Cyber Essentials helps you to guard against the most common form of cyber threats and demonstrate your commitment to cyber security.
DarkSkope will work with you to perform a GAP analysis highlighting areas which need to be resolved before certification and consulting with you on any fixes that should be addressed before the application process begins.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed, industry-supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common online threats. The Government worked with the Information Assurance for Small and Medium Enterprises (IASME) consortium and the Information Security Forum (ISF) to develop Cyber Essentials, a set of basic technical controls to help organisations protect themselves against common online security threats.
The full scheme, launched on 5 June 2014, enables organisations to gain one of two Cyber Essentials badges. It is backed by industry including the Federation of Small Businesses, the CBI and a number of insurance organisations which are offering incentives for businesses.
Cyber Essentials is suitable for all organisations, of any size, in any sector.
From 1 October 2014, Government requires all suppliers bidding for contracts involving the handling of certain sensitive and personal information to be certified against the Cyber Essentials scheme.
Benefits of cyber Essentials
1. Protects your organisation from 80% of common cyber threats– The 5 technical controls within the scheme when implemented, helps your organisation protect from 80% of common cyber-attacks and tighten security. The 5 controls are firewalls, secure configuration, control user access, anti-malware and phishing.
2. Increased credibility and reputation– Achieving Cyber Essentials certification shows your commitment to protecting your own data and that of your customers and clients. The certification increases the reputation of your business and shows your organisation is taking preventative actions to reduce the threat from cyber-attacks.
3. Win government contracts and open business opportunities– If your organisation is looking to bid for government contracts you will need to be Cyber Essentials certified. New business opportunities are opened as it demonstrates to business partners and new clients that you are working in a safe and secure digital environment.
4. Eligible for free cyber insurance cover– Showing that your organisation is compliant with the scheme means that you could be eligible for free cyber insurance cover, saving you up to £25,000.
Cyber Essentials v Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials [Basic]
is a self-certification. This means that you’re asked to supply answers to a questionnaire (with evidence) and the application is marked by one of our certification bodies through our online portal.
Cyber Essentials [PLUS]
involves an external vulnerability scan. This means that one of our certification bodies will visit your office and perform a test that is in line with the Cyber Essentials requirements. Every certification body will have the same test process, however - the costs may vary.