Business Owners: What is Cyber Essentials (And Why Should You Care)?

Cyber security is no-longer a nice to have, a strong defence against the threat of cyberattack is imperative to the long-term protection and success of your business. Enter CyberEssentials—the scheme which promises to fortify your business against the dangers of the internet. 

But what exactly is CyberEssentials and why should it be yet another blip on your radar? 

CyberEssentials is a definitive (but not exhaustive) checklist which is recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as the minimum standard of cyber security for all organisations. Being CyberEssentials compliant ensures your business isn't one of the low-hanging fruit for cyber miscreants. In this post, we'll explain CyberEssentials, where it came from and why getting CyberEssentials compliance could be the best decision since you chose to ditch dial-up for Wi-Fi. 

So, let's dive into the world of cybersecurity compliance (you're gonna love it)... 

Understanding CyberEssentials

Understanding CyberEssentials is crucial for any business aiming to secure the perimeter of their environment. This section will break down what CyberEssentials is and explain its significance within the larger context of cybersecurity compliance.

What is CyberEssentials?

CyberEssentials is a UK government-backed (which, admittedly, could be good or bad, depending on how you look at it) certification scheme which helps organisations protect themselves against a variety of cyber threats. At its core, CyberEssentials outlines a set of security controls which, when implemented, significantly reduce an organisation's vulnerability to cyberattacks and it's recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as the minimum standard of cyber

In essence, it provides a framework for organisations to adhere to basic cyber hygiene. By doing so, businesses not only safeguard their data - they also build trust with their clients, suppliers (and their stakeholders). 

Like brushing your teeth—not particularly exciting, but undeniably essential.

For businesses of all sizes, adopting CyberEssentials can be a game-changer. It ensures that the fundamentals of cybersecurity are covered, preventing your business from becoming an easy target for cybercriminals. The certification is also a testament to clients and partners that you're serious about their data security. 

Today, that kind of assurance is invaluable.

Origins of CyberEssentials

CyberEssentials was launched by the UK government in 2014 in response to the increasing risk of cyberattacks on UK businesses. The focus was initially to create a baseline security standard, intended to help organisations improve their security posture irrespective of their size or industry sector. CyberEssentials was intended to be a framework which was accessible to even the smallest businesses. 

Since its inception, CyberEssentials has evolved. Its popularity has grown not just in the UK, but internationally, as businesses increasingly recognise the importance of implementing straightforward & robust security measures. By establishing these roots, CyberEssentials aims to foster a culture of proactive cybersecurity management across all industries.

Importance of Cybersecurity Compliance

That's great, but why bother? Well, you wouldn't leave your front door wide open - why treat your business the same way? 

Cybersecurity compliance ensures that businesses adhere to established security standards, minimising the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks. By being compliant, companies can protect sensitive information from being accessed by malicious actors.

Moreover, being compliant isn't just about thwarting hackers. It's about giving your business a competitive edge. Not only does it demonstrate to your clients that you are committed to protecting their interests in you, you open yourself up to bigger, better business opportunities as - in addition to the UK government - many large corporations now look for CyberEssentials certifications when choosing partners & suppliers. 

In essence, becoming CyberEssentials compliant can provide your business with a seat at the big-person table. 

CyberEssentials Saves You Money

They say that, in business, you have to spend money to make money. But what if you could spend money to save money? 

No, I haven't lost the plot (well, not entirely). 

Businesses that are CyberEssentials compliant can benefit from lower insurance premiums! Achieving this certification can reduce your operational costs because it is known to impact your Employer's and Public Liability premiums. Moreover, businesses that turn over less than £20million per-year can also benefit from free cyberinsurance (a special business interruption insurance which protects you against losses incurred by data breaches, cyber attacks and ransomware)! 

CyberEssentials acts as both a safeguard and a financial asset so, by becoming CyberEssentials compliant, you can both reduce your costs while adding significant value to your business.. 

Seriously, how many times in a year does your Head of IT get to say that to your Finance Director (and when was the last time they both left a meeting with smiles on their faces)? 

...moving on...

How to Achieve CyberEssentials Compliance

Achieving CyberEssentials compliance doesn't have to be a Herculean task. Here's a simple roadmap to guide your efforts:

1. Understand the Requirements: Familiarise yourself with the five key security controls outlined by CyberEssentials.

2. Conduct a Self-Assessment: Evaluate your current security measures against the CyberEssentials framework.

3. Implement Necessary Changes: Address any gaps identified during the self-assessment by updating your security practices.

4. Apply for Certification: Submit your application for CyberEssentials certification through an accredited certification body (you can find one here).

5. Maintain Compliance: Regularly review and update your security measures to ensure ongoing compliance.

By following these steps, businesses can achieve compliance and reap the benefits associated with CyberEssentials certification. It's a straightforward process that can make a world of difference in your cybersecurity posture and if it sounds like a headache you'd rather not take the pills for, read on... 

Managed IT Services for Businesses

For businesses aiming to achieve CyberEssentials compliance, leveraging Managed IT Services can be a game-changer. These services provide expert support, ensuring that cybersecurity measures are not only implemented but also maintained.

Managed IT Services can help businesses navigate the complexities of the CyberEssentials framework. They offer guidance and support throughout the certification process, simplifying what might otherwise be a daunting task.

Additionally, Managed IT Services allow businesses to focus on their core operations while leaving cybersecurity to the experts. This not only enhances security but also boosts efficiency and productivity. By partnering with IT Managed Service Consultants, businesses can ensure their digital defenses are robust and reliable.

How We Can Help

Utilising a Managed IT Services Provider like Infinite Cloud IT can bring overnight cybersecurity expertise to your business. 

In fact, we specialise in this sort of seamless transition because during our customer onboarding journey, we review a client's infrastructure - making recommendations and developing an action plan to align them with CyberEssentials. While we can't officially audit you, or give you the certification, we will ease the process of obtaining it for you considerably! 

We also include a Managed Endpoint Solution, powered by SentinelOne and backed by a dedicated 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SoC) so you can rest assured that your business is monitored around the clock for security incidents! 

Want to know more about how our IT Security Managed Services can add value to your business and reduce your costs? 

Get in touch and let's tailor a flexible, scaleable and secure support solution for your business today!