Cyber Essentials
Understanding Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials stands as a pivotal Government-endorsed and industry-supported framework designed to assist businesses in safeguarding against the escalating menace of cyber threats. This scheme is a cornerstone of the UK Government's strategy to foster a more secure online environment for enterprises of varying magnitudes and sectors. Crafted and administered by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Cyber Essentials is acclaimed as the foremost step towards a fortified network, shielding organisations from 80% of the most prevalent cyber security breaches.
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification not only fortifies an organisation's defences against cyber threats but also elevates its stature as a secure and trustworthy entity in the realm of cyber security. The scheme delineates a concise array of controls, offering straightforward guidance on fundamental cyber security for organisations of all sizes, thereby laying a robust foundation for cyber security measures that are both effective and economical.
At its core, Cyber Essentials aims to certify organisations with a baseline of security against common cyber threats, with Cyber Essentials Plus representing the apex of certification, entailing a more stringent examination of an organisation’s cyber security posture through expert-led vulnerability assessments.
Get Cyber Essentials Certified
Get Cyber Essentials Plus Certified
Distinction Between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
The primary Cyber Essentials package provides access to an online self-assessment questionnaire, branding rights for your business, and a 12-month certification upon successful application, at a cost from £300 + VAT.
The Imperative of Cyber Essentials Certification
Obtaining Cyber Essentials certification is a declaration of your organisation's proactive approach towards mitigating cyber threats. It serves as a tangible proof point to customers, investors, and partners of your commitment to cyber security. According to the National Cyber Security Centre, implementing even a single control from the Cyber Essentials scheme can thwart approximately 80% of cyber attacks, underscoring the value of certification.
Benefits of this certification are manifold, including enhanced customer reassurance, bolstered business prospects with evidence of cyber security measures, a definitive understanding of your cyber security posture, and compliance with certain Government contractual requirements. The evolving landscape of cyber threats, highlighted by the increase in phishing attacks, underscores the timeliness and necessity of Cyber Essentials certification.
The Cyber Essentials Creed
Cyber Essentials empowers organisations to understand and implement essential security controls to mitigate risks from internet-borne threats with minimal technical complexity. This certification is instrumental in securing contracts, particularly with the Ministry of Defence, by demonstrating stringent network security controls, thereby protecting against common cyber attacks and data theft, enhancing business efficiency, and promoting a commitment to cyber security.
Why Cyber Essentials is Critical for SMEs
In today's interconnected digital ecosystem, no organisation is too small to be overlooked by cyber criminals. SMEs play a crucial role in the supply chain and must ensure they are not the weakest link by adopting comprehensive cyber security strategies and employee training. Cyber Essentials certification not only provides basic protection but also positions your organisation as reputable and serious about cyber security, a prerequisite for engaging in public sector contracts.
Achieving Cyber Essentials Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide
Embarking on the Cyber Essentials certification journey begins with purchasing the Cyber Essentials Basic package for £300 + VAT, followed by completing and submitting the Self-Assessment Questionnaire through our portal. Successful submission and assessment culminate in receiving the official Cyber Essentials certification, marking a significant milestone in your organisation's cyber security journey.