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.