By Stuart Hadley, Chief Operating Officer at CyberQ Group
Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving landscape, where threats become more sophisticated with each passing year. The severity of cyber-attacks can be detrimental to businesses, leading to financial loss, reputational damage, and legal liability. Therefore, it is imperative for organisations to prioritise the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against such threats.
It is for this reason that the UK government created the Cyber Essentials scheme. So, what is it?
The scheme provides a framework for organisations to follow, helping to minimise the risk of cyber-attacks and provide assurance to stakeholders that their data is being protected.
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against common online threats. The scheme provides a set of cybersecurity controls that organisations can implement to minimise the risk of cyber-attacks.
The Cyber Essentials scheme is based on five key controls that, according to the UK government, can help organisations prevent up to 80% of common cyber-attacks:
- Boundary firewalls and internet gateways
- Secure configuration
- User access control
- Malware protection
- Patch management
Organisations can obtain Cyber Essentials certification by completing a self-assessment questionnaire or through an external certification body. Certification demonstrates that an organisation has taken steps to protect itself against common cyber threats and can provide assurance to customers and other stakeholders.
The Cyber Essentials scheme is aimed at organisations of all sizes and across all sectors, and it is particularly relevant for those that handle sensitive data or are part of the supply chain for larger organisations.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of the cyber essentials scheme, and speak to our specialists who will provide you with bespoke advice and expertise.
