About Cyber Security
Understanding Cyber Security Threats
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. As businesses become more reliant on technology and the internet, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches continues to grow. These threats are something no organisation—large or small—can afford to ignore.
Cybersecurity is all 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, adaptable, and resilient in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
What is Cyber Security?
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity isn’t just important – it’s essential for every business. It’s not just about protecting sensitive data; it’s about using the right tools, processes, and practices to stay ahead of evolving threats. Firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and strong passwords form the foundation of a secure digital environment.
But cybersecurity goes beyond just the technology. Staying aware of emerging threats and regularly updating your security measures is just as vital. By taking a proactive approach, businesses can protect not only their data but also their reputation in an increasingly interconnected 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 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 your business size, the type of data you handle, and your specific security needs. If you're just starting your cybersecurity journey, Cyber Essentials provides a solid foundation to protect your business. However, if your organisation deals with sensitive data or wants to boost its reputation, Cyber Essentials Plus might be the better choice.
Whichever certification you opt for, it shows your dedication to cybersecurity. It not only protects your business from online threats but also reassures clients and stakeholders that you take data security seriously and are committed to following 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 vulnerable to 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.
Getting Cyber Essentials certified is simpler than you might think. The certification process focuses on five key technical controls designed to help your business meet essential security standards. As your local provider with in-depth knowledge of Horsham and the surrounding areas, we’re here to guide you through every step, addressing 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
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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
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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 powerful certification that helps protect your business from up to 80% of common cyber threats. Developed by the UK Government, it addresses the growing risks of cyberattacks, safeguards sensitive data, and is a crucial requirement for businesses involved in government supply chains and many commercial contracts.
Achieving Cyber Essentials demonstrates your commitment to robust cybersecurity. It's an affordable way to strengthen your defences and show that your organisation takes the protection of critical systems seriously.
For businesses in Horsham and the surrounding areas, Cyber Essentials is not just an advantage—it’s essential. It enhances your security, ensures compliance with government standards, and provides a competitive edge when bidding for contracts.
Certified Cyber Essentials Assessors Horsham
Your Path to Secure Certification
Deciding between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on your organisation's size, the type of data you manage, and your unique security requirements. 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 might be the more suitable option.
At IT Support Horsham, we’re here to guide you through the entire process, offering expert advice and support to ensure you achieve certification with ease. Whether you choose Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, we’ll help your organisation meet all necessary standards quickly and efficiently.
Achieving certification not only shows your commitment to cybersecurity but also helps build 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 essential to protecting your sensitive information and ensuring the security of your business from potential threats. It starts with identifying the specific risks your business faces—understanding how likely they are and the impact they could have on your operations.
Once these risks are clear, the next step is to take proactive measures to minimise or eliminate them. By staying one step ahead of cybersecurity challenges, you not only reduce the chances of a threat but also strengthen the security of your business and safeguard its most valuable data.
Understanding your cybersecurity risks starts with identifying the unique vulnerabilities and threats your business faces. This may involve reviewing your existing security measures to spot weaknesses or conducting penetration testing to simulate real-world cyberattacks and uncover hidden flaws in your systems.
By fully understanding these risks, you can take proactive steps to address them and reduce potential threats. Regularly updating and refining your security protocols is crucial to stay ahead of evolving cyber risks and ensuring your business remains protected.
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 is all about using a range of technologies and services to protect your business from online threats. This can include expert advice, personalised training for your team, and services like penetration testing and vulnerability assessments—all aimed at spotting and addressing any potential risks.
By investing in a strong cybersecurity strategy, you’re not just securing your data—you’re also building trust with your clients and partners. This solid foundation is essential for ensuring the long-term safety and success 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.