Cyber Essentials Accreditation’s – all you need to know!

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cyber security certification scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves from common online threats.

It focuses on essential cyber security practices to safeguard against a range of cyber attacks.  Here’s a summary of the key aspects of the accreditation’s:

1. Basic Cyber security Controls: Implementing fundamental cyber security controls enhance an organisation’s overall security posture, and these are designed to protect against common cyber threats.
2. Two Certification Levels: There are two levels of certification. The basic certification involves self-assessment, whilst the Plus requires an independent assessment by a certified cyber security professional.
3. Five Key Control Areas:
   a. Secure Configuration: Ensuring that systems and software are securely configured.
   b. Boundary Firewalls and Internet Gateways: Implementing measures to protect network boundaries.
   c. Access Control: Managing user access and permissions to systems and data.
   d. Malware Protection: Implementing effective anti-malware measures.
   e. Patch Management: Keeping software and devices up to date with security patches.
4. Protection from Common Threats: Helps organisations defend against prevalent cyber threats like malware, phishing, and other online attacks.
5. Risk Reduction: By implementing these controls, organisations can reduce their vulnerability to cyber attacks and protect sensitive information.
6. Compliance with Government Contracts: Some UK government contracts, and certain organisations require suppliers and partners to hold a Cyber Essentials certification.
7. Demonstrated Commitment to Cyber security: Achieving Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to cyber security best practices, which can inspire trust among customers, partners, and stakeholders.
8. Continuous Improvement: Maintaining a Cyber Essentials certification encourages organisations to continuously improve their cyber security practices.

These accreditation’s provide a structured approach to basic cyber security measures, helping organisations mitigate common cyber threats and enhance their overall security resilience.

For more information, head over to our sister company Crest IT to learn more and how they can help you prepare and achieve your Cyber Essentials Accreditation.