(TL;DR)
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification that helps your business protect itself from common cyber threats.
In summary, Cyber Essentials can help your organization to:
It’s a smart, affordable step to keep your business safe and competitive.
Businesses of all sizes are at risk of cyber-attacks, from small firms to big corporations. Cyber Essentials is a UK government-supported certification that helps companies protect themselves against everyday online threats. Here’s why getting Cyber Essentials certification could benefit your business.
Cyber Essentials helps your business put basic protections in place to guard against common threats, such as malware and phishing attacks. These are simple but effective defences that can prevent major problems like data breaches and financial losses.
82% of scheme users surveyed are confident that the technical controls provide protection against common cyber threats, while 80% say that the controls help to mitigate cyber security risks within the organisation.
When your business has Cyber Essentials certification, it shows customers that you take cybersecurity seriously. They’ll feel more comfortable trusting you with their personal information, which can give you an edge over competitors who don’t have the same certification.
A cyber-attack can hurt your business’s reputation, sometimes for good. By achieving Cyber Essentials certification, you show that you’re taking steps to protect your data and your customers’ data, which helps build a positive image for your brand.
Some clients, especially government organizations, require suppliers to have Cyber Essentials certification. By getting certified, you’ll be eligible for a wider range of contracts, which can help your business grow.
Cyber Essentials focuses on five key security controls:
Implementing these basic steps makes your business much stronger against cyber threats.
With Cyber Essentials, your business is more likely to meet legal or regulatory requirements around data protection, like GDPR. Meeting these requirements can help you avoid fines and protect your business from legal issues.
Having Cyber Essentials certification can reduce the cost of cyber insurance. Many insurers see certified businesses as lower risk, so they offer better prices or higher coverage, saving you money in the long run.
Organisations having a turnover of less than £20 million, that achieve Cyber Essentials certification, are eligible for free Cyber Insurance. This requires the whole organisation to be included in the scope of the assessment, and has a value of £25,000 of liability.
Although the certification focuses on key technology controls, the process often helps with educating your staff about cybersecurity basics. This encourages organisations to create a culture where everyone understands their role in keeping the business secure, making it less likely for human error to cause a security breach.
Cyber Essentials is a relatively low-cost certification with clear steps for businesses to follow. The cost is often outweighed by the benefits of better security, increased customer trust, and new business opportunities.
Cyber Essentials is just the beginning. Once you’ve got the basics in place, you can work towards more advanced maturity and certifications, such as Cyber Essentials Plus or Cyber Assurance certifications (IASME / ISO), as your business grows and your needs expand.
Cyber Essentials certification is a straightforward, affordable step that helps businesses protect themselves from common threats, improve customer trust, and open up new business opportunities. It’s a simple yet powerful tool to keep your business safe and competitive in today’s digital world.
Ironshare’s assessors can guide you through the entire Cyber Essentials journey, to help you understand the questions and recommend practical steps to meet the certification requirements. By following the guidance we ensure that you reach your cyber goals and achieve this valuable certification.
Upon successful completion, a passing certificate will automatically be issued by Blockmark, to showcase your new certification status.
For more information head over to our Cyber Essentials page or Get in touch to start your certification.
Stuart Hare is a Technologist with a passion for helping people in all aspects of IT & Cyber Security. Stuart is the Founder of Ironshare, an Information and Cyber Security company providing consultancy and managed services.
Samuel is a Security Analyst with Ironshare, an Information and Cyber Security company providing Security consultancy and managed services.
Joshua is working as a Managed Service Lead with Ironshare, an Information and Cyber Security company providing Security consultancy and managed services.
