With the increasing frequency of cyberattacks on UK businesses, organisations of all sizes must prioritise their cybersecurity. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) offers two certifications, Cyber Essentials (CE) and Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+), which are designed to help businesses to strengthen their defences and resist attempts by criminals and hackers to infiltrate their networks and systems.
But what are Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, what are the key differences, and why are they crucial for businesses?
Cyber Essentials (CE)
Cyber Essentials, a Government-backed scheme that is suitable for businesses of all sizes, outlines a set of basic technical controls for organisations to implement to protect them against common basic cyberattacks. Because the vast majority of cyberattacks aim to exploit common vulnerabilities, this scheme aims to ensure that businesses have the technical controls in place to resist infiltration.
The certification process involves a self-assessment questionnaire, which is then verified by an external certifying body. By demonstrating compliance with the Cyber Essentials standard, you will be able to showcase your commitment to protecting your data assets and customer information through effective mitigations.
Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+)
Cyber Essentials Plus shares the same simple approach as the Cyber Essentials certification but requires businesses to undergo an external audit to demonstrate they are actively implementing the practices outlined in their self-assessment. This process includes hands-on on-site assessments and vulnerability tests. Achieving CE+ is considered more challenging but provides a higher level of assurance.
What Are The Benefits Of Cyber Essentials Certifications?
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus offer tangible benefits for businesses, from more robust cybersecurity to more comprehensive compliance with regulatory requirements. Investing in these certifications is not a box-ticking exercise but a proactive strategy to undertake serious, actionable steps towards safeguarding your business from cyber threats.
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Reassure Customers And Attract New Business.
Having a Cyber Essentials certification will provide important reassurance to your customers that you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your business against cybercrime. Customers need to know their data is safe, so certification can also be a deciding factor for new customers who are looking for businesses with established cybersecurity protection.
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Understand Your Business’s Cybersecurity Level.
Cyber Essentials certifications provide business leaders and IT managers with a detailed picture of their organisation's cybersecurity level, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. This can inform future decision-making to ensure the highest level of protection.
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Access Specialist Contracts.
Some Government contracts require businesses to have Cyber Essentials certification, so it is a necessity for organisations who wish to access lucrative work or expand into other areas, such as local government or health.
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Gain A Competitive Advantage
Possessing Cyber Essentials certification can give businesses a competitive edge as they will be able to showcase their commitment to cybersecurity. Customers and investors are more likely to choose a secure business than one that appears to be indifferent to the nature of the threat. Also, a certification can result in reduced insurance premiums as insurers recognise the lower risk profile of certified businesses.
Fortify Your Business Against Cybercrime
To find out more about how you can protect your business from the dangers of cybercrime, please download the free TMB Guide to Cyber Security or book a call with one of our experts.
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