Cyber Essentials consultancy:
a guide to the scheme
CSA’s comprehensive guide is here to direct you through everything you need to know about the Cyber Essentials scheme; a crucial certification for organisations who want to protect themselves against cyber threats, ensure data security, and meet industry-level compliance.
Plus, we’ll break down how CSA’s market-leading services can help you attain your very own Cyber Essentials certification.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber attacks take many shapes and sizes, and as we rely more on digital and online services to function successfully, having a solution in place that can protect your organisation is essential. This is the very reason Cyber Essentials exists.
The Cyber Essentials certification scheme is a government-backed service that enables organisations to both demonstrate to others and gain support in their security procedures. Further supported by the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre), this government cyber essentials scheme focuses on five key security measures that protect you from 80% of standard cyber-attacks that affect organisations across multiple industries.
Key elements of the Cyber Essentials audit
- An assessor will pick a sample of computers at your organisation and perform an audit to ensure that the devices are configured as per the scheme.
- A vulnerability scan will be performed on these machines to confirm patching and basic configuration are at an acceptable level.
- An external port scan of your internet-facing IP addresses will be conducted to ensure no clear and obvious misconfigurations or vulnerabilities can be identified.
- A test will be conducted on your default email/internet browser to confirm how well configured they are to prevent the execution of fake malicious files.
- Screenshots will be taken as evidence that the system is Cyber Essentials compliant.
Why do organisations need cyber security essentials?
As we mentioned above, organisations need Cyber Security Essentials if they both A. want to keep protected at a baseline level and take cyber security seriously. But that’s just scratching the surface of advantages you’ll receive.
Reassure customers
Cyber Security Essentials demonstrates your commitment to protecting customer and stakeholder data. This builds trust, enhances your brand’s reputation, and can lead to increased customer loyalty and confidence in your services.
Attract new business
Attract new business by showcasing your commitment to data protection. Potential clients are more likely to choose a company that prioritises security, ensuring their sensitive information is safe, which gives you a competitive edge in the market.
Understand your organisation's levels of risk
Cyber Security Essentials helps your organisation understand your risk levels by identifying vulnerabilities and potential threats. These insights enable you to take targeted actions to strengthen your defences, reducing the likelihood of cyberattacks and ensuring you can operate securely and effectively.
Bid for government contracts
Reduce insurance premiums
Implementing Cyber Security Essentials can lead to reduced insurance premiums. Insurers recognise the lower risk associated with strong cyber defences, often offering discounts on policies, which helps you save money while maintaining robust protection against potential cyber threats.
Work with a dedicated Cyber Essentials consultant
Our experiences and hands-on CSA consultants help your business thoroughly analyse its current cyber security status, identifying crucial gaps and vulnerabilities within your organisation.
Our team tailors services from the CSA portfolio to address your specific needs, guiding you through the necessary steps to meet the Cyber Essentials certification requirements.
Through our support, you can rest assured knowing your organisation implements effective security measures, aligns with industry standards, and qualifies for certification, ultimately strengthening your defences against cyber threats.
Below, you’ll find how each of our CSA cyber essentials products can be specifically implemented into your security infrastructure through our cyber security consultants.
Vulnerability scanning
Vulnerability scanning helps your organisation prepare by detecting and assessing weaknesses in your system before attackers can exploit them. We’ll provide actionable insights for patching vulnerabilities and strengthening defences across your organisation’s digital infrastructure, allowing you to proactively address risks and enhance your overall security posture.
Penetration testing
Our penetration testing service helps you prepare by simulating real-world attacks to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. This reveals weaknesses and assesses your defences, allowing for responsive remediation. By understanding potential attack vectors, you can strengthen your security measures and improve your response to real-life threats.
Security awareness training
By preparing your employees through informative and educational training, Security awareness training helps your teams recognise and respond to cyber threats accordingly. Ultimately, this improves their ability to identify threats and handle sensitive information properly, reducing the risk of human error and enhancing overall organisational defence against attacks.
GDPR awareness training
Our GDPR awareness training helps you prepare by familiarising your staff with data protection regulations and compliance requirements. GDPR awareness training ensures you understand how to handle personal data responsibly, avoid breaches, and implement necessary safeguards, reducing legal risks and enhancing your organisation’s adherence to GDPR standards.
Dark web monitoring
By identifying stolen or compromised data circulating in illicit online markets, Dark web monitoring provides early warnings of potential breaches or leaks, enabling you to take proactive measures to mitigate risks, strengthen security, and respond swiftly to protect sensitive information and maintain security.
Policy management
Establishing clear guidelines and procedures for security practices is crucial. That’s why our Policy management services ensure consistent adherence to protocols, facilitate compliance with regulations, and provide a framework for responding to incidents. This structured approach enhances overall preparedness and strengthens organisational security posture.
Phishing protection
Our Phishing protection solution helps you prepare by identifying and blocking fraudulent attempts to steal sensitive information. Educating teams on industry-wide phishing tactics reduces the risk of successful attacks with enhanced vigilance and defensive measures strengthening your network’s security against potential data breaches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cyber Essentials scheme?
The Cyber Essentials scheme is a UK government-backed initiative designed to help organisations protect against common cyber threats.
It outlines five key security controls: secure internet connections, secure devices, user access control, malware protection, and patch management.
Organisations can achieve certification through rigorous external assessment or through Cyber Essentials Plus. Certification demonstrates a commitment to basic cyber security practices, builds trust with clients, and helps meet regulatory requirements. Overall, the scheme aims to enhance cyber security resilience and reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
Is a Cyber Essentials certification worth investing in?
Investing in Cyber Essentials certification is worthwhile for organisations across all industries. It demonstrates a commitment to fundamental cyber security practices, which can build trust with clients and partners. The certification helps protect against common cyber threats by ensuring essential security measures are in place. It can also be a valuable step toward compliance with regulations and can enhance your organisation’s overall security posture.
Additionally, especially for smaller ones, the certification offers a cost-effective way to bolster security and demonstrate due diligence without extensive investment.
What is the difference between ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials?
ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials are both cyber security standards, but they differ in scope and depth.
The ISO 27001 is a comprehensive, international standard for an Information Security Management System (ISMS), covering a broad range of security controls and risk management practices. It involves extensive documentation and ongoing audits.
Cyber Essentials, by contrast, is a UK-specific scheme focusing on basic cyber security measures to protect against common threats. It is less complex and requires a simpler self-assessment or external review.
While ISO 27001 offers a more detailed and rigorous approach, Cyber Essentials provides a foundational level of security suitable for many organisations.
Is Cyber Essentials mandatory in the UK?
Though Cyber Essentials is not mandatory for most organisations in the UK, it is highly recommended. However, it becomes a requirement for certain businesses that work with the government or handle sensitive data. For example, organisations seeking contracts with the UK government may need Cyber Essentials certification to comply with procurement guidelines.
While not universally mandated, achieving Cyber Essentials can significantly enhance cyber security practices, build client trust, and demonstrate a commitment to protecting against common cyber threats. For many organisations, it serves as a valuable foundational step in improving overall cyber security.
Who needs Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is recommended for any organisation looking to improve basic cyber security, but it is especially relevant for those handling sensitive data or working with the UK government.
Additionally, businesses seeking to build trust with clients, protect against common cyber threats, or meet regulatory requirements can benefit from certification. It’s valuable for organisations of all sizes, particularly those with limited IT resources, as it establishes fundamental security practices and enhances overall cyber security posture.
What's the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are both UK cyber security certifications but differ in their assessment depth.
Cyber Essentials consists of making sure basic security measures are in place, covering areas like secure internet connections, devices, user access, malware protection, and patch management.
Cyber Essentials Plus includes everything in Cyber Essentials, but with additional requirements: an external vulnerability scan and an on-site assessment by an accredited assessor. This more rigorous evaluation provides a higher level of assurance that security controls are effectively implemented and operational. Cyber Essentials Plus is typically chosen for more robust security validation.
Do schools need Cyber Essentials?
It is highly recommended schools in the UK obtain Cyber Essentials certification.
Certification helps schools protect against common cyber threats by ensuring basic security measures are in place, such as secure internet connections and effective malware protection.
With increasing reliance on digital tools and the need to safeguard sensitive student data, Cyber Essentials can enhance a school’s cyber security posture and build trust with parents and stakeholders. Ultimately, Cyber Essentials can provide valuable protection and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a secure learning environment.
What are the password requirements for Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials requires organisations to implement strong password policies to enhance security.
Passwords should be at least eight characters long and ideally more complex, combining letters, numbers, and symbols. The scheme also encourages the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive accounts to provide an additional security layer.
Additionally, default passwords on devices and systems must be changed to unique, strong passwords. The policy should also ensure that users do not reuse passwords across different accounts. These measures are aimed at reducing the risk of unauthorised access and enhancing overall cyber security.