As cyber threats evolve and become more complex and difficult to detect, businesses face intense pressure to protect themselves from malicious attacks that could expose them to long-lasting damage. Effective computer security is a must, but the Cyber Essentials certification can strengthen network protection and promote your organisation’s commitment to keeping its devices and digital assets safe.
In this article, we’ll explain what the Cyber Essential Certification is and how it can benefit your business.
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme that aims to help organisations to protect themselves from the most common types of cyberattacks. By providing a simple framework with five easy-to-implement security controls, certified organisations can protect themselves against up to 80 per cent of typical cyberthreats. Businesses who attain the Cyber Essentials Certification can demonstrate that they have taken the necessary steps to protect their IT systems and data from attacks such as hacking, phishing, and malware.
To become certified, organisations must implement five key security controls which are specifically designed to protect against common cyberthreats:
Ensuring that firewalls are correctly configured to protect the network from unauthorised access and data breaches.
Ensuring all systems are securely configured and hardened to reduce vulnerabilities, including disabling unnecessary features or services.
Restricting user access to sensitive data and systems, ensuring that only authorised personnel can view or modify critical information.
Installing and maintaining up-to-date anti-malware software to prevent malicious programs from infiltrating the organisation’s network.
Regularly updating software and systems to ensure all security vulnerabilities are patched, thus reducing the chances of exploitation by cybercriminals.
Collectively, these controls form a solid foundation of protection, significantly reducing the risk of a cyberattack.
Before pursuing Cyber Essentials certification, businesses should decide which parts of their organisation will undergo certification. For example, a company may choose to certify its entire IT system; alternatively, it could focus on a specific area, such as its network or cloud infrastructure. Defining the scope of certification ensures that the correct measures are applied to the appropriate systems.
As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, customers are increasingly concerned about the security of their personal and financial information. Achieving Cyber Essentials certification can provide reassurance to customers, stakeholders, and investors, demonstrating that your organisation takes its data security seriously. It also proves that your business has undergone a rigorous assessment to meet the necessary standards, which can boost trust and help you to stand out ahead of your competitors.
Traditional cybersecurity models, which were primarily designed for office-based environments, are often considered inadequate for today’s dispersed workforce. By including security measures for hybrid and remote working environments, Cyber Essentials ensures that the challenges of modern working practices are catered for. This ensures that organisations are protected regardless of where their employees are working, allowing for secure access to business systems from multiple devices and locations.
If you would like to get your organisation ready for Cyber Essentials Certification, please arrange a free, no-obligation quotation from Vantage IT.
Image Source: Canva
