year. That's not a typo - nearly three-quarters of your competitors have been hit. The question isn't if you'll be targeted, but when.
Basic antivirus isn't enough. You need proactive security monitoring, email protection that catches fraud attempts, and backup systems that can recover your candidate database when things go wrong.
Why Recruitment Agencies Choose HiltDigital
We're not a generic IT company that happens to support recruitment agencies. We're cloud security specialists who understand candidate data protection, ATS integrations, and the specific threats your industry faces.
Security-First Approach
We lead with security, not break-fix support. Proactive threat monitoring, email protection, and ransomware defence - designed to protect your candidate database.
Recruitment Sector Knowledge
We understand candidate data sensitivity, ATS/CRM integrations, contractor payment processes, and the high-volume data flows that make recruiters vulnerable.
Cloud & Azure Specialists
Microsoft 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, cloud-based recruitment software - we architect secure, modern infrastructure that works from any location.
Co-Managed IT Model
Already have IT support? We work alongside them as your security specialist layer. Keep your existing relationships, add our expertise where it matters most.
Local to Liverpool & Cheshire
Based in the North West, supporting recruitment agencies across Liverpool, Wirral, Chester, Manchester, and surrounding areas. On-site when you need us.
Cyber Essentials Certified
We're Cyber Essentials certified ourselves - we practice what we preach. We can guide you through certification to satisfy client requirements and win enterprise contracts.
Ready to See Where You Stand?
Choose your starting point:
How Our Co-Managed IT Model Works
Many recruitment agencies already have IT support - whether that's an internal person, a local IT company, or head office systems. We don't replace them. We add the specialist security layer they can't provide.
Your Existing IT Handles
- Day-to-day user support
- Password resets and access issues
- Printer and hardware troubleshooting
- Basic software installation
- Network connectivity issues
- New starter setup (basic)
HiltDigital Handles
- Security architecture and monitoring
- Email protection and phishing defence
- Ransomware protection and backup
- Dark web monitoring for breached credentials
- Cloud infrastructure (Azure, M365)
- Cyber Essentials certification
- Incident response and recovery
- Security awareness training
- GDPR compliance support
Why This Model Works for Recruitment Agencies
Your existing IT knows your ATS, your CRM, your people. No need to disrupt those relationships.
Most IT providers are generalists. They don't specialise in securing candidate data. We fill that gap.
No confusion about who handles what. Security issues come to us. Everything else stays with your IT.
You don't pay us for password resets. You pay us for specialist security expertise that protects your database.
Don't have existing IT support? No problem. We offer fully managed IT packages too - complete coverage from helpdesk to security. Ask us about our Fully Managed IT options.
How Our Co-Managed IT Model Works
Many recruitment agencies already have IT support - whether that's an internal person, a local IT company, or head office systems. We don't replace them. We add the specialist security layer they can't provide.
Your Existing IT Handles
- Day-to-day user support
- Password resets and access issues
- Printer and hardware troubleshooting
- Basic software installation
- Network connectivity issues
- New starter setup (basic)
HiltDigital Handles
- Security architecture and monitoring
- Email protection and phishing defence
- Ransomware protection and backup
- Dark web monitoring for breached credentials
- Cloud infrastructure (Azure, M365)
- Cyber Essentials certification
- Incident response and recovery
- Security awareness training
- GDPR compliance support
Why This Model Works for Recruitment Agencies
Your existing IT knows your ATS, your CRM, your people. No need to disrupt those relationships.
Most IT providers are generalists. They don't specialise in securing candidate data. We fill that gap.
No confusion about who handles what. Security issues come to us. Everything else stays with your IT.
You don't pay us for password resets. You pay us for specialist security expertise that protects your database.
Don't have existing IT support? No problem. We offer fully managed IT packages too - complete coverage from helpdesk to security. Ask us about our Fully Managed IT options.
Security & Compliance for Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies face unique compliance requirements - GDPR obligations around candidate data, client contractual requirements, and increasingly, Cyber Essentials certification demands. We help you meet them all.
Multi-Layered Security Protection
Email Security
Advanced phishing protection that catches invoice fraud attempts, impersonation emails, and malicious attachments. Critical for preventing contractor payment redirection fraud.
Endpoint Protection
Next-generation EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) on every device. Detects and blocks ransomware, malware, and suspicious behaviour in real-time - protecting your candidate database.
Credential Exposure Monitoring
24/7 scanning for your company email addresses and credentials in criminal marketplaces. Immediate alerts if employee passwords are compromised before they can be exploited.
Backup & Recovery
Automated backup of endpoints, cloud data, and databases. Tested recovery procedures so you can bounce back from ransomware without paying criminals or losing candidate data.
Compliance Support
GDPR & Candidate Data Protection
Recruitment agencies process extensive personal data - CVs, ID documents, references, financial details. We help you implement appropriate technical measures: encryption, access controls, data retention automation, and breach response procedures. Demonstrate compliance to candidates and clients alike.
Cyber Essentials Certification
Enterprise clients and government contracts increasingly require Cyber Essentials certification. We implement the technical controls and guide you through certification - typically achieving certification within 6-12 weeks. Win bigger contracts with demonstrable security.
Client Security Requirements
Enterprise clients send security questionnaires before engaging recruitment partners. We help you answer confidently with documented controls, policies, and evidence. Turn security from a barrier into a competitive advantage.
IR35 & Contractor Compliance
While IR35 is a business/legal matter, we ensure the systems handling contractor data are secure. Timesheet portals, payment systems, and contractor communications all need protecting from fraud and breach.
We're Cyber Essentials certified ourselves. We practice what we preach - and we can help you achieve the same certification to win enterprise clients.
Investment in Security-First IT for Your Agency
Transparent, predictable monthly pricing. No hidden fees, no surprise invoices. Security-first IT infrastructure designed for recruitment agencies handling sensitive candidate data.
H-Protect Essentials
Core protection for smaller agencies
Essential security foundations
- Endpoint monitoring & patching
- Device backup
- Ransomware protection
- Remote support quota
5-user minimum (£200/month)
Note: Does not include helpdesk support or security tools (Keeper, vulnerability management)
H-Protect Standard
Complete security for recruitment agencies
Full security stack with helpdesk
- Helpdesk support (calls answered under 30 seconds)
- EDR endpoint protection on all devices
- Email security & anti-phishing
- Proactive patching & updates
- Endpoint & SaaS backups
- Microsoft 365 management
- Monthly security scorecard
- Dark web monitoring
10-user minimum (£550/month)
Example: 15-consultant agency = £825/month
H-Protect Complete
Premium security with 24/7 monitoring
24/7 SOC + compliance support
- Everything in H-Protect Standard, plus:
- 24/7 security monitoring & response
- Vulnerability management (continuous)
- Regular phishing simulation exercises
- Priority support & SLA
- Cyber Essentials preparation support
10-user minimum (£890/month)
Example: 25-consultant agency = £2,225/month
Add-On: User Cyber Training
Available as an add-on
Reduces human-error incidents by 70%+. Monthly security awareness training with simulated phishing campaigns - essential when your consultants handle candidate CVs and client data daily.
Fast Start
Onboarding is scheduled so your protection lands fast
What's NOT Included (Transparency)
We believe in clear pricing. These are separate costs you'll need to budget for:
- Microsoft 365 licensing - typically £10-20/user/month depending on your plan (Business Basic, Standard, or Premium)
- Azure consumption - if using Azure Virtual Desktop or cloud infrastructure, usage costs go direct to Microsoft
- Hardware - laptops, monitors, phones etc. are your responsibility (we can advise and procure)
- Recruitment software - your ATS, CRM, job board subscriptions remain with your existing providers
Our pricing covers the security, management, and support layer - not your underlying software licenses or infrastructure.
Why This Investment Makes Sense
Cost of Getting It Wrong
- Average data breach cost: £21,000+
- ICO investigation and fines: £5,000 - £500,000+
- Ransomware recovery: £15,000 - £50,000
- Lost client contracts: £50,000+
- Candidate notification costs
- Reputation damage and lost placements
Single incident cost: £50,000 - £200,000+
Cost of Getting It Right
- H-Protect Standard (15 users): £825/month
- Annual investment: £9,900
- 24/7 protection and monitoring
- Tested backup recovery
- Compliance documentation
- Win enterprise client contracts
Annual investment: Fraction of one incident
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions we hear from recruitment agencies considering security-first IT infrastructure:
What IT support do recruitment agencies actually need?
Recruitment agencies need security-first IT infrastructure, not reactive break-fix support. This includes: secure cloud architecture (Azure Virtual Desktop or Microsoft 365), proactive threat monitoring, email protection against phishing and invoice fraud, ransomware protection, and robust backup of your candidate database. Generic IT support lacks the recruitment sector knowledge and security expertise required to protect agencies handling sensitive candidate data.
We already have an IT person/company. Can you work with them?
Yes - this is our co-managed model. Your existing IT handles day-to-day support (user issues, basic troubleshooting, password resets). We provide the specialist layer: cloud security architecture, email protection, Cyber Essentials certification support, and threat monitoring. Think of us as the escalation tier for security that your current IT can't provide.
How much does IT support cost for a recruitment agency?
Security-first IT infrastructure for recruitment agencies is priced as one monthly number for your whole business, agreed before we start and shaped by the level of protection you need. You get the exact number in the first conversation, before anything begins.
Why are recruitment agencies such big targets for cyber attacks?
You're a data goldmine. CVs contain full employment history and personal details. You hold ID documents, bank details for contractor payments, references, and right-to-work information - often for thousands of candidates. This data is highly valuable to criminals. Criminals actively target the recruitment sector.
What's the difference between your service and cheaper MSPs?
Commodity MSPs offer reactive break-fix support at £25-45 per user/month. They fix things after they break. We're cloud security specialists, priced as one monthly number, who prevent problems through proactive architecture. The difference: they wait for your call when something breaks; we call you when we've already fixed it. They treat security as an add-on; we build security-first infrastructure. Yes, we cost more - but a single data breach averages £21k+ for SMBs, plus ICO fines and reputational damage.
Do you support our ATS/CRM system?
Yes. We support all major recruitment software platforms: Bullhorn, Vincere, JobAdder, Mercury, Access Recruitment, Eploy, and others. We also ensure proper integration with job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, Reed, CV-Library) and back-office systems. We don't train you on the software - your vendor handles that - but we ensure it's secure, backed up, and integrated properly with your wider infrastructure.
Can you help with Cyber Essentials certification?
Yes - this is core to what we do. Enterprise clients and public sector contracts increasingly require Cyber Essentials certification before they'll work with recruitment partners. We implement the technical controls required, prepare for the assessment, provide evidence documentation, and maintain ongoing compliance. We're Cyber Essentials certified ourselves. Typical timeline: 6-12 weeks from starting to achieving certification.
How do you protect our candidate database?
Multiple layers: endpoint protection on all devices accessing candidate data, email security to prevent phishing that leads to credential theft, credential exposure monitoring for leaked passwords, automated backup with tested recovery, and access controls ensuring only authorised staff can access sensitive information. If ransomware hits, we can restore your database from backup rather than paying criminals.
What about GDPR compliance?
Recruitment agencies hold extensive personal data under GDPR - often including special category data. We help you implement appropriate technical measures: encryption, access controls, data retention automation, and breach response procedures. This protects you from ICO investigations and helps demonstrate compliance to candidates and clients who ask about your data protection practices.
What if something goes wrong outside office hours?
Standard support hours are 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday-Friday with calls answered in under 30 seconds. We provide emergency after-hours support for critical issues (ransomware, suspected breach, system down preventing placements). Our monitoring systems alert us to threats 24/7 even outside office hours, and H-Protect Complete clients get full 24/7 SOC coverage.
How quickly can you get started with our agency?
You're fully protected within days of signing up, not months. Timeline breakdown: Security deployment: Core protection active within 48 hours. Full stabilisation: complete security stack deployed within days. Cloud migration projects: 2-4 weeks for assessment, planning, migration, and cutover. Cyber Essentials standards: 6-12 weeks to implement and evidence the controls.
Get a Straight Review of Where You Stand
We'll review your current IT infrastructure, identify security risks and compliance gaps, and provide a no-obligation roadmap tailored to your accounting practice.
Infrastructure Security Review
Comprehensive assessment of your current setup: servers, cloud services, backup systems, and access controls.
Risk Identification
We identify vulnerabilities: weak passwords, missing MFA, unpatched systems, ransomware exposure, and compliance gaps.
Compliance Gap Analysis
Review against Cyber Essentials requirements, GDPR obligations, ICO guidelines, and PI insurance requirements.
Prioritized Roadmap
Clear action plan: what to fix immediately (critical risks), what to plan (strategic improvements), and estimated investment.
⏰ Don't wait for a security incident to force action. Ransomware doesn't care if you're busy with tax season. Book your assessment today.
