• ISO55001 Asset Management
    System (AMS)
  • ISO9001 Quality Management
    Systems (QMS)
  • ISO14001 Environmental Management
    Systems (EMS)
  • ISO50001 Energy Management
    Systems (EnMS)
  • ISO45001 Health & Safety Management
    Systems (OHASMS)
  • ISO27001 Information security
    management systems (ISMS)
  • ISO55001 Asset Management
    System (AMS)
  • ISO9001 Quality Management
    Systems (QMS)
  • ISO14001 Environmental Management
    Systems (EMS)
  • ISO50001 Energy Management
    Systems (EnMS)
  • ISO45001 Health & Safety Management
    Systems (OHASMS)
  • ISO27001 Information security
    management systems (ISMS)

Cyber Essentials Plus Certification: Protecting Your Organisation Against Cyber Threats



In today's digital landscape, the threat of cyber attacks looms large for organisations of all sizes and industries. From sophisticated phishing scams to large-scale hacks of essential systems, the consequences of a breach in cyber security can be severe. Not only can it lead to financial losses and legal consequences, but it can also cause irreparable damage to an organisation's reputation and erode customer trust.
To combat these ever-evolving cyber threats, it is crucial for organisations to have robust cyber security measures in place. One such measure is the Cyber Essentials Plus certification, which provides a high level of assurance that an organisation has implemented the necessary security controls to protect against common cyber security threats.

Understanding Cyber Essentials Plus

What is Cyber Essentials?
The Cyber Essentials scheme was established by the UK Government in 2014 to promote the adoption of effective cyber security practices. The scheme encourages organisations to collaborate and adhere to agreed-upon standards, rather than relying on individual security approaches.
Cyber Essentials offers an industry-recognized certification to participating organisations within the United Kingdom. The certification is governed by the Information Assurance for Small and Medium Enterprises (IASME) and is backed by the government. It ensures that organisations have the appropriate technical controls in place to safeguard against prevalent cyber security threats.


The five key technical controls enforced by Cyber Essentials include:
  1. Firewalls: Implementing network firewalls and web application firewalls to monitor and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic, thus preventing web-based attacks.
  2. Secure configuration of systems: Configuring devices and systems with strong passwords and removing unnecessary or insecure applications.
  3. User access control: Enforcing access management privileges to prevent unauthorized access to data and systems.
  4. Malware protection: Installing trusted and up-to-date malware protection on all internet-connected devices.
  5. Security update management: Regularly applying updates and patches to applications and devices.
By adhering to these controls, organisations can establish a solid foundation for their cyber security framework.


The Difference Between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
While Cyber Essentials certification provides a strong baseline for cyber security, Cyber Essentials Plus takes it a step further. In addition to the five technical controls, Cyber Essentials Plus includes an assessment conducted by an IASME-governed certification body.

During the assessment, a qualified assessor thoroughly reviews an organisation's implementation of the technical controls. This evaluation helps identify any gaps or areas for improvement, enabling organisations to strengthen their cyber security measures beyond the standard Cyber Essentials requirements. It also provides an opportunity for organisations to receive tailored advice and guidance to enhance their overall security posture.


Five Benefits of Cyber Essentials Plus Certification
Now that we understand the basics of Cyber Essentials Plus, let's explore the key benefits that come with obtaining this certification:

1. Enhanced Internal Security Controls

Regularly auditing and assessing internal security controls is crucial, regardless of how strong they may seem. Cyber Essentials Plus certification offers organisations the opportunity to review their cyber security strategy with the guidance of expert assessors. This process ensures that organisations stay up-to-date with the latest best practices and identify any potential weaknesses in their security measures. By renewing the certification annually, organisations can continuously improve their cyber security posture.

2. Protection Against Common Security Vulnerabilities

Cyber Essentials Plus certification provides organisations with protection against common cyber security threats. By implementing the five technical controls, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber attacks. Furthermore, the certification requirements serve as a valuable resource for organisations to assess their current security measures and identify areas that may need improvement.

3. Enhanced Trust and Confidence

In today's digital age, customers and stakeholders are increasingly concerned about the security of their data. Cyber Essentials Plus certification acts as a testament to an organisation's commitment to cyber security. By obtaining this certification, organisations can demonstrate to their clients and stakeholders that they take the protection of sensitive information seriously. This instills confidence in customers, strengthens relationships, and increases the likelihood of customer loyalty.

4. Visibility on the NCSC Database

Once an organisation achieves Cyber Essentials Plus certification, its name is added to the (NCSC) database of certified organisations. This public database allows other organisations to verify the certification status of potential partners or suppliers. Being listed on the NCSC database serves as a form of endorsement, showcasing an organisation's dedication to cyber security. This increased visibility can attract new clients and customers who prioritize security when choosing their business partners. 

5. Third-Party Assessment and Expert Guidance


Obtaining Cyber Essentials Plus certification involves a thorough assessment conducted by an external party accredited by the IASME Consortium. This third-party assessment ensures a more accurate evaluation of an organisation's cyber security measures. Additionally, the assessors can provide customized advice and recommendations tailored to the specific needs of the organisation. This guidance helps organisations enhance their cyber security practices and further strengthen their overall security posture.

Conclusion
In today's digital landscape, organisations face constant threats from cyber attacks. To protect themselves and their stakeholders, organisations must prioritize cyber security measures. Cyber Essentials Plus certification offers a comprehensive framework for organisations to establish robust security controls and protect against common cyber threats. The benefits of Cyber Essentials Plus certification include enhanced internal security controls, protection against vulnerabilities, increased trust and confidence from customers, visibility on the NCSC database, and access to expert

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