Cyber Essentials

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed cyber security certification scheme that sets out a good baseline of cyber security suitable for all organisations in all sectors. The scheme addresses five key controls that, when implemented correctly, can prevent around 80% of cyber attacks.

Why do you need Cyber Essentials?

So you can focus on your core business objectives, knowing that you’re protected from the vast majority of common cyber attacks. You will also be able to drive business efficiency, save money and improve productivity by streamlining processes. Achieving certification will also help you to address other compliance requirements such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation.

• Demonstrate Security: Demonstrate to clients, insurers, investors and other interested parties that you have taken the precautions necessary to reduce cyber risks
• Increase Opportunities: Be able to bid for UK Government contracts that involve the handling of personal and sensitive information, and increase your chances of securing business within the private sector
• Reduce Costs: Insurance agencies look favourably on organisations with Cyber Essentials, resulting in lower insurance premiums

Two levels of certification.

There are two levels of certification available to your organisation: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.

• Cyber Essentials: The Cyber Essentials certification process includes a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) and an external vulnerability scan
• Cyber Essentials Plus: Cyber Essentials Plus certification includes all of the assessments for the Cyber Essentials certification but includes an additional internal scan and an on-site assessment

The five key controls and how we can help.

• Secure configuration
• Boundary firewalls and Internet gateways
• Access controls and administrative privilege management
• Patch management
• Malware protection