What is Cyber Essentials and Why is it Needed?

Cyber Essentials is UK government backed scheme focused on cybersecurity, aiming to support organisations in defending against the common cyber threats. It outlines a clear set of controls and recommended best practices for businesses to improve their cybersecurity defences. By implementing these controls, organisations can significantly lessen their vulnerability to cyberattacks and protect their data.

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: Ensuring that systems and devices are configured securely, minimising potential vulnerabilities and 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.

ICS are IASME Certified Assessors for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essential Offering Expert Consultancy Services at Every Step of Certification Process.

Cyber Essentials Certified

The base level self-assessment and questionnaire, that gives you protection against the most common cyber threats.

Cyber Essentials Plus Certified

This is a more advanced programme. The protections you need to put in place are the same, but the assessment process includes a technical verification by an ICS Assessor.

A closer Look at the Key Components of Cyber Essentials Plus

Cyber Essentials Plus goes above and beyond the basics, conducting technical tests, including controlled simulated attacks, and vulnerability assessments on your systems. The result offers valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities, accompanied by personalised recommendations to strengthen your overall security hygiene and posture.

Beyond Cyber Essentials’ core five controls, Cyber Essentials Plus requires:

• Documented evidence of your security policies and controls
• Testing of your firewalls and internet gateways
• Verification of your access control measures and user management
• Verification of your patch management procedures and software update practices
• Detailed examination of your malware protection capabilities
• Confirmation of the secure set-up and configuration of your devices and software

Meeting these extra requirements allows you to confidently demonstrate your organisation’s advanced baseline security measures, enhancing your cybersecurity posture.

Benefits of Acquiring 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.