Cyber Essentials Plus : Advanced level certification of Cyber Essentials scheme
Cyber Essentials Plus is a more advanced level of certification within
the Cyber Essentials scheme. It builds on the basic Cyber Essentials
certification and involves an additional independent technical assessment of an
organization's cybersecurity systems and processes.
The key differences between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are:
1. Verification of
controls: Cyber Essentials Plus includes an external assessment of an
organization's security controls, whereas Cyber Essentials relies on
self-assessment.
2. Simulated attacks:
The Cyber Essentials Plus assessment includes simulated attacks to test an
organization's defenses, whereas Cyber Essentials does not.
3. On-site assessment:
Cyber Essentials Plus requires an on-site assessment by a qualified assessor,
whereas Cyber Essentials does not.
The Cyber
Essentials Plus assessment covers the same five security controls as the basic
Cyber Essentials assessment, but in more depth:
1. Boundary firewalls
and internet gateways
2. Secure
configuration
3. Access control
4. Malware protection
5. Patch management
To achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification, an organization must first achieve basic Cyber Essentials certification. They then need to undergo a more rigorous and thorough assessment of their cybersecurity controls and processes by an external certifying body. The certification is valid for one year, after which the organization must undergo a new assessment to maintain certification.
The benefits of Cyber Essentials Plus certification include:
1. Enhanced security: The external assessment and simulated attacks
carried out as part of the Cyber Essentials Plus certification provide a more
comprehensive view of an organization's cybersecurity systems and processes.
This enables the organization to identify and address any weaknesses or
vulnerabilities, leading to an enhanced security posture.
2. Increased confidence: Cyber Essentials Plus certification
provides customers, partners, and stakeholders with greater confidence in an
organization's ability to protect their sensitive information and assets from
cyber threats.
3. Competitive advantage: Cyber Essentials Plus certification can
give organizations a competitive advantage over their peers, as it demonstrates
a commitment to cybersecurity and a willingness to invest in protecting the
business and its stakeholders.
4. Compliance with regulations: Cyber Essentials Plus certification
can help organizations comply with regulations and standards related to
cybersecurity, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
5. Improved resilience: By identifying and addressing any
weaknesses or vulnerabilities in their cybersecurity systems and processes,
organizations can improve their resilience to cyber threats and minimize the
impact of any attacks that may occur.
6. Peace of mind: Cyber Essentials Plus certification can give
organizations peace of mind, knowing that their cybersecurity systems and
processes have been independently assessed and verified.
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