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About Cyber Security
Understanding Cyber Security Threats
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever. As businesses become increasingly dependent on technology and the internet, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches grows. These threats are something no organisation—big or small—can afford to overlook.
Cybersecurity means protecting your networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access, misuse, or damage. By understanding these risks, businesses can take proactive steps to safeguard themselves and confidently face any potential threats. It’s about staying secure and resilient in a constantly evolving digital world.
What is Cyber Security?
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more than just important—it’s a must for every business. It’s not only about protecting sensitive data but also about using the right tools, processes, and best practices to stay ahead of potential threats. Essentials like firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and strong passwords are the building blocks of keeping your data secure.
But cybersecurity isn’t just about the tech—it’s about staying alert to emerging risks and consistently updating your defences. By taking a proactive approach, businesses can safeguard not only their data but also their reputation in an ever-more 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
Choosing between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on factors like your organisation’s size, the type of data you manage, and your specific security requirements. For businesses starting their cybersecurity journey, Cyber Essentials provides a solid foundation. However, if your organisation handles sensitive data or wants to boost its credibility, Cyber Essentials Plus could be the better fit.
No matter which certification you choose, it shows your commitment to cybersecurity. Not only will it help protect your business from online threats, but it also gives your clients and stakeholders peace of mind, knowing that you prioritise data protection 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 exposed to avoidable security risks? That’s why implementing the Cyber Essentials framework is so important. It provides businesses of all sizes and industries with robust protection against common cyber threats.
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification is easier than you might think. The process focuses on five key technical controls to help your business meet essential security standards. As a local provider with a deep understanding of Aldershot and the surrounding areas, we’re here to guide you through the process, tackling any unique 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!
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 a straightforward yet effective certification that protects your business from 80% of common cyber threats. Developed by the UK Government, it tackles the rising risk of cyberattacks, safeguards sensitive data, and is essential for government supply chains and many commercial contracts.
Achieving Cyber Essentials shows your commitment to robust cybersecurity. It’s an affordable way to enhance your defences and demonstrate your organisation's dedication to protecting critical systems.
For businesses in Aldershot and surrounding areas, Cyber Essentials is not just beneficial—it’s crucial. It strengthens your security, ensures compliance with government requirements, and provides a competitive edge in securing contracts.
Certified Cyber Essentials Assessors Aldershot
Your Path to Secure 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 specific security needs. Cyber Essentials is a great starting point for businesses beginning their cybersecurity journey. However, if you're dealing with sensitive data or want to boost your credibility, Cyber Essentials Plus might be the better option.
At IT Support Aldershot, we offer expert guidance and step-by-step support to help you achieve certification with ease. Whether you choose Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, we’ll ensure your organisation meets all the required standards efficiently and effectively.
Achieving certification not only demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity but also builds trust with clients and stakeholders, ensuring your business aligns with 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 crucial for safeguarding your sensitive information and keeping your business protected from potential threats. It all begins with understanding the specific risks your business might face—assessing how likely they are to happen and the impact they could have on your operations.
Once you've identified these risks, it's time to take proactive steps to minimise or eliminate them. By staying ahead of cybersecurity challenges, you not only lower the chances of a breach but also create a stronger, more secure foundation for your business and its valuable data.
Understanding your cybersecurity risks starts with identifying the specific vulnerabilities and threats your business may face. This could involve reviewing your current security measures to spot weaknesses or running penetration tests to simulate real-world cyberattacks and uncover hidden flaws in your systems.
Once you have a clear understanding of the unique risks to your business, 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 ever-changing cyber risks and ensuring your business stays secure.
Cyber Security Measures
Cyber Security Solutions
Protecting sensitive data and preventing cyberattacks begins with implementing strong cybersecurity measures. This includes essentials such as firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and robust passwords—key tools to safeguard your business effectively.
By integrating these practices into your daily operations, you can create a secure environment that shields your data from unauthorised access and other online threats. It’s about establishing multiple layers of protection to ensure your business and its valuable information remain safe.
Cybersecurity involves a variety of technologies and services that work together to safeguard your business from online threats. This can include expert advice, tailored training for your team, as well as services like penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, all designed to identify and address any potential risks.
By investing in a solid cybersecurity strategy, you're not only protecting your data but also fostering trust with your clients and partners. This strong foundation plays a key role in securing the long-term success and safety 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.