What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials, a UK government information assurance scheme overseen by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), empowers organisations to defend against cyber threats. The scheme comprises a set of technical controls that enhance their cyber security posture.
There are two levels of Cyber Essentials Certification:
Cyber Essentials: An online verified self-assessment to evaluate and align your organisation's current security status with the Cyber Essentials baseline standard.
Cyber Essentials Plus: An extension of Cyber Essentials, which includes an audit of the organisation's networks and devices. To apply for Cyber Essentials Plus, an organisation must have Cyber Essentials self-assessed certification.
As a licensed Certification Body for the Cyber Essentials Scheme, we offer consulting services to guide you through achieving both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications. Our expertise is dedicated to helping you enhance your cyber resilience and safeguard against potential threats.
What are the benefits of Cyber Essentials certification?
-
Improved protection against cyber attacks: By implementing the Cyber Essentials controls, organisations can reduce their risk of being successfully attacked by up to 80%.
-
Enhanced credibility and reputation: Achieving Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates to customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders that an organisation takes its cyber security seriously.
-
Improved compliance: Many organisations are required to meet certain cyber security standards, such as those set out in the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Implementing the Cyber Essentials controls can help organisations meet these requirements.
-
Reduced insurance premiums: Some insurance companies offer discounts to organisations that are certified under the Cyber Essentials scheme.
-
Easier access to public sector contracts: Many public sector organisations require their suppliers to be certified under the Cyber Essentials scheme. Achieving certification can make it easier for organisations to bid for these contracts.
-
Improved staff awareness: Implementing the Cyber Essentials controls can help raise staff awareness of cyber security issues and encourage good cyber security practices.
-
Simplified compliance: The Cyber Essentials scheme provides a clear set of technical controls that organisations can implement to improve their cyber security posture. This can make it easier for organisations to understand their cyber security obligations and meet them.
-
Cost-effective: Implementing the Cyber Essentials controls can be a cost-effective way for organisations to improve their cyber security posture.
-
Access to technical support: Organisations that are certified under the Cyber Essentials scheme can access technical support from the NCSC to help them maintain their cyber security posture.
-
Ongoing improvement: The Cyber Essentials scheme encourages organisations to continuously review and improve their cyber security posture, helping to ensure that they are always well protected against cyber threats.