In today’s digital landscape, cyber security isn’t optional - it’s essential. Universities and accommodation providers handle huge amounts of sensitive student data, and the software they use must offer more than just functionality. It must be secure, reliable, trustworthy and independently verified.
At Studentpad, we don’t just meet expectations - we exceed them. From local data hosting to external security certification, we lead the way in safeguarding both institutional trust and student privacy.
1. Built for Compliance: UK GDPR-Ready by Design
Studentpad is fully UK GDPR compliant, ensuring all personal data is collected, processed, and stored according to the highest legal and ethical standards. With students becoming increasingly aware of their data rights, compliance isn't just a box-tick - it's a reputational asset.

2. UK-Based Hosting and Data Sovereignty
We believe where your data lives matters. Studentpad’s infrastructure is entirely UK-based, including:
- UK servers
- UK backups
- UK data processing
This guarantees data sovereignty, faster response times, and full alignment with UK regulatory frameworks - critical for public-sector institutions.
3. Verified Protection: Pen Testing by CREST-Approved Specialists
Our security is tested by the best. Studentpad undergoes regular penetration testing by a CREST-approved supplier, simulating real-world cyberattacks to uncover vulnerabilities before malicious actors can. This external validation proves our system resilience and keeps us ahead of emerging threats and risks.
4. Constant Vigilance: Weekly Automated Security Scans
Security isn’t a once-a-year event. We run automated security testing, scanning for misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and weaknesses in real-time. These proactive checks allow us to maintain a hardened environment at all times – essential for reliability and security.
5. Certified to Government Standards: Cyber Essentials
We’re proud to be Cyber Essentials certified, a UK Government-backed scheme that proves our defences against common threats like malware, phishing, and unauthorised access. It’s a minimum benchmark for secure software - and we go well beyond it.

6. Transparent Encryption: SSL Labs Certificate Testing
To protect student data in transit, we use strong encryption protocols and regularly verify them with SSL Labs certificate testing. This independent scoring ensures our HTTPS and SSL configurations are robust, up-to-date, and resistant to attacks.
7. Trusted by Over 100 Universities and Institutions
Security isn’t just about certificates it’s also about trust. Studentpad is used by over 100 universities, colleges, and student accommodation providers, making us one of the most widely trusted platforms in the UK. Our reputation for reliability and transparency is why leading institutions rely on us to manage student housing data.
8. A Proven Track Record with Institutional IT Teams
Studentpad is designed to integrate smoothly with institutional IT systems and policies. Our platform is built to meet the due diligence standards of IT procurement teams, often passing internal security reviews faster and with fewer queries than less-established competitors.
9. Dedicated Support from a UK-Based Team
Security is more than software; it’s also about service. Our UK-based support team works closely with university partners to ensure configurations remain secure, updates are installed promptly, and questions are answered quickly.
Conclusion: Why Choose Studentpad?
In a world of rising cyber threats, your accommodation platform must do more than just deliver listings. It must defend student data, build institutional trust, and demonstrate proven security credentials.
Studentpad leads the way with UK-based infrastructure, CREST-approved testing, Cyber Essentials certification, and a long-standing track record with UK universities.
Choose the platform that protects what matters most.
About Studentpad
Studentpad helps universities support student success by making it easy to find secure, trusted, and affordable off-campus housing. With over 25 years of experience and partnerships with more than 100 institutions, Studentpad offers customised platforms, housemate-matching tools, and trusted listings to ensure students feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
Want to find out more? Book a demo here now for a full security briefing or technical consultation!
By Michael Collett (Non Exec) for The Pad Group