The Cyber Essentials scheme is a UK government-backed framework launched in 2014 and run by the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre). The primary aim of the scheme is to help prevent damage from cyber crime by encouraging organisations to adopt best practices in information security.
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Why do businesses need Cyber Essentials?
More than 80% of the cyber-attacks affecting businesses in the UK could have been prevented by implementing basic security controls, according to research conducted by the University of Portsmouth for the UK government. Implementing Cyber Essentials will reduce the impact of common threats such as:
- Phishing attacks
- Malware
- Ransomware
- Password-guessing attacks
- Network attacks
What are the 5 controls of the Cyber Essentials scheme?
The Cyber Essentials scheme sets out five basic security controls, each one focusing on a specific aspect of information security, that, when applied, can protect organisations against 80% of common cyber attacks:
Firewalls: Using either personal, built-in or dedicated firewalls are necessary to secure your Internet connection.
Secure Configurations: Secure settings include the use of multi-factor authentication.
User Access Control: To minimize potential damage, staff accounts should have just enough access for them to perform their role.
Malware Protection: To protect your business, you must defend against malware by using anti-malware measures, whitelisting and sandboxing.
Patch Management: It’s important that devices used by staff are kept up-to-date at all times.
How can the Cyber Essentials certification enhance your organisation's reputation?
By obtaining the Cyber Essentials accreditation and displaying the Cyber Essentials badge on your website, you show your stakeholders, partners and investors that you take the security of your systems seriously. If your business model requires storing customers' personal information (such as medical records or financial information or other sensitive data), then a Cyber Essentials certification is instrumental in ensuring your customers you take the integrity of their data seriously.
How can your business get Cyber Essentials certified?
Getting Cyber Essentials certified require organizations to prove that security controls are in place Most organizations are worried or struggle with the time and the resources required to gather up the essential audit information. The process can be lengthy and difficult to achieve manually or with the incorrect tools. Wavex can help guide you through the process, audit your security and provide an output report aligned to the National Cyber Security Centre - Cyber Essentials framework that will highlight how to mitigate any weaknesses and risks identified.
To find out more about getting Cyber Essentials certified, contact us today.
