Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus

If you are a regular reader of our blogs you will know that we always tell you about the importance of cyber security. Cyber attacks are still a large danger for any business and this threat should be taken seriously. However many reports show that a lot of business are still at risk of being breached. This mostly is because of a lack of awareness or cyber security has been poorly implemented.

Cyber security is really not optional it is your duty as a business to implement a good cyber security plan for your organisation. Not only do you need the correct and updated software but it is just as important that your staff is trained and made aware as well.

The UK Government is helping business by providing a range of standards and guidelines. The most important is Cyber Essentials.

Cyber Essentials explained

Cyber Essentials is a scheme launched by the UK government in 2014. This standard provides simple but very effective guidelines to protect your business against cyber attacks. Cyber Essentials encourages organisations to adopt the best practices for their information security strategy. When implemented Cyber Essentials will provide your business with a basic but essential protection against the most common cyber attacks. The Cyber Essentials certificate will provide you with proof that your organisation is protected against common cyber attacks.

Cyber Essentials Plus

Cyber Essentials Plus has exactly the same requirements as Cyber Essentials Basic. The difference is that Cyber Essentials Plus requires an independent assessment of your security controls. This assessment will verify that you have the technical security controls which are required in place. The Cyber Essentials Plus assessment involves a vulnerability scan which will identify unpatched software, open ports or incorrect firewall configuration.

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Benefits of Cyber Essentials

Obviously Cyber Essentials provides your business with cyber security as explained. This will keep your business and valuable data safe.

Cyber Essentials will also help you to be GDPR compliant. Although the UK is leaving the EU at the end of this year there will be GDPR legislation and it is important that your business complies with these rules to prevent hefty fines. Cyber Essentials will help to keep your data and that of your customers safe.

If you are bidding for government contracts you may have to be Cyber Essentials complaint in some cases. If a contract involves certain technical services or handling of sensitive information then you need to be Cyber Essentials compliant.

Having a Cyber Essentials certificate will create trust towards your customers and partners. It shows that you take security of  your computer systems and data seriously. This is even more important if you store data for your customers or partners.

Cyber Essentials by Tech-Wales

At Tech-Wales we offer Cyber Essentials services and we can help you through the process to obtain your Cyber Essentials certificate. We have the expertise to help you complete the Cyber Essentials assessment. Our services also includes an assessment against the Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation. Not only do we help you obtain your Cyber Essentials certificate but we can also provide support to meet the requirements. We also pride ourselves to provide excellent customer services and care. Do not hesitate to contact us today and start protecting your business against cyber attacks.