Cyber Essentials
Protect your business and customer data
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are UK government-backed schemes supported by the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre). Their framework sets out five basic security controls that help organisations protect against 80% of common cyber attacks. The schemes are a simple and low cost way for businesses to show their commitment to cybersecurity. They are designed to help organisations of any size protect their business and customer data.
The certification process is managed by the IASME Consortium (IASME), which licences certification bodies to carry out Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications. Here are the five basic controls of Cyber Essentials;
Firewalls & Routers
By creating a secure barrier between your businesses IT network and other networks, you can ensure that the traffic allowed onto your network is safe and trusted.
Malware Protection
Correctly configured anti-malware software ensures you are protected against viruses and other malware and only trusted applications are allowed to run.
Software Updates
Outdated software is an easy way in for cyber threats. Keep your devices and applications up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
Access Control
Access controls ensure that only trusted people have administrator rights to your software, services and data.
Secure Configuration
Changing passwords and removing unused accounts and software keeps your systems and data secure.
Do you want your business listed on the NCSC’s database?
Once your business is Cyber Essentials certified, it will appear on the NCSC’s database which can be found on their website. This means potential customers and partners can verify your commitment to protecting their data. Research carried out by the NCSC found that 93% of Cyber Essentials certified businesses felt confident they were protected against common cyber threats.
The research also found that 61% of certified businesses were more inclined to do choose suppliers and partners who were also Cyber Essentials certified. In a world where cyber threats to businesses are becoming increasingly advanced and highly common, showing your commitment to cybersecurity can make your business stand out in the crowd for all the right reasons.
Cyber Essentials Benefits
Protect Your Business
Through Cyber Essentials certification you can protects your business from 80% of the most common cyber threats including phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, password-guessing attacks and network attacks.
Secure Your Supply Chain
Your supply chain can offer an open door to cyber criminals, but by securing it with five basic Cyber Essentials security controls you and your supplier can rest assured you are both protected.
Win New Business
With competition in business fiercer than ever, show your customers that you take protecting their data seriously through Cyber Essentials accreditation.
Work with the Government
You will need Cyber Essentials accreditation to work with Government agencies, and Cyber Essentials Plus to work with the MOD. Could Cyber Essentials help you win the contract of a lifetime?
What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials involves a Self Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). The SAQ is designed to assess if your business has adequate cybersecurity measures in place, and highlight areas for improvement. It’s a great option for businesses who need base-level cybersecurity to demonstrate that they have all the key controls in place to try and prevent a breach.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus also features an SAQ however an external vulnerability assessment, an internal scan and an on-site assessment is carried out to confirm the controls are working. It’s great for businesses who handle sensitive customer data and for those who have remote workers or third-parties with access to their systems.
Start Your Digital Transformation Today
We want to be your trusted technical partner, working together to achieve success with a tailored business system, improved processes and managed IT services.
Start Your Digital Transformation Today
We want to be your trusted technical partner, working together to achieve success with a tailored business system, improved processes and managed IT services.
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