Cyber Essentials Certification – What Is it and Why Should You Consider it?

Sophie

Nov 1

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Given the increasing frequency of cyberattacks and intrusions, combined with the growing trend of remote work opportunities, prioritizing IT security has become imperative for all companies.

As part of safeguarding their assets and mitigating the risk of online attacks and breaches, businesses of all sizes should engage in regular security audits. The Cyber Essentials certification, supported by the government, is a potent initiative that can assist in defending against the majority of common cyberattacks.

Obtaining Cyber Essentials certification signifies that your organization has adopted a set of security controls to shield itself from prevalent cyber threats. Additionally, this certification is often a prerequisite for participating in government contract bids. It serves as evidence that your organization is taking the necessary measures to safeguard its assets and customers.

Of course, it's worth noting that no certification can shield you from the most formidable cyber threat of all: the anguish of forgetting your password and attempting to recall it while your colleagues silently observe.

A person working on code, across two computer screens.

Photo by Shamin Haky on Unsplash

What Exactly Are Cyber Essentials?

To combat the increasing threat of cybercrime, companies can turn to Cyber Essentials. This program provides fundamental measures that all businesses should implement to protect themselves online.

Cyber Essentials is a UK government initiative aimed at creating a safer digital environment for companies in all industries and of all sizes. Created and managed by the NCSC, Cyber Essentials is considered an essential first step towards a more secure network, as it offers protection against 80% of the most basic cyber security attacks.

Organisations can promote their qualifications as reliable and secure when it comes to cyber security by earning the cyber essentials certification. This outlines a narrow set of controls that provide organisations of any and all sizes clear direction on fundamental cyber security. It also provides a solid foundation of security precautions that all sorts of organisations may easily and affordably apply.

More about Cyber Essentials

You are secured from a wide range of the most typical cyberattacks with the help of our self-assessment option. This is crucial because being vulnerable to simple attacks might single you out for more intrusive, unwanted notice from fraudsters and others.

Because most common attacks aim at victims that don't have the Cyber Essentials security measures in place, certification gives you comfort that your systems will defend against the great majority of typical cyberattacks. This teaches you how to take care of these fundamentals and defend against the most frequent threats.

Cyber Essentials Plus

The measures you must implement under Cyber Essentials Plus are identical to those under cyber essentials and yet maintain the hallmark simplicity of approach.

A smartphone with a lock symbol and text reading 'secured' on the screen. Next to it is a pencil, a pair of glasses, a pair of wireless earbuds and a potted succulent plant.

Photo by Dan Nelson on Unsplash

Why Have a Cyber Essentials Certification?

This proves your firm is proactive in thwarting hostile cyberattacks. Additionally, it provides a way to show clients, creditors, insurers, and others that you have taken the very minimum necessary actions to safeguard your business against cyber risks.

Businesses can be safeguarded against attacks by going through the cyber essentials certification program and putting even one of the five needed procedures into place.

The following are additional advantages of the certification:

Reassure clients that you are taking measures to safeguard your systems from cyberattacks.
Promote your ability to offer security measures to potential customers.
You are aware of your organisation's level of cyber security.

Wrapping Things Up

The Cyber Essentials certification is a scheme backed by the government that offers businesses a set of standards to safeguard their IT systems from cyber threats. These standards include ensuring that the anti-virus software is updated, maintaining a secure password policy, and regularly backing up data. Obtaining this certification ensures businesses that their IT systems are secure and well-equipped to thwart the most common cyber threats.