Cyber Essentials

The UK Government scheme for Cyber Security explained

Cyber Essentials2021-06-01T13:06:40+01:00

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a UK Government backed scheme designed to help businesses of all types and sizes protect against cyber attack.

It allows your businesses to identify and implement best practices for cyber security through self assessment or with the help of a security partner.

The objective is to avoid the most common cyber attacks by implementing best practice security policies, processes and training .

It was created by the UK National Cyber Security Centre and is available in two levels of certification.

  • Cyber Essentials
  • Cyber Essentials Plus

All business can apply for certification. For Cyber Essentials this is a self certification process and for Cyber Essentials Plus an independent auditor will undertake a hand-on technical verification.

Cyber Essentials Logo
Cyber Essentials Plus Logo

Cyber Essentials Best Practice

  • Firewalls: Have firewalls setup to secure your internet connection

  • Security Settings: Ensure that the highest level of security settings are enabled on workplace devices and software

  • Authorised Access: Maintain strict control over who has access, and what level of access to your sensitive information

  • Antivirus & malware protection: Protect your business from an attack from malware, viruses and phishing by installing an up to date anti-virus software

  • Stay updated: Carry out regular software and hardware updates on all devices

How to get Cyber Essentials?

IT Foundations can carry out on-site audits of the current practices your business has in place for cyber security. This will be followed by a performance report, with criteria from the official Cyber Essentials framework and recommendations for change.

Within a specified period from the audit, your organisation will have this time to take the recommended actions and then submit your self assessment questionnaire for verification by the Cyber Essentials certification body.

You can find out more about Cyber Essentials at: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/overview

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