What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials provides organisations with a practical framework for improving their cyber security and protecting against common internet-based threats.
Developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the scheme focuses on five fundamental technical controls that every organisation should have in place. It is suitable for businesses and organisations of all sizes and sectors.
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification can demonstrate to customers, suppliers and other stakeholders that your organisation takes cyber security seriously. It may also help businesses meet supplier requirements when bidding for certain contracts.
Digicomm 360 can help you assess your current technology, understand where improvements may be required and strengthen your cyber security in preparation for certification.
The Five Cyber Essentials Technical Controls
Cyber Essentials focuses on five technical controls designed to protect organisations against the most common internet-based cyber security threats.
Firewalls
A properly configured business firewall creates a protective barrier between your devices and networks and potentially harmful traffic from the internet.
Secure Configuration
Configure computers, applications and network devices securely, removing unnecessary accounts, software and services that could create vulnerabilities.
Security Update Management
Keep operating systems, applications and other software appropriately updated to reduce the risk of attackers exploiting known vulnerabilities.
User Access Control
Control who can access your business systems and information, ensuring users only have the permissions they need.
Malware Protection
Protect devices against viruses, ransomware and other malicious software with appropriate controls, including modern AI-powered antivirus and endpoint protection.
Cyber Essentials Support from Digicomm 360
Preparing for certification can uncover gaps in your existing cyber security. We can help you understand those weaknesses and put the appropriate technology and processes in place.
Cyber Security Review
Assess your current IT environment and identify areas that may require attention before certification.
Firewall Security
Review and strengthen the firewall protection used across your organisation.
Endpoint Protection
Protect business devices against malware and other cyber threats with modern endpoint security.
Software & Security Updates
Help ensure supported devices and applications are appropriately maintained and updated.
Access & Password Security
Strengthen user accounts with effective business password protection, appropriate permissions and secure access to important systems.
Employee Cyber Awareness
Help employees recognise phishing, suspicious links and social engineering with regular cyber awareness training.
Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus?
There are two levels within the scheme: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.
Cyber Essentials involves a verified self-assessment covering the five technical controls. Your organisation assesses its systems against the requirements, with the answers independently reviewed as part of the certification process.
Cyber Essentials Plus covers the same technical controls but adds independent technical testing to provide a higher level of assurance that the required measures have been implemented effectively.
Which level is appropriate will depend on your organisation, customers, contracts and cyber security requirements.
Why Achieve Cyber Essentials Certification?
Cyber Essentials isn’t simply about displaying a certificate. The process can help your organisation establish important baseline security measures and demonstrate that cyber security is taken seriously.
Reduce Cyber Risk
Implement practical controls designed to protect against common internet-based attacks.
Build Customer Confidence
Demonstrate to customers and partners that your organisation takes cyber security seriously.
Strengthen Supply Chains
Certification can help demonstrate good cyber security practices to organisations assessing their suppliers.
Access More Opportunities
A growing number of organisations require suppliers to hold Cyber Essentials when bidding for certain work.
Review Your Security
The assessment process encourages you to examine your devices, software, accounts and security controls.
Create Stronger Foundations
Use Cyber Essentials as a baseline for developing a wider, layered business cyber security strategy.
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Insurance
Eligible organisations achieving Cyber Essentials certification can currently opt into cyber liability insurance arranged through the scheme.
For certification covering the whole organisation, UK-domiciled organisations with annual turnover below £20 million can currently be eligible for cover with a total indemnity limit of £25,000. Eligibility and policy conditions apply.
Cyber Essentials certification does not, however, guarantee lower premiums on other cyber insurance policies. Businesses should discuss their individual insurance requirements with their broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cyber Essentials certification?
Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed certification scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against common internet-based cyber threats using five fundamental technical controls.
Cyber Essentials OR Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials uses a verified self-assessment process. Cyber Essentials Plus covers the same technical controls but includes independent technical testing to provide greater assurance.
How long does Cyber Essentials certification last?
Cyber Essentials certification is annually renewable, so organisations need to recertify to maintain a current certificate.
Can Digicomm 360 help us prepare for Cyber Essentials?
Digicomm 360 can help assess your existing cyber security, identify potential weaknesses and implement technical improvements to help prepare your organisation for the certification process.
Why Choose Digicomm 360?
We’ll help you understand your existing cyber security environment and make practical improvements towards stronger protection.
Practical Cyber Expertise
Get straightforward advice from specialists who understand business IT and cyber security.
Preparation Support
Identify potential weaknesses and understand what needs attention before starting the certification process.
Complete Cyber Protection
Bring firewalls, endpoint protection, web security and other cyber controls together.
IT & Cyber Expertise
Address technical weaknesses as part of your wider IT infrastructure rather than treating security in isolation.
Ongoing Security Support
Continue strengthening your systems after certification with proactive IT and cyber security support.
Solutions Built Around You
Get recommendations based on your organisation, users, technology and security requirements.
Ready to Strengthen Your Cyber Security?
Prepare your business for Cyber Essentials certification and build stronger protection against common cyber threats with Digicomm 360.
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