All about Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed program aimed at helping organizations minimize the risk of common cyber threats and showcase a continuous commitment to cyber security. The certification process involves two levels: Cyber Essentials Self Assessment and Cyber Essentials Plus.
The Plus Certification, which includes an audit, offers a more thorough evaluation of security measures, providing increased confidence in the effectiveness of cybersecurity practices. As a certification body, our Assessors guide businesses through the process, ensuring a straightforward approach and cost-effectiveness.
Areas of Vulnerability
These are the areas of vulnerability that Cyber Essentials aims to assess.
Firewalls
Make sure you build a secure wall around your device.
Secure Configuration
Make sure everything is setup correctly.
Security Update Management
Monitor your device and keep it up to date.
User Access Control
Make sure everyone requires permission or password to use your device.
Malware Protection
Make sure your have protection like antivirus in place.
The two levels to the Cyber Essentials Scheme
Cyber Essentials Basic
The Cyber Essentials Basic will require you to answer a selection of questions about the key aspects of your information security. Doing so will help you gain a better understanding of your organisation’s strengths and identify any potential weaknesses that your business may hold.
Prerequisite: None
Cyber Essentials Plus
Once your organisation has Cyber Essentials Basic, you can apply for Cyber Essentials Plus. This will require a manual assessment of your organisation’s technical controls and protections. to provide a better security to common threats.
Prerequisite: Obtain Cyber Essentials Basic certification within 3 months prior.
Cyber Essentials Basic, along with Cyber Essentials Plus provides a stronger assurance that your corporate data and vital systems are protected and secured.
What are the benefits?
Formalise your security posture
Achieving Cyber essentials will help you demonstrate your commitment to data protection and cyber security, reassuring your customers that you are working to secure your business against cyber threats.
Prevent around 80% of cyber attacks
By implementing the five basic technical controls addressed in Cyber Essentials, you can have peace of mind that your organisation is ready to defend against common threats such as phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, password-guessing attacks, network attacks plus many more.
Win and retain business
With many public and private sector contracts now requiring or encouraging Cyber Essentials, you can boost your reputation and secure new business by assuring customers you can keep their data safe.
Work with the UK government
A Cyber Essentials Certification is often a minimum requirement to work on government contracts within the UK.