Cyber Essentials is a UK-government-backed certification scheme that helps businesses protect themselves from cyber attacks. As we rely more and more on online solutions, digital attacks continue to become increasingly common. Hackers are becoming ever more sophisticated, and the consequences of systems being breached more expensive and far-reaching.
You wouldn’t want to drive a car if you thought the brakes, lights, seatbelts, airbags, or other safety features were missing or not fit for purpose. Accidents happen, no matter how careful you are. In the same way, you wouldn’t want to run a company without safety features in place to protect against inevitable cyber attacks.
The Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus programs are run by the National Cyber Security Centre. IASME oversees accreditation. Cyber-security companies offering Cyber Essentials assessment must be trained and licensed.
Why Do Small Businesses Need Cyber Essentials?
There is a common misconception that only large businesses are likely to be at risk from or impacted by cyber attacks. In fact, businesses of any size are vulnerable. The more vulnerable you are, the more likely you are to be a victim. Cyber Essentials certification is designed to benefit companies of any size, and this includes small businesses.
Companies have a responsibility to keep their customers’ data secure, as well as their own. Businesses with Cyber Essentials certification have undertaken a series of checks and implemented various security controls. They have demonstrated they have taken all the necessary steps to protect themselves against online threats.
Having Cyber Essentials certification allows companies to prove best practices and improve their online security. This also boosts customer trust. Some businesses require suppliers to be certified, and companies bidding for UK-government contracts must be certified.
What Does Cyber Essentials Cover?
Cyber Essentials covers five key areas of cybersecurity. These can protect businesses from around 80% of the most common cyber threats. These are the five elements:
Secure Configuration
Manufacturers often supply new software and devices with default configurations that allow as much access as possible. If these are left as supplied or poorly configured, vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers. Securely configuring devices and software helps protect against cyber attacks.User Access Control
Access to sensitive data and systems should be limited to the people and/or departments who have a valid reason for having it. Excessive access permissions create more opportunities for data and systems to be compromised.Malware Protection
Malware, short for malicious software, is designed to harm, exploit, or damage computers, networks, and devices. Cyber criminals utilize viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other means to attack unprotected systems. Companies can protect themselves against malware infection and should be able to identify any issues as soon as they happen.Security Update Management
Cyber criminals quickly find vulnerabilities in systems running outdated software. Ensuring updates are managed properly reduces the risk of exploitation.Firewalls
Firewalls protect your connection to the internet by monitoring network traffic to identify and block harmful threats. Properly configured firewall settings are vital for system security.
What Costs Can Cyber Essentials Help Prevent?
The potential costs of a cyber attack extend beyond data loss and direct or indirect financial damages. Businesses can suffer huge, sometimes irreparable, reputational harm. Legal liability, regulatory penalties, and GDPR fines (up to £17.5 million or 4% of annual worldwide turnover, whichever is higher) can be devastating.
The cost and time involved with certification is minimal compared to the potential impact of cyber attacks. According to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology’s Cyber Essentials Scheme Impact Evaluation Report of 2024, 80% of surveyed businesses stated that certification can reduce the financial cost of common, unsophisticated cyber attacks.
Additional Benefits of Cyber Essentials
Certified companies qualify for cyber insurance. The scheme provides free insurance, and eligible businesses can opt in. To qualify, companies must be fully certified, domiciled in the UK or Crown Dependencies, and have an annual turnover of less than £20 million.
What Is Cyber Essentials Plus?
While Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment process suitable for most smaller businesses, Cyber Essentials Plus involves an external audit and higher costs. It’s ideal for larger businesses or those handling sensitive data.
Could You Benefit from Cyber Essentials?
If you are a small or medium-sized business, Cyber Essentials certification can provide significant benefits. Regardless of your sector, certification can enhance your cybersecurity, build customer trust, and help you secure contracts.
How to Get Cyber Essentials Certified
Dark Knight, an IASME-certified Cyber Essentials assessor, can guide you through the self-assessment process and help implement the five security controls to ensure compliance. Once your business meets the necessary standards, you can apply for certification.
We are an IT-support company based in Newbury, Berkshire. We work with clients in Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and across the UK.
Contact us today to see how we can help you on the path to Cyber Essentials certification. The sooner you start, the safer you’ll be driving your business forward.