About Cyber Security
Understanding Cyber Security Threats
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. As businesses increasingly rely on technology and the internet, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches continues to rise. Regardless of your company’s size, addressing these threats is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Cybersecurity means protecting your networks, devices, and data from unauthorised access, misuse, or damage. By identifying the risks and taking proactive measures, you can safeguard your business and confidently navigate potential threats. It’s all about staying secure, resilient, and prepared in a constantly evolving digital world.
What is Cyber Security?
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is not a choice—it’s a necessity for every business. It’s more than just safeguarding sensitive information; it’s about staying ahead of evolving threats with the right tools and practices. Fundamental measures like firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and strong passwords create the first line of defence for keeping your business secure.
However, true cybersecurity goes beyond simply having the right technology in place. It requires staying informed about emerging threats and continually updating your defences. By taking a proactive approach, you can protect your data, maintain your reputation, and build trust in an increasingly connected and vulnerable digital landscape.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cybersecurity certification scheme that sets out a good baseline of cyber security suitable for all organisations in all sectors. The scheme addresses five key controls that, when implemented correctly, can prevent around 80% of cyber attacks.
Enhanced Cyber Security
Cyber Essentials helps organisations strengthen their defenses against a wide range of common cyber attacks, ensuring better protection for their data and systems.
Data Protection Alignment
The certification aligns with broader data protection regulations like GDPR, helping organisations to comply with legal obligations regarding data security and privacy.
Business Reputation
Achieving this certification demonstrates clients, partners, and stakeholders that your business takes cyber security seriously, enhancing your reputation and trustworthiness.
Certification Levels
differences between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials
The Foundational Level
Cyber Essentials is the entry-level certification designed to help organisations implement essential security controls to protect against common cyber threats. It focuses on five key areas:
Assessment Requirements:
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A self-assessment questionnaire is completed by the organisation.
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Answers are reviewed by an external certification body to ensure compliance.
Benefits:
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Affordable: Cost-effective option for smaller businesses or those new to cyber security.
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Baseline Protection: Provides robust defence against 80% of common cyber threats.
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Government Contracts: Meets the minimum requirement for some public sector contracts.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Advanced Assurance
Cyber Essentials Plus enhances Cyber Essentials with an independent technical audit, offering greater assurance and suitability for larger organisations or those managing sensitive data.
Assessment Requirements:
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A hands-on technical audit conducted by a certified assessor.
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Verification of controls, including vulnerability scans and simulated attacks.
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In-depth testing of devices, including workstations, servers, and mobile devices.
Benefits:
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Enhanced Assurance: Validates that security measures are effectively implemented and functioning.
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Increased Trust: Demonstrates a commitment to cyber security to clients, stakeholders, and regulators.
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Risk Reduction: Offers deeper insights into potential vulnerabilities, ensuring stronger protection.
Choosing the Right Certification
The choice between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on your organisation's size, the sensitivity of the data you handle, and your security needs. For businesses just starting their cyber security journey, Cyber Essentials offers a solid foundation. However, organisations seeking higher credibility or dealing with sensitive information may benefit from Cyber Essentials Plus.
By achieving either certification, your organisation demonstrates its commitment to protecting against cyber threats, building trust with clients and stakeholders while aligning with industry standards.
Do You Want a Pass With Your Cyber Essentials Assessment? Get in Touch Today!
Achieving your certification
Achieve Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus With Our Support
Cyber Essentials is a straightforward yet highly effective certification designed to shield your business from 80% of common cyber threats. Developed by the UK Government, it addresses the rising dangers of cyberattacks, protects sensitive data, and fulfils essential requirements for government supply chains and many commercial contracts.
Achieving Cyber Essentials demonstrates your organisation’s dedication to robust cybersecurity. It’s an affordable, practical solution to strengthen your defences and showcase your commitment to safeguarding critical systems and data.
For businesses in London and the surrounding areas, Cyber Essentials isn’t just a smart decision—it’s a necessity. It reinforces your security, ensures compliance with government standards, and provides a valuable advantage when competing for contracts.
Cyber Essentials Support London
Your Path to Secure Certification
The choice between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on your organisation's size, the sensitivity of the data you handle, and your specific security needs. For businesses starting their cybersecurity journey, Cyber Essentials provides a solid foundation. However, organisations requiring greater credibility or handling sensitive information may find Cyber Essentials Plus more suitable.
With IT Support London, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance and expert support to achieve your certification seamlessly. Whether you choose Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, we’ll help ensure your organisation meets the required standards efficiently.
Achieving certification not only demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity but also builds trust with clients and stakeholders, aligning your business with recognised industry standards.
Steps to Achieve Cyber Essentials Certification
Did you know that over 80% of UK businesses are exposed to preventable security risks? That’s why adopting the Cyber Essentials framework is vital. It equips organisations across all industries with robust defences against the most common cyber threats.
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification is simpler than you might think. The process focuses on five essential technical controls designed to help your business meet key security standards. As a trusted local provider with in-depth knowledge of London and the surrounding areas, we’re here to support you every step of the way, tailoring solutions to the unique challenges your business faces. These essential controls include:
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Access control
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Firewalls and routers
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Malware protection
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Secure configuration
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Software updates
Cyber Essentials also helps protect against phishing attacks by introducing basic controls that raise awareness and enhance preparedness for cyber threats.
Contact Our London Office to Get Certified Now
What our clients have to say
Managed Cyber Essentials Service: We Do It All for You!
Embrace the ease and assurance that comes with our done-for-you Cyber Essentials service. Let us handle the complexities of cybersecurity, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence. Start your journey to a safer, more secure digital future today.
Save Time
Leave the complex process to us and focus on what you do best – running your business.
Peace of Mind
Rest assured knowing your cyber Security is handled by our team of experts.
100% Pass rate
With our done-for-you service, we ensure you will pass your certification every time.
Why is Cyber Essentials Certification Crucial for Your Business?
Managing Cyber Security Risks
Assessing Your Cyber Security Risk
Keeping your business safe from cyber threats starts with understanding the risks it faces. Every business is unique, and so are the potential challenges. It’s about recognising the specific threats to your operations, how likely they are to occur, and the impact they could have if they did.
Once you’ve identified these risks, it’s time to take action. Proactively addressing vulnerabilities helps reduce or even eliminate the chances of an attack. By staying ahead of cybersecurity challenges, you’re not just protecting your data—you’re building a stronger, more resilient foundation for your business to grow and thrive.
Understanding your cybersecurity risks starts with looking closely at the vulnerabilities and threats unique to your business. This might mean reviewing your current security setup to pinpoint any weak spots or using penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks and uncover hidden flaws in your systems.
Once you have a clear picture of your risks, you can take proactive steps to address them and reduce potential threats. Regularly updating and improving your security measures is key to staying one step ahead of evolving cyber risks and keeping your business and data safe.
Cyber Security Measures
Cyber Security Solutions
Protecting sensitive data and preventing cyberattacks begins with implementing robust cybersecurity measures. Key elements like firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and strong passwords serve as essential defences to safeguard your business.
By integrating these practices into your daily operations, you create a secure environment that protects your data from unauthorised access and other online threats. It’s about establishing multiple layers of security to ensure your business and its valuable information remain safe and resilient.
Cybersecurity is made up of a range of technologies and services designed to protect your business from cyber threats. This can include consultancy, specialised training for your team, and services like penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, all aimed at identifying and addressing potential risks.
By investing in a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, you’re not just protecting your data – you’re also building trust with your clients and partners. This strong foundation helps ensure the long-term success and security of your business.
FAQs
Questions about Cyber Essentials certification?
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Enhanced security – helps protect your organisation from the most common internet based cyber attacks such as phishing, malware, ransomware, password guessing and network attacks.
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Simple and cost effective – a simple process with a Cyber Essentials certification fee starting from £200.
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Gain and retain business – an increasing number of public, private and third sector contracts are mandating or actively encouraging Cyber Essentials from their suppliers.
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Aligns with GDPR – recognised by the Information Commissioner’s Office as a scheme that can provide security assurances that help protect personal data.
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Flexible scheme – regardless of sector or size, the scheme reviews basic, yet effective, technical controls an organisation has in place. The scheme also recognises that not all organisations have a dedicated IT department, or an in-depth knowledge of cyber security.
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Cyber Essentials mark an assessment within 48 hours of it being submitted, not including weekends or bank holidays. This can vary depending on how many assessments they have at one time. If you require your certification by a specific date, you must take this into consideration. Start your assessment in good time to allow enough time to, complete, submit, be marked, remediate, resubmit, and pass!
Yes, the standard protection provided by Apple devices does not meet the standards of Cyber Essentials and additional software should be installed to provide adequate protection.
The certificate will be part of a public register. You can display the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus badge on your website and/or in your email signatures.