Cyber Essentials : UK government-backed cybersecurity certification scheme

 

    Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cybersecurity certification scheme that was launched in 2014 to help businesses protect themselves against common cyber attacks. The scheme is designed to provide a basic level of cybersecurity hygiene for organizations of all sizes, and it has been widely adopted by businesses in the UK and beyond.

    The Cyber Essentials scheme provides a set of cybersecurity controls that organizations can implement to protect themselves against the most common types of cyber threats. The scheme includes two levels of certification: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.

    The Cyber Essentials certification requires organizations to implement a set of five basic cybersecurity controls:

1. Boundary Firewalls and Internet Gateways: Implement and maintain firewalls and internet gateways to protect your network from unauthorized access.

2. Secure Configuration: Ensure that your systems and devices are securely configured to reduce the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited.

3. User Access Control: Ensure that users only have access to the resources and data that they need to do their job.

4. Malware Protection: Protect your systems from malware by implementing and maintaining antivirus and malware protection.

5. Patch Management: Ensure that all software and systems are patched and updated in a timely manner to address known vulnerabilities.

    The Cyber Essentials Plus certification requires organizations to undergo additional testing and verification to demonstrate that the controls are being effectively implemented and maintained.

The benefits of Cyber Essentials include:

1. Improved security posture: By implementing the controls and best practices outlined in the Cyber Essentials scheme, organizations can significantly improve their overall security posture, reducing the risk of cyber attacks.

2. Enhanced reputation: Cyber Essentials certification is a mark of quality that can improve an organization's reputation with customers, suppliers, and partners.

3. Competitive advantage: Many organizations require Cyber Essentials certification as a prerequisite for doing business, so achieving certification can give an organization a competitive advantage.

4. Compliance with regulations: Cyber Essentials can help organizations comply with regulations and standards related to cybersecurity, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

5. Cost-effective: The Cyber Essentials scheme is designed to be accessible and affordable for all organizations, regardless of size or sector.

6. Peace of mind: Cyber Essentials certification can give organizations peace of mind, knowing that they have taken steps to protect themselves against common cyber threats.

    By achieving Cyber Essentials certification, organizations can demonstrate to their customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders that they take cybersecurity seriously and have taken steps to protect themselves against cyber threats. The certification can also be a requirement for bidding on some government contracts or working with some larger companies.