Cyber Essentials Plus
What is Cyber Essentials PLUS?
Cyber Essentials PLUS is a UK government-backed certification scheme designed to help organizations of all sizes protect themselves against common cyber threats. The scheme provides a clear set of basic cybersecurity controls that organizations can implement to safeguard their IT systems and data. It was developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and is aimed at improving cybersecurity across the board, from small businesses to large enterprises.
Cyber Essentials Plus:
- Offers a higher level of assurance through an independent assessment.
- Includes an on-site or remote technical audit of the organization’s systems.
- Verifies that the controls are working in practice by testing various aspects of the organization's cybersecurity.
Key Components of Cyber Essentials PLUS:
Boundary Firewalls and Internet Gateways:
- Protecting networks by preventing unauthorized access to or from private networks.
- Ensuring firewalls are configured properly to provide effective protection.
Secure Configuration:
- Ensuring that systems are configured in the most secure way for the needs of the organization.
- Removing or disabling unnecessary functions and default settings.
Access Control:
- Ensuring only authorized individuals have access to data and services.
- Implementing least privilege principles, where users have the minimum levels of access required for their role.
Malware Protection:
- Implementing anti-virus and anti-malware software to detect and respond to known threats.
- Keeping malware protection up-to-date and ensuring regular scans are performed.
Patch Management:
- Keeping software and devices up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Applying patches promptly to fix vulnerabilities.
Why is Cyber Essentials PLUS Important?
Baseline Security:
- Provides a basic yet effective cybersecurity framework that organizations can follow to protect against the majority of common cyber threats.
- Helps establish a solid foundation for more advanced cybersecurity measures.
Risk Reduction:
- Significantly reduces the risk of cyber-attacks by addressing common vulnerabilities and threats.
- Protects against phishing, malware, ransomware, and other prevalent attacks.
Customer Trust and Confidence:
- Demonstrates a commitment to cybersecurity, which can enhance customer trust and confidence.
- Provides assurance to clients and partners that the organization is taking proactive steps to secure their data.
Compliance and Regulation:
- Helps organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements related to data protection and cybersecurity.
- Can be a requirement for bidding on certain government contracts in the UK.
Competitive Advantage:
- Differentiates an organization from competitors who may not have the certification.
- Can be a selling point in marketing and sales efforts, particularly when dealing with security-conscious clients.
Cost-Effective Security:
- Provides a cost-effective way for small and medium-sized businesses to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
- Reduces potential costs associated with data breaches and cyber incidents.
Awareness and Training:
- Encourages organizations to increase cybersecurity awareness and training among employees.
- Promotes a culture of security within the organization.
Support from Government:
- Being a government-backed scheme, Cyber Essentials has credibility and recognition.
- Aligns with national cybersecurity strategies and initiatives.
Cyber Essentials PLUS is a certification that helps organizations improve their cybersecurity defences by implementing basic essential controls and consistent monitoring (including tablets and mobiles also potentially). It offers a straightforward and affordable approach to cybersecurity, providing benefits such as risk reduction, compliance, customer trust and competitive advantage. By achieving Cyber Essentials certification, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to protecting against cyber threats and safeguarding their data and systems.
LoughTec are government approved Cyber Essentials PLUS certification body, enquire below for more information
