It goes without question that technology and its level of security affects our lives and the way we operate on a daily basis, from a simple electronic key card enabling entry to a building, to the internet facilitating complex online banking. Well, it seems that security technology has spread to Companies House who are now boosting their security for the online services they provide.

Companies House’s existing Webfiling service provides a safe and secure method for filing certain documents online. e-PROOF (PROtected Online Filing) known as the ‘PROOF scheme’ has now been developed to combat incidents of corporate-identity fraud. It stops criminals from changing a company’s information by sending Companies House paper forms with forged signatures. PROOF customers are required to file all the relevant forms electronically and Companies House will reject any paper versions of these forms. The ‘Monitor’ service allows companies to keep a close watch on their filings. The service allows customers to be notified as soon as specified company documents are filed. Finally, companies no longer need to gather the signature of all company directors; a company authentication code is now all that is needed.

Since its introduction on 1st June 2009, customers have been able to sign up to the PROOF scheme online through the WebFiling service. Companies House is recommending that all companies join PROOF as soon as possible. As of 8th July 2009, 55,000 new companies have signed up to the PROOF scheme.

For more information on the PROOF scheme please do not hesitate to contact Moshe Moses.