Understanding Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials PLUS
Why These Certifications Matter for Your Business
With everything connected online, keeping your business secure from cyber threats is more important than ever. You’ve probably heard of things like phishing, ransomware, or data breaches, but figuring out how to protect your business from them can feel overwhelming. That’s where Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials PLUS come in.
Let’s break down what these certifications are all about and why they’re a good idea for your business.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification scheme in the UK that helps businesses protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. Think of it as a basic health check for your IT systems. By following the guidelines in the Cyber Essentials framework, you can make sure you’ve got the essentials covered when it comes to cyber security.
The certification focuses on five key areas:
- Firewalls: These are your first line of defence against online threats. Cyber Essentials makes sure you’ve got the right ones in place.
- Secure Configuration: This means setting up your systems and devices in a way that reduces risk. No more default passwords or unnecessary software hanging around.
- User Access Control: Who can access what? Cyber Essentials helps you tighten up access so only the right people can get into your systems.
- Malware Protection: We’re talking about antivirus software and other tools to keep nasty software out of your network.
- Patch Management: Keeping your software and systems up to date with the latest security fixes.
What is Cyber Essentials PLUS?
If Cyber Essentials is like a DIY home security check, then Cyber Essentials PLUS is having a professional come over to test your locks and alarms. It includes everything in Cyber Essentials, but with an added layer of assurance. Instead of just self-assessing, an independent expert comes in to test your security measures and make sure they actually work.
Here’s how they differ:
Cyber Essentials
You fill out a questionnaire about your cyber security practices, and if you meet the requirements, you get certified. It’s a great starting point and gives you confidence that you’ve got the basics covered.
Cyber Essentials PLUS
After the self-assessment, an external auditor tests your systems to verify that everything’s working as it should. This gives you a higher level of assurance.
Why Should Your Business Get Cyber Essentials Certified?
So, why bother with these certifications? Here are some reasons:
- Protect Your Business: The biggest reason is security. Cyber Essentials covers the basics that protect your business from around 80% of common cyber threats. That’s a big deal, especially for smaller businesses that might not have dedicated IT security teams.
- Build Trust: Getting certified shows your customers, clients, and partners that you take cyber security seriously. It’s like putting a seal of approval on your business that says, “Yes, we’re safe to work with.”
- Meet Contract Requirements: If you’re looking to work with the UK government or larger companies, Cyber Essentials certification might be a requirement. It opens up opportunities by making sure you’re ticking the right boxes.
- Lower Insurance Costs: Some insurance companies look favourably on businesses with Cyber Essentials certification. It can sometimes lead to lower premiums for your cyber insurance.
- Peace of Mind: Finally, it’s about peace of mind. Knowing that your business has the basics covered means you can focus on what you do best without constantly worrying about cyber threats.
How to Get Started
Getting Cyber Essentials certified doesn’t have to be a headache. Start by reviewing your current cyber security practices and see how they match up with the Cyber Essentials framework. There are plenty of resources and guides to help you through the process, and once you’re ready, you can apply for certification.
For those who want extra assurance, going for Cyber Essentials PLUS might be worth considering. It’s a bit more involved, but the added confidence that comes with independent testing can be invaluable—especially if you’re handling sensitive data or working with larger clients.
Whatever certification you’re considering, the Resolution IT team can perform a cyber security gap analysis to help you understand the state of your current security measures, and what you need to do to reach certification level.
Conclusion
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials PLUS provide a solid foundation for protecting your business. Whether you’re a small start-up or an established company, these certifications can help you secure your systems, build trust with your customers, and open up new business opportunities.
It’s about making sure your business is protected, so you can focus on growth without the worry of cyber attacks hanging over your head. So, if you haven’t thought about Cyber Essentials yet, now might be the perfect time to start.
