.png)
About Cyber Security
Understanding Cyber Security Threats
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. With businesses increasingly dependent on technology and the internet, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches continues to grow. These threats are something no business—large or small—can afford to ignore.
Cybersecurity is about safeguarding your networks, devices, and data from unauthorised access, misuse, or damage. By understanding these risks, businesses can take proactive steps to protect themselves and face potential cyber threats with confidence. It’s about staying secure and adaptable in an ever-changing digital landscape.
What is Cyber Security?
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is essential for every business. It’s not just about protecting sensitive data, but also about using the right tools, processes, and practices to stay ahead of potential threats. Key elements like firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and strong passwords form the foundation of a secure digital environment.
But cybersecurity goes beyond technology. Staying alert to emerging threats and regularly updating your defences are just as important. By adopting a proactive approach, businesses can protect their data, reputation, and trust 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:
-
A self-assessment questionnaire is completed by the organisation.
-
Answers are reviewed by an external certification body to ensure compliance.
Benefits:
-
Affordable: Cost-effective option for smaller businesses or those new to cyber security.
-
Baseline Protection: Provides robust defence against 80% of common cyber threats.
-
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:
-
A hands-on technical audit conducted by a certified assessor.
-
Verification of controls, including vulnerability scans and simulated attacks.
-
In-depth testing of devices, including workstations, servers, and mobile devices.
Benefits:
-
Enhanced Assurance: Validates that security measures are effectively implemented and functioning.
-
Increased Trust: Demonstrates a commitment to cyber security to clients, stakeholders, and regulators.
-
Risk Reduction: Offers deeper insights into potential vulnerabilities, ensuring stronger protection.
Choosing the Right Certification
Choosing between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on factors like your organisation's size, the type of data you handle, and your specific security needs. For businesses starting out on their cybersecurity journey, Cyber Essentials provides a solid foundation. However, if your organisation deals with sensitive data or wants to boost its credibility, Cyber Essentials Plus may be the better fit.
No matter which certification you go for, it shows your commitment to cybersecurity. Not only does it help protect your business from online threats, but it also gives your clients and stakeholders confidence that you prioritise their data security and follow industry best practices.
Want a 100% Guarantee to Pass Cyber Essentials on Your First Attempt? Get in Touch Today!
Steps to Achieve Cyber Essentials Certification
Did you know that over 80% of UK businesses are at risk of security breaches that could be easily prevented? That’s why adopting the Cyber Essentials framework is crucial. It offers businesses of all sizes strong protection against common cyber threats.
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification is simpler than you might think. The process focuses on five essential technical controls to ensure your business meets the necessary security standards. As a local provider with a thorough understanding of Newbury and the surrounding areas, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, addressing any specific challenges your business might face. These key controls include:
-
Access control
-
Firewalls and routers
-
Malware protection
-
Secure configuration
-
Software updates
Cyber Essentials also helps protect against phishing attacks by introducing basic controls that raise awareness and enhance preparedness for cyber threats.
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.
Achieving your certification
Achieve Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus on Your First Try
Cyber Essentials is an easy-to-understand yet highly effective certification that protects your business from up to 80% of common cyber threats. Developed by the UK Government, it tackles the growing risk of cyberattacks, safeguards sensitive data, and is a vital requirement for businesses in government supply chains and many commercial contracts.
Achieving Cyber Essentials demonstrates your commitment to strong cybersecurity. It's an affordable way to enhance your defences and show that your organisation takes the protection of critical systems seriously.
For businesses in Newbury and the surrounding areas, Cyber Essentials isn’t just a useful addition—it’s essential. It strengthens your security, ensures compliance with government standards, and provides a competitive edge when bidding for contracts.
Certified Cyber Essentials Assessors Newbury
Your Path to Secure Certification
Choosing between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on factors such as your organisation's size, the type of data you manage, and your specific security needs. Cyber Essentials is an excellent starting point for businesses taking their first steps in cybersecurity, providing essential protection. However, if you handle sensitive data or want to boost your business's credibility, Cyber Essentials Plus may be the more suitable option.
At IT Support Newbury, we’re here to guide you through each step of the process, offering expert advice and support to help you achieve your certification smoothly. Whether you opt for Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, we’ll ensure your organisation meets all the required standards efficiently and effectively.
Achieving certification not only shows your commitment to cybersecurity but also builds trust with your clients and stakeholders, ensuring your business meets recognised industry standards.
Why is Cyber Essentials Certification Crucial for Your Business?
Managing Cyber Security Risks
Assessing Your Cyber Security Risk
Managing cybersecurity risks is essential for protecting your sensitive information and ensuring your business stays secure against potential threats. It starts with understanding the specific risks your business may face—evaluating how likely they are and the impact they could have on your operations.
Once these risks are identified, the next step is to take proactive measures to reduce or eliminate them. By staying ahead of cybersecurity challenges, you not only lower the chances of threats but also fortify your business and safeguard its most valuable data.
Understanding your cybersecurity risks starts with identifying the specific vulnerabilities and threats your business faces. This could involve reviewing your existing security measures to pinpoint weaknesses or conducting penetration testing to simulate real-world cyberattacks and uncover hidden flaws in your systems.
By fully understanding your business’s unique risks, you can take proactive steps to address them and reduce potential threats. Regularly updating and refining your security protocols is key to staying ahead of evolving cyber risks and ensuring your business remains secure.
Cyber Security Measures
Cyber Security Solutions
Protecting sensitive data and defending against cyberattacks starts with strong cybersecurity measures. This includes key tools like firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and strong passwords—essential elements to keep your business secure.
By incorporating these practices into your daily operations, you create a secure environment that prevents unauthorised access and other online threats. It's about building multiple layers of protection to ensure your business and its valuable information stay safe.
Cybersecurity is about using a combination of technologies and services to safeguard your business from online threats. This includes expert guidance, tailored training for your team, and services like penetration testing and vulnerability assessments—all designed to identify and address potential risks.
By investing in a robust cybersecurity strategy, you're not only protecting your data but also building trust with clients and partners. This strong foundation ensures the long-term safety and success of your business.
FAQs
Questions about Cyber Essentials certification?
-
Enhanced security – helps protect your organisation from the most common internet based cyber attacks such as phishing, malware, ransomware, password guessing and network attacks.
-
Simple and cost effective – a simple process with a Cyber Essentials certification fee starting from £200.
-
Gain and retain business – an increasing number of public, private and third sector contracts are mandating or actively encouraging Cyber Essentials from their suppliers.
-
Aligns with GDPR – recognised by the Information Commissioner’s Office as a scheme that can provide security assurances that help protect personal data.
-
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.
-
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.