Cybersecurity is one of the most rapidly changing aspects of modern IT. With new threats emerging every day, keeping up with the latest security measures and ensuring your approach to online security is consistent and sufficient is essential.
With this in mind, a new Cyber Essentials scheme allows companies to keep track of their efforts, ensure they are protected, and give you peace of mind that your security measures are keeping you safe.
As a Cyber Essentials Plus certified company, Microbyte is ideally placed to help you achieve the certification and keep your systems safe.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is Cyber Essentials certification?
Cyber Essentials is an effective, Government backed scheme that will help businesses of all sizes protect against common cyber threats. The scheme includes a range of questions to help prompt a greater understanding of your current security measures and highlights where a company may need to improve its cyber security.
The scheme has two levels:
Cyber Essentials: This self-assessment certification protects businesses against the most common cyber-attacks, minimising vulnerability and giving you confidence that you are safe from cybercriminals. The controls and checklist covered in this certification can discourage cyber-attacks and comes with official NCSC approval for 12 months.
Cyber Essentials Plus: This additional certification includes the same Cyber Essentials checklist as the Essential assessment to protect against common cyber security threats. In addition, the Cyber Essentials Plus certification consists of a manual, technical inspection, and verification.
Both schemes are officially verified by the IASME Consortium (IASME) for third-party, licensed authentication. However, you should work with a professional IT support company to help you develop the correct processes to ensure that you pass and stay safe.
Cyber Essentials Checklist and Scope
The Cyber Essentials checklist outlines five essential cyber security controls to help businesses protect against common cyber attacks and meet the certification requirements. These controls are vital in maintaining a strong security posture and achieving Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification:
1. Firewalls and Internet Gateways
Properly configured firewall rules help block unauthorised access and protect your network. Ensure all devices are protected, and inbound traffic is tightly managed to meet the Cyber Essentials requirements.
2. Secure Configuration
Devices and software often come with default settings that pose security issues. Best practices for secure configuration include disabling unnecessary features, securing the administrative interface, and enforcing strong passwords to prevent unauthorised access.
3. Security Update Management
Keeping software up to date is crucial to protect against known vulnerabilities. Implementing a technical control process ensures that updates and patches are installed promptly, meeting certification requirements.
4. User Access Control
Limit access to your systems based on job roles. Regularly review permissions and enforce multi-factor authentication for high-level access, such as admin accounts, to protect sensitive data.
5. Malware Protection
Deploy antivirus software and anti-malware software to all devices, including mobile devices. Ensure these systems are regularly updated and configured to scan files and block connections to malicious websites.
By implementing these cyber security measures, businesses can meet Cyber Essentials certification requirements, reduce the risk of cyberattacks, and demonstrate security compliance to clients and stakeholders. These controls of Cyber Essentials provide a solid foundation for securing your IT environment.
Benefits of being Cyber Essentials certified
Achieving a Cyber Essentials certification can have a range of benefits for your business, employees, and your customers. Security is everyone’s responsibility, and having the appropriate cyber protection is the first step toward a successful future.
Just a few of the benefits of receiving an official Cyber Essentials certification include:
- Protect against approximately 80% of cyber attacks
- Tender for government contracts
- Free cyber insurance
- Increase customer and supply chain confidence.
- Listed on the NCSC database to verify your certification
As more businesses understand the benefits and importance of highlighting their commitment to cyber security, the need for Cyber Essentials certification is growing. Many companies, especially those working with the government, require Cyber Essential certification, meaning that you may be losing out on business without it.
Furthermore, since cyberattacks are continually developing and changing, the more businesses with adequate security, the harder criminals have to work to develop more sophisticated attacks. This means that by protecting your business, you’re helping protect others.
How to Get a Cyber Essentials Certification
Achieving Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification involves a clear process to improve your cyber security and meet the standards of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Step 1: Self-Assessment
Start by completing the Cyber Essentials self-assessment, which reviews your security systems in areas like firewall rules, software updates, and user access control. This step helps identify any gaps and is required for certification.
Step 2: Implement Security Measures
Next, address any weaknesses by updating security solutions, such as securing IP addresses, improving antivirus software, and limiting access to critical systems. These basic security measures ensure you meet certification requirements.
Step 3: External Audit (For Cyber Essentials Plus)
For Cyber Essentials Plus, an audit by certification bodies will test your systems, including an external vulnerability scan. Any issues identified must be resolved to complete the certification.
Step 4: Achieve Certification
Once the self-assessment or audit is passed, you’ll receive your Cyber Essentials certificate, valid for 12 months. This certification demonstrates your business follows security best practices.
Ongoing Compliance
Annual re-certification ensures your cyber security remains up to date with evolving threats.
Get Your Cyber Essentials Certification Today
As a Cyber Essentials Plus certified IT support company, we can help you achieve Cyber Essentials verification. Our team of experts keeps up to date with the latest security threats and can talk you through any gaps in your protection.
As well as helping you achieve your certification, we can discuss further measures to ensure your protection is effective. We can offer tailored advice and guidance to help you feel confident that your business and digital assets are safe now and in the future.
To start your certification process, complete the form above and we will be in touch.
FAQ
What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
The key difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus is the level of verification. Cyber Essentials involves a self-assessment where you review your own security controls to ensure they meet the necessary standards. In contrast, Cyber Essentials Plus requires an additional audit and technical verification by certification bodies to ensure your systems meet higher security standards through external testing, such as vulnerability scans.
How can Cyber Essentials certification help small and medium businesses?
Cyber Essentials certification provides small and medium businesses with a robust security framework to protect against common cyber threats. By implementing Cyber Essentials controls, businesses can improve their security posture and meet business needs, such as qualifying for government contracts and boosting customer confidence.
How long does it take to complete the Cyber Essentials Plus process?
The Cyber Essentials Plus process typically takes around three months to complete, depending on the size of the business and its current security measures. This timeline includes conducting the self-assessment, addressing any gaps, and completing the required Cyber Essentials Plus audit to ensure all necessary controls are in place.
