Neil Roberts, Senior Consultant in our Security Solutions team, talks us through the benefits of why having a certification like Cyber Essentials can not only boost your business’s credibility but also protect your business.
We live in a digital world – there is no escaping it. But along with the benefits there’s a downside. From sole traders to large institutions the stakes are high. If the business world was like Las Vegas then remember, the odds always favour the Casino, or in this case the bad actors.
When the chips are down, limited resources and less sophisticated security measures make small and medium enterprises (SMEs) prime targets for cyberattacks over larger organisations. But the UK government-backed IASME’s Cyber Essentials scheme offers a solution. SMEs can protect themselves from the most common cyber threats and get an edge over the house.
Secure Your Business Now
Cyber Essentials is designed to help organisations of all sizes protect against a wide range of the most common cyberattacks. It sets out five key security controls that can prevent around 80% of cyber attacks. These controls include:
- Firewalls – Secure the internet connection.
- Secure Configuration – Ensure devices and software are optimised to be secure.
- Access Control – Manage who can use particular data and services.
- Malware Protection – Preventative measures against software designed to disrupt or damage.
- Patch Management – Keep devices and software up-to-date.
Top Reasons to Choose Cyber Essentials
There are several benefits to implementing Cyber Essentials.
- Enhanced Security Posture – Significantly reduce vulnerability to cyberattacks. The five controls provide a solid foundation for a cybersecurity strategy, ensuring that simple but critical security measures are in place.
- Business Credibility – It demonstrates to your stakeholders that your business takes cybersecurity seriously. Enhancing your reputation and building trust, crucial for maintaining and growing your customer base.
- Compliance and Legal Requirements – For many businesses, it helps meet regulatory requirements. It can be mandatory for bidding on certain government contracts. Compliance helps avoid legal penalties and improves your chances of securing new business.
- Cost Savings – Stopping a cyberattack before it happens is cheaper than fixing the damage afterwards. Avoid those large expenses caused by data leaks, such as loss of work, loss of customers, or being hit with fines. It might even cut down your insurance costs, as some insurers give a break on premiums.
- Streamlined Processes – The independently verified self-assessment of your current security measures and practices helps identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement, leading to more streamlined and effective operations.
What’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials does the groundwork, but Cyber Essentials Plus elevates that to the next level. The primary distinction is the degree of validation it offers. Essentially, it’s a detailed technical review of your Cyber Essentials application.
- Independent Verification – A hands-on verification from a qualified auditor provides a higher level of assurance. Your systems will be tested to ensure that the controls are not only implemented but also effective.
- Enhanced Protection – The testing involved means subjects your systems to stricter checks. Ensuring a higher standard of security and uncovers vulnerabilities that might have been missed during self-assessment.
- Increased Credibility – Stakeholders can see that your cybersecurity measures are independently verified, further enhancing trust and opening doors to more business.
Cyber Essentials for SMEs is well worth the investment. It is a cost-effective and efficient method for safeguarding against cyber threats, offering both reassurance and a market advantage. Advancing to Cyber Essentials Plus gives companies further confidence and security. In the current environment, committing to strong cybersecurity practices is not merely wise but also crucial for enduring prosperity.
