CIVIC

Managed DNS Hosting

UK fully managed secure high availability ISO27001, DCI Cyber Essentials certified DNS hosting platform. CIVIC reduces the risk of your DNS hosting by providing a DNS hosting service that is build on an enterprise platform offering you complete control of your DNS records. The service fully supports IPV6 by default.

Features

• ISO27001, ISO9001 and DCI Cyber Essentials Certified
• IPV6
• DDOS Protection included as standard
• AXFR
• UK Datacentres
• DNS hosting and management
• Daily encrypted backups with minimum 90 retention
• Unlimited records and updates
• No Single point of failure infrastructure
• Individual TTL control, TXT and SRV records

Benefits

• Reduced cost of owership
• Compliance
• Single point of contact
• Robust Scalable infrastructure
• Dedicated technical account manager
• ISO27001, ISO9001 and DCI Cyber Essentials Certified
• Wide range of custom DNS options and settings
• Custom implementations supported
• Increased business continuity
• 24/7 Proactive monitoring from 92 locations in the world

£15 an instance a month

• Education pricing available

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at gcloud@civicuk.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

182334399614577

Contact

Greg Rouchotas
0131 624 9830
gcloud@civicuk.com

Service scope

• Service constraints: There are no constraints in our service
• System requirements: All requirements are dictated by client needs

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Email or online ticketing
• Support response times: For critical issues we respond within 0.5 hours. Exact response timescales are outlined in out service definition document.
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: Yes
• Online ticketing support accessibility: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Web chat support: Web chat
• Web chat support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), 7 days a week
• Web chat support accessibility standard: WCAG 2.1 AA or EN 301 549
• Web chat accessibility testing: We have done some testing to assistive technologies.
• Onsite support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support levels: We provide first, second and third level support as required by each client.; We provide a dedicated technical account managers and cloud support engineers.; Our support costs are available in our pricing document.
• Support available to third parties: Yes

Onboarding and offboarding

• Getting started: Users can sign up to the service by contacting our helpdesk. Initial on boarding support is provided as standard. Onsite Training can be provided at an extra cost.
• Service documentation: Yes
• Documentation formats:
  • HTML
  • ODF
  • PDF
• End-of-contract data extraction: The users can extract their data in CSV format, mysql dump or any other method their application supports
• End-of-contract process: Exit support is included in the costs.; There are no additional charges at the end of the contract.

Using the service

• Web browser interface: No
• API: No
• Command line interface: No

Scaling

• Scaling available: Yes
• Scaling type:
  • Automatic
  • Manual
• Independence of resources: We operate multiple clusters of servers to deliver the service and monitor the load to ensure optimal performance at all times. All client data are separated
• Usage notifications: Yes
• Usage reporting: Email

Analytics

• Infrastructure or application metrics: Yes
• Metrics types:
  • CPU
  • Disk
  • HTTP request and response status
  • Memory
  • Network
  • Number of active instances
• Reporting types:
  • Real-time dashboards
  • Reports on request

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Other security clearance
• Government security clearance: Up to Developed Vetting (DV)

Asset protection

• Knowledge of data storage and processing locations: Yes
• Data storage and processing locations: United Kingdom
• User control over data storage and processing locations: Yes
• Datacentre security standards: Supplier-defined controls
• Penetration testing frequency: At least every 6 months
• Penetration testing approach: Another external penetration testing organisation
• Protecting data at rest:
  • Physical access control, complying with another standard
  • Encryption of all physical media
  • Scale, obfuscating techniques, or data storage sharding
• Data sanitisation process: Yes
• Data sanitisation type:
  • Explicit overwriting of storage before reallocation
  • Deleted data can’t be directly accessed
  • Hardware containing data is completely destroyed
• Equipment disposal approach: Complying with a recognised standard, for example CSA CCM v.30, CAS (Sanitisation) or ISO/IEC 27001

Backup and recovery

• Backup and recovery: Yes
• What’s backed up:
  • All files, partitions, disks, vitual machines are backed up daily
  • The backups are encrypted
  • 90 days retention all backups as standard
  • Daily backups
• Backup controls: The users can control what backups are performed and when by contacting our helpdesk
• Datacentre setup:
  • Multiple datacentres
  • Single datacentre with multiple copies
  • Single datacentre
• Scheduling backups: Users contact the support team to schedule backups
• Backup recovery: Users contact the support team

Data-in-transit protection

• Data protection between buyer and supplier networks:
  • Private network or public sector network
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • IPsec or TLS VPN gateway
  • Legacy SSL and TLS (under version 1.2)
• Data protection within supplier network:
  • TLS (version 1.2 or above)
  • IPsec or TLS VPN gateway
  • Legacy SSL and TLS (under version 1.2)

Availability and resilience

• Guaranteed availability: We provide detailed SLAs for network and application uptime. The SLAs are available on request.
• Approach to resilience: We operate multiple clusters of servers to deliver performance and resilience. The infrastructure is constantly monitored by our automated tools and alerts are raised for any event that needs intervention by our support team. DDOS protecting in place.
• Outage reporting: Any outages are reported via email.

Identity and authentication

• User authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google apps)
  • Limited access network (for example PSN)
  • Dedicated link (for example VPN)
  • Username or password
• Access restrictions in management interfaces and support channels: Access to management interfaces is available only via private or VPN links.; Two factor authentication is required to access these links
• Access restriction testing frequency: At least every 6 months
• Management access authentication:
  • 2-factor authentication
  • Public key authentication (including by TLS client certificate)
  • Identity federation with existing provider (for example Google Apps)
  • Dedicated link (for example VPN)
  • Username or password
• Devices users manage the service through:
  • Dedicated device on a segregated network (providers own provision)
  • Dedicated device over multiple services or networks

Audit information for users

• Access to user activity audit information: Users contact the support team to get audit information
• How long user audit data is stored for: At least 12 months
• Access to supplier activity audit information: Users contact the support team to get audit information
• How long supplier audit data is stored for: At least 12 months
• How long system logs are stored for: At least 12 months

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: QMS International
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 13/05/2008
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: Nothing
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: No
• Other security certifications: Yes
• Any other security certifications:
  • DCI Cyber Essentials
  • ISO 27001:2013

Security governance

• Named board-level person responsible for service security: Yes
• Security governance certified: Yes
• Security governance standards: ISO/IEC 27001
• Information security policies and processes: We have a number of information security policies as dictated by ISO 27001. These include:; -Information Security Policy; -Access Control Policy; -Anti-Piracy Policy; -Backup Policy; -Bring your own device (BYOD) Policy; -Cloud Computing Policy; -Email & Internet Acceptable Usage Policy; -Leaving Policy ; -Network Systems Monitoring Policy; -Password Policy; -Remote Access and Mobile Computing Policy; -Social Media Policy; -Virus Protection Policy; ; Our information security manual is reviewed and tested annually. The testers and external auditors report their findings to the board.

Operational security

• Configuration and change management standard: Supplier-defined controls
• Configuration and change management approach: We control our configuration and change management processes through our ISO27001 and ISO9001 policies
• Vulnerability management type: Supplier-defined controls
• Vulnerability management approach: We use external third parties to perform penetration testing on a regular basis. We also use internal industry standard scanners to perform bi-weekly penetration tests. IDS software is employed to ensure there are no breaches.; We monitor all major security lists to ensure we are notified of any threats in a timely manner.
• Protective monitoring type: Supplier-defined controls
• Protective monitoring approach: We use internal and external monitoring and Intrusion detection systems to identify potential problems or compromises.; In the event of a potential compromise our board level security officer is notified as well as the potentially affected clients.; We respond to potential incidents immediately.
• Incident management type: Supplier-defined controls
• Incident management approach: We have a number of processes to deal with common events through our ISO27001 and ISO9001 processes.; Users can report incidents via email, telephone or online through our issue tracking system.; We provide reports and root cause analysis reports via email

Secure development

• Approach to secure software development best practice: Independent review of processes (for example CESG CPA Build Standard, ISO/IEC 27034, ISO/IEC 27001 or CSA CCM v3.0)

Separation between users

• Virtualisation technology used to keep applications and users sharing the same infrastructure apart: Yes
• Who implements virtualisation: Supplier
• Virtualisation technologies used: KVM hypervisor
• How shared infrastructure is kept separate: We use a number of virtualisation technologies like KVM, VmWare and Linux containers. We operate public and private clouds depending on the client requirements. Separate VLANs are implemented to ensure client separation. If required by the client separate storage solutions can be employed to further separate client data.

Energy efficiency

• Energy-efficient datacentres: Yes
• Description of energy efficient datacentres: Our datacenter is a member of Green Grid, and our network of 10 UK-based datacentres are ISO 14001 accredited. All power that is supplied to the sites is from renewable energy sources and each site operates to the EU code of conduct that promotes the use of ‘green’ best practices within those sites.

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

  • Fighting climate change
  • Covid-19 recovery
  • Tackling economic inequality
  • Equal opportunity
  • Wellbeing

  Fighting climate change

  At CIVIC, our commitment to environmental stewardship is integral to our operations, and is aligned with the Good Business Charter’s focus on environmental responsibility. We manage our environmental impact through an Environmental Management System compliant with ISO 14001 standards, concentrating on waste reduction, resource efficiency, and overall environmental enhancement.; We proactively minimise our energy use across all business aspects, from daily operations to deployed technologies, incorporating regular energy audits and investing in energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, we prioritise partnerships with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability, ensuring that our supply chain upholds green practices.; Our climate action initiatives are driven by innovation. We are dedicated to adopting innovative solutions that reduce our environmental footprint, with a key goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy. We also promote remote working and virtual meetings to decrease travel emissions, contributing to both environmental sustainability and workplace flexibility.; Transparency is crucial in our environmental strategy. We commit to openly sharing our successes and challenges, providing annual reports on our progress in emission reduction and energy efficiency.; Our ambition is to influence the broader business community through demonstrable effective practices, encouraging other organisations to adopt sustainable methods. We believe that collective action can lead to substantial environmental change.

  Covid-19 recovery

  At CIVIC, we’re steadfast in our commitment to aiding the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Understanding the profound impacts on our community and economy, we’re actively engaged in rejuvenation efforts, aligning with the Good Business Charter's emphasis on responsible business practices.; To nurture a culture of innovation and resilience, we invest in training programmes and partnerships that bolster digital literacy and employability. This initiative focuses especially on those hardest hit by the economic effects of the pandemic, demonstrating our commitment to social sustainability, as endorsed by the Good Business Charter.; Moreover, we’re enhancing our operational resilience by expanding our capabilities in remote working and video conferencing. This adjustment, not only ensures continuity and flexibility in our operations, but also diminishes our carbon footprint, contributing to environmental sustainability in alignment with our recovery strategies.; Guided by the Good Business Charter's principles of transparency and accountability, we commit to monitoring and publicly reporting the impact of our initiatives. This approach guarantees that our efforts deliver tangible benefits to our community and support a robust, sustainable recovery.; By integrating these principles into our business strategy, CIVIC aims to not merely endure, but to flourish in the post-COVID-19 landscape, setting an example and motivating other businesses to participate in driving significant community recovery.

  Tackling economic inequality

  At CIVIC, our dedication to addressing economic inequality stems from its significant impact on community health and prosperity, in line with the Good Business Charter. We aim to create opportunities that enhance societal equity.; We have initiated various programmes designed to assist community members most impacted by economic disparities. These initiatives focus on delivering targeted training to improve digital literacy and employability, particularly for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged groups. By equipping individuals with critical tech skills, we facilitate broader access to employment opportunities and contribute to a more inclusive workforce.; We also actively collaborate with local suppliers and small businesses, offering equitable partnership opportunities. This approach boosts the local economy and supports the growth of diverse enterprises, reflecting our commitment to economic inclusiveness as a key component of the Good Business Charter.; We are steadfast in our internal employment practices, ensuring fair pay and equal treatment for all employees. Our internships and apprenticeships cater to individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, helping to cultivate a diverse talent pipeline within our company and setting a benchmark for the industry.; We commit to transparency by regularly reviewing and reporting on our efforts to tackle economic inequality. By embedding these commitments into our company culture, CIVIC not only narrows the financial gap, but fosters an ecosystem of growth, opportunity, and equality for all.

  Equal opportunity

  At CIVIC, advancing equal opportunities within our organisation and the broader community is a critical commitment, consistent with the Good Business Charter's principles on fair employment and employee well-being. We endeavour to create an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, can succeed.; We are dedicated to removing barriers to employment and advancement within our organisation through fair hiring practices, designed to eliminate bias and promote diversity. By recruiting from a diverse array of communities, we not only mirror societal diversity, but enhance our company culture and foster innovation—a central tenet of the Good Business Charter.; Our commitment to equal opportunity extends to all staff, offering comprehensive training and development to support personal and professional growth. With a focus on aiding underrepresented groups in the tech industry, we collaborate with entities like OpenUK to provide mentorship and leadership development, thereby narrowing opportunity gaps.; We also partner with local educational bodies and community organisations to enhance STEM education among youths from disadvantaged backgrounds. By developing and sharing resources that support entry into STEM careers, we inspire the next generation to embrace technology roles.; We maintain transparency in our journey towards greater equality, regularly reviewing and reporting our progress, as endorsed by the Good Business Charter. By weaving these practices into our corporate ethos, CIVIC actively contributes to a fairer society, encouraging industry peers to join us in this vital endeavour.

  Wellbeing

  At CIVIC, the wellbeing of our employees and the wider community is paramount, resonating with the Good Business Charter’s emphasis on employee well-being. Our comprehensive approach covers both physical and mental health, ensuring a supportive and healthy environment for everyone.; Acknowledging the complex nature of wellbeing, our initiatives are wide-ranging. We have implemented flexible working arrangements to support a better work-life balance. Recognising diverse personal needs and responsibilities, we offer options for remote work, part-time schedules, and adjustable working hours to suit various life circumstances. These measures reflect our commitment to the Good Business Charter's principle of fairer hours and contracts.; Mental health support is readily available to all employees through counselling services and resources. We are committed to fostering an open culture where discussing mental health is normalised, and seeking assistance is encouraged—key aspects of a supportive workplace.; Physical health is equally prioritised at CIVIC. We encourage active breaks and have introduced 'Walking Meetings' to promote a more active lifestyle among our staff.; We are dedicated to regularly evaluating and adapting our wellbeing initiatives, actively seeking employee feedback and staying abreast of the latest research in occupational health to ensure our programmes are practical and relevant.; Investing in the wellbeing of our employees not only enhances their quality of life, but also increases overall productivity and satisfaction within our workplace. By leading with these practices, CIVIC aims to set a positive example for the industry and foster a culture of health and wellness.

Pricing

• Price: £15 an instance a month
• Discount for educational organisations: Yes
• Free trial available: No

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at gcloud@civicuk.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.