About Cyber Security
Understanding Cyber Security Threats
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever. As businesses increasingly depend on technology and the internet, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches continues to rise. These threats aren’t something any company—big or small—can afford to overlook.
Cybersecurity is about safeguarding your networks, devices, and data from unauthorised access, misuse, or damage. By understanding the risks, businesses can take proactive steps to protect themselves and face potential cyber threats with confidence. It’s all about staying secure in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
What is Cyber Security?
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a must for every business. It’s not just about protecting sensitive information, but about putting the right technologies, processes, and habits in place to stay one step ahead of potential threats. Things like firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and strong passwords are the essentials that help keep your data safe.
But having the right tools is only part of the picture. Keeping up with new and evolving threats is just as important, and regularly updating your security measures makes all the difference. By being proactive, businesses can safeguard not only their data but also their reputation in an increasingly connected world.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cybersecurity certification scheme that sets out a good baseline of cyber security suitable for all organisations in all sectors. The scheme addresses five key controls that, when implemented correctly, can prevent around 80% of cyber attacks.
Enhanced Cyber Security
Cyber Essentials helps organisations strengthen their defenses against a wide range of common cyber attacks, ensuring better protection for their data and systems.
Data Protection Alignment
The certification aligns with broader data protection regulations like GDPR, helping organisations to comply with legal obligations regarding data security and privacy.
Business Reputation
Achieving this certification demonstrates clients, partners, and stakeholders that your business takes cyber security seriously, enhancing your reputation and trustworthiness.
Certification Levels
differences between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials
The Foundational Level
Cyber Essentials is the entry-level certification designed to help organisations implement essential security controls to protect against common cyber threats. It focuses on five key areas:
Assessment Requirements:
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A self-assessment questionnaire is completed by the organisation.
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Answers are reviewed by an external certification body to ensure compliance.
Benefits:
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Affordable: Cost-effective option for smaller businesses or those new to cyber security.
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Baseline Protection: Provides robust defence against 80% of common cyber threats.
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Government Contracts: Meets the minimum requirement for some public sector contracts.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Advanced Assurance
Cyber Essentials Plus enhances Cyber Essentials with an independent technical audit, offering greater assurance and suitability for larger organisations or those managing sensitive data.
Assessment Requirements:
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A hands-on technical audit conducted by a certified assessor.
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Verification of controls, including vulnerability scans and simulated attacks.
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In-depth testing of devices, including workstations, servers, and mobile devices.
Benefits:
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Enhanced Assurance: Validates that security measures are effectively implemented and functioning.
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Increased Trust: Demonstrates a commitment to cyber security to clients, stakeholders, and regulators.
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Risk Reduction: Offers deeper insights into potential vulnerabilities, ensuring stronger protection.
Choosing the Right Certification
The choice between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on your organisation's size, the sensitivity of the data you handle, and your security needs. For businesses just starting their cyber security journey, Cyber Essentials offers a solid foundation. However, organisations seeking higher credibility or dealing with sensitive information may benefit from Cyber Essentials Plus.
By achieving either certification, your organisation demonstrates its commitment to protecting against cyber threats, building trust with clients and stakeholders while aligning with industry standards.
Want a 100% Guarantee to Pass Cyber Essentials on Your First Attempt? Get in Touch Today!
Achieving your certification
Achieve Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus on Your First Try
Cyber Essentials is a simple yet powerful certification that helps protect your business from around 80% of common cyber threats. Created by the UK Government, it addresses the growing risk of cyberattacks, keeps sensitive data secure, and is vital for working with government supply chains and many private sector contracts.
By achieving Cyber Essentials, you’re showing that cybersecurity is a priority for your organisation. It’s a cost-effective way to boost your protection and highlight your commitment to safeguarding critical systems.
For businesses in Reading and the surrounding areas, Cyber Essentials isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. It strengthens your defences, ensures you meet government standards, and gives you an advantage when bidding for contracts.
Certified Cyber Essentials Assessors Woking
Your Path to Secure Certification
Choosing between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on your organisation’s size, the type of data you handle, and your unique security needs. If you’re just beginning to strengthen your cybersecurity, Cyber Essentials offers a great starting point. On the other hand, if your organisation deals with sensitive information or you want to boost your credibility further, Cyber Essentials Plus might be the better fit.
With IT Support Reading, you won’t have to navigate the process alone. Our experts will guide you through every step to help you achieve certification smoothly. Whether you opt for Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, we’ll make sure your organisation meets the necessary standards with minimal hassle.
Getting certified doesn’t just show your dedication to cybersecurity – it also helps build trust with clients and stakeholders, demonstrating that your business aligns with respected industry standards.
Steps to Achieve Cyber Essentials Certification
Did you know that more than 80% of UK businesses face security risks that could easily be avoided? That’s why adopting the Cyber Essentials framework is such a smart move. It helps businesses in every industry build strong defences against the most common cyber threats.
Getting Cyber Essentials certified is simpler than you might think. The process focuses on five key technical controls to help your business meet important security standards. As a local provider with in-depth knowledge of Reading and the surrounding areas, we’re here to support you every step of the way and help tackle the unique challenges your business might encounter. These essential controls include:
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Access control
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Firewalls and routers
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Malware protection
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Secure configuration
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Software updates
Cyber Essentials also helps protect against phishing attacks by introducing basic controls that raise awareness and enhance preparedness for cyber threats.
Contact Our Reading Office to Get Certified Now
What our clients have to say
100% Managed Cyber Essentials Service: We Do It All for You!
Embrace the ease and assurance that comes with our done-for-you Cyber Essentials service. Let us handle the complexities of cybersecurity, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence. Start your journey to a safer, more secure digital future today.
Save Time
Leave the complex process to us and focus on what you do best – running your business.
Peace of Mind
Rest assured knowing your cyber Security is handled by our team of experts.
100% Pass rate
With our done-for-you service, we ensure you will pass your certification every time.
Why is Cyber Essentials Certification Crucial for Your Business?
Managing Cyber Security Risks
Assessing Your Cyber Security Risk
Managing cybersecurity risks is essential for keeping your sensitive information safe and safeguarding your business from potential attacks. It begins with understanding the specific threats that could affect your business – assessing how likely they are and the impact they might have on your day-to-day operations.
Once you’ve identified these risks, the next step is to take proactive steps to minimise or eliminate them. By staying ahead of cybersecurity issues, you not only reduce the chances of threats but also create a stronger, more secure environment for your business and its data.
Understanding your cybersecurity risks begins with identifying the specific vulnerabilities and threats your business faces. This might include reviewing your current security measures to spot any weaknesses or carrying out penetration testing to simulate real-world cyberattacks and uncover hidden flaws in your systems.
By gaining a clear understanding of your business's unique risks, you can take proactive steps to address them and minimise potential threats. Regularly updating and refining your security protocols is essential for staying ahead of ever-evolving cyber risks and keeping your business safe.
Cyber Security Measures
Cyber Security Solutions
Keeping sensitive data safe and protecting against cyberattacks starts with having strong cybersecurity measures in place. This means using essentials like firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and strong passwords – all key tools to help keep your business secure.
By weaving these practices into your everyday operations, you can create a safer environment that guards your data from unauthorised access and online threats. It’s all about layering up your defences to protect your business and the valuable information you rely on.
Cybersecurity is made up of a range of technologies and services designed to protect your business from cyber threats. This can include consultancy, specialised training for your team, and services like penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, all aimed at identifying and addressing potential risks.
By investing in a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, you’re not just protecting your data – you’re also building trust with your clients and partners. This strong foundation helps ensure the long-term success and security of your business.
FAQs
Questions about Cyber Essentials certification?
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Enhanced security – helps protect your organisation from the most common internet based cyber attacks such as phishing, malware, ransomware, password guessing and network attacks.
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Simple and cost effective – a simple process with a Cyber Essentials certification fee starting from £200.
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Gain and retain business – an increasing number of public, private and third sector contracts are mandating or actively encouraging Cyber Essentials from their suppliers.
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Aligns with GDPR – recognised by the Information Commissioner’s Office as a scheme that can provide security assurances that help protect personal data.
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Flexible scheme – regardless of sector or size, the scheme reviews basic, yet effective, technical controls an organisation has in place. The scheme also recognises that not all organisations have a dedicated IT department, or an in-depth knowledge of cyber security.
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Cyber Essentials mark an assessment within 48 hours of it being submitted, not including weekends or bank holidays. This can vary depending on how many assessments they have at one time. If you require your certification by a specific date, you must take this into consideration. Start your assessment in good time to allow enough time to, complete, submit, be marked, remediate, resubmit, and pass!
Yes, the standard protection provided by Apple devices does not meet the standards of Cyber Essentials and additional software should be installed to provide adequate protection.
The certificate will be part of a public register. You can display the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus badge on your website and/or in your email signatures.