In today’s digital age, Cybersecurity is of paramount importance. With the rise of cyber threats, protecting your organisation’s digital assets is no longer ‘nice to have,’ it is critical. Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme designed to ensure that companies of all sizes, can demonstrate through certification, that they are adhering to cyber security best practice.  

Communications Solutions UK can assess your compliance. Contact us for a free consultation on how we can secure your business and ensure that you can be certified. 

This article will explore the program, the certification process, its benefits, and critical considerations for businesses looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture. 

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a robust cybersecurity certification program that is backed by the UK government. Cyber Essentials equips you with the necessary tools and knowledge to thwart cyber-attacks effectively. 

There are two levels of certification:

1. Cyber Essentials: This is a self-assessment questionnaire that will be reviewed online. It demonstrates that you have taken steps to combat cyber-attacks. This certification is a basic requirement if you want to bid for any UK Government contracts.
2. Cyber Essentials Plus: This is an enhanced version of Cyber Essentials that requires a hands-on technical verification and vulnerability testing by an independent assessor. This ensures that your organisation is protected from hacking and phishing attacks.

What are Cyber Essentials Benefits?

This certification is for organisations looking to bolster their cybersecurity posture. Certification demonstrates to their clients, employees and stakeholders that they are serious about safeguarding their business and personal data.  

Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider to get certified:

• Safeguarding your Business’s Finances, Data and Reputation. A cyber-attack can cause irreparable damage to a company’s business, impacting client confidence and damaging your bottom-line. Cyber Essentials equips your organisation with the tools and controls to defend against common cyber threats. Once these controls are in place you are much less likely to fall victim to attacks.
• Competitive Advantage. This certification will differentiate you from your competitors. According to The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022, only 6% of UK businesses hold Cyber Essentials certification, and only 1% have achieved Cyber Essentials Plus. By displaying the official kitemark, you are demonstrating your professionalism and commitment to keeping personal and business data secure.
• Cost-Effective. It is recognised by insurers as a scheme contributing to business security and mitigating risk. For this reason certified businesses frequently see cost savings on their cyber insurance premiums.
• Legal Consideration. While not a legal requirement in all cases, some market sectors mandate the  certification for suppliers. Complying with this requirement can be a business necessity.