Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus
What is Cyber Essentials and Why is it Needed?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government backed scheme that is focused on the improvement of cybersecurity. It aims to support organisations in defending against the common cyber threats. It outlines five sets of controls and recommended best practices for businesses to improve their cybersecurity defences. The implementation of these five controls can significantly lessen business vulnerability to cyberattacks and protect data.
Cyber Essentials Certified
This base level self-assessment gives you protection against the most common cyber threats.
Cyber Essentials Plus Certified
An ICS assessor validates the protections identified in the CE, making this a more advanced certification.
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What are the Five Primary Controls?
Cyber Essentials certification focuses on five key controls, which form the foundation of a good cybersecurity baseline.
These controls are:
Secure Configuration: Configure systems and devices securely to minimise potential vulnerabilities and prevent unauthorised access.
Firewalls and Internet Gateways: Employing firewalls and gateways to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic, preventing unauthorised access and protecting against external threats.
User Access Control: Managing user privileges and access rights to limit potential security breaches caused by unauthorised or excessive user permissions.
Malware Protection: Implementing measures to detect and prevent malware infections, such as installing and regularly updating antivirus software and conducting regular malware scans.
Patch Management: Keeping software and devices up to date with the latest security patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities and ensure the ongoing security of your systems.
Benefits of Attaining a Cyber Essentials Certification
Gaining Cyber Essentials certification offers businesses numerous advantages. Here are a few key benefits:
Improved Security: Cyber Essentials certification ensures your organisation adopts crucial cybersecurity measures including, firewalls, secure configurations, access controls, and malware protection. These defences mitigate common cyber threats, reducing the risk of security incidents and data breaches
Credibility & Trust: Showcasing the Cyber Essentials certification badge signifies your dedication to cybersecurity for clients, partners, investors and stakeholders. This fosters confidence in your capability to safeguard their data, establishing trust and credibility across today’s security-conscious supply chains, and business environment.
Competitive Advantage: Cyber Essentials certification distinguishes you from competitors who haven’t undergone the same level of cybersecurity scrutiny. This can be a decisive factor for potential clients, especially when choosing between service providers or vendors. The certification provides a competitive advantage by highlighting your commitment to best practice cybersecurity standards.
