About Cyber Security
Understanding Cyber Security Threats
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever. As businesses rely more on technology and the internet, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches grows significantly. These threats are something every organisation—no matter its size—must take seriously.
Cybersecurity focuses on protecting your networks, devices, and data from unauthorised access, misuse, or damage. By understanding these risks, businesses can take proactive measures to protect themselves and confidently face any potential cyber threats. It’s about staying secure, adaptable, and resilient in a constantly evolving digital world.
What is Cyber Security?
Cybersecurity is more than just important – it’s crucial for every business. It’s not only about safeguarding sensitive data; it’s about adopting the right tools, processes, and practices to stay one step ahead of ever-evolving threats. Firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and strong passwords are the building blocks of a secure digital environment.
However, cybersecurity isn’t just about having the right technology in place. Staying alert to emerging threats and regularly updating your security measures is equally essential. By taking a proactive approach, businesses can protect not just their data, but their reputation in an increasingly connected world.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cybersecurity certification that provides a solid foundation of security practices, designed to be suitable for organisations across all sectors. By focusing on key controls, this scheme helps protect businesses by preventing up to 80% of common cyberattacks when implemented correctly.
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
Deciding between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on the size of your business, the type of data you handle, and your unique security needs. If you’re just beginning your cybersecurity journey, Cyber Essentials offers a strong foundation to safeguard your business. However, if you deal with sensitive data or want to enhance your organisation’s reputation, Cyber Essentials Plus may be the right choice.
Whichever certification you choose, it demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity. Not only does it protect your business from online threats, but it also assures clients and stakeholders that you take data security seriously and follow the highest industry standards.
Do You Want a Pass With Your Cyber Essentials Assessment? 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 easily be prevented? That's why adopting the Cyber Essentials framework is so important. It provides businesses of all sizes with robust protection against common cyber threats.
Getting Cyber Essentials certified is easier than you might think. The certification process focuses on five key technical controls that help your business meet essential security standards. As your local provider with a deep understanding of Slough and the surrounding areas, we’re here to guide you through every step, addressing any specific challenges your business may face. These 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.
What our clients have to say
100% Managed Cyber Essentials Service: We Do It All for You!
Experience the peace of mind that comes with our fully managed Cyber Essentials service. Let us take care of the complexities of cybersecurity, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence. Begin your journey towards a safer, more secure digital future today.
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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 with our support
Cyber Essentials is a straightforward yet powerful certification that protects your business from up to 80% of common cyber threats. Developed by the UK Government, it tackles the growing risks of cyberattacks, safeguards sensitive data, and is essential for businesses involved in government supply chains and many commercial contracts.
Achieving Cyber Essentials shows your commitment to strong cybersecurity. It’s an affordable way to boost your defences and demonstrate that your organisation takes the protection of critical systems seriously.
For businesses in Slough and the surrounding areas, Cyber Essentials is more than just an advantage—it’s a must. It strengthens your security, ensures compliance with government standards, and gives you a competitive edge when bidding for contracts.
Cyber Essentials Assessors Support In Slough
Your Path to Secure Certification
Choosing between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on your organisation’s size, the type of data you manage, and your specific security needs. Cyber Essentials is a great starting point for businesses new to cybersecurity, offering essential protection. However, if you handle sensitive data or want to enhance your business’s credibility, Cyber Essentials Plus might be the better choice.
At IT Support Slough, we’re here to guide you through the entire process, providing expert advice and support to ensure you achieve certification effortlessly. Whether you opt for Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, we’ll help your organisation meet the necessary standards quickly and efficiently.
Achieving certification not only demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity but also builds trust with your clients and stakeholders, ensuring your business aligns with industry-leading standards.
Why is Cyber Essentials Certification Crucial for Your Business?
Managing Cyber Security Risks
Assessing Your Cyber Security Risk
Managing cybersecurity risks is crucial to protecting your sensitive information and keeping your business safe from potential threats. It all begins with identifying the specific risks your business faces—understanding how likely they are and the potential impact they could have on your operations.
Once you’ve pinpointed these risks, the next step is to take proactive action to minimise or eliminate them. By staying ahead of cybersecurity challenges, you not only reduce the chances of a security breach but also strengthen your business’s overall security, ensuring your most valuable data is well-protected.
Understanding your cybersecurity risks begins with recognising the unique vulnerabilities and threats your business faces. This might involve reviewing your current security measures to identify weaknesses or conducting penetration testing to simulate real-world cyberattacks and uncover any hidden flaws in your systems.
By gaining a clear understanding of these risks, you can take proactive steps to address them and minimise potential threats. Continuously updating and improving your security protocols is essential to stay one step ahead of evolving cyber risks, ensuring that your business remains safe and secure.
Cyber Security Measures
Cyber Security Solutions
Protecting sensitive data and preventing cyberattacks starts with putting solid cybersecurity measures in place. This includes essentials like firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and strong passwords—vital tools to keep your business secure.
By making these practices a part of your daily routine, you create a secure environment that defends your data from unauthorized access and 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 variety of tools and services to protect your business from online threats. This includes expert advice, tailored training for your team, and services like penetration testing and vulnerability assessments—all designed to identify and tackle potential risks before they become problems.
When you invest in a solid cybersecurity strategy, you’re not only safeguarding your data—you’re also building trust with your clients and partners. This strong foundation is key to ensuring your business remains safe and successful in the long run.
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.