What is Cyber Essentials and why should you care? 

You might have seen us previously mention Cyber Essentials accreditation but what actually is Cyber Essentials, how is it different from standard cyber security processes and do you need it? 

Cyber crime is a growing threat and according to the UK’s National Crime Agency, it already costs the country billions of pounds. Cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated by the day, making it more important than ever to implement a robust cyber security plan that keeps your business and customers safe from potential threats. 

What is Cyber Essentials? 

If you just want to know the basics, watch this short explainer video on our YouTube channel.

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed and industry-supported scheme designed to help businesses protect themselves against the growing threat of cyber attacks – providing a clear set of basic controls organisations should have in place as a first line of defence: 

• Firewalls and internet gateways 
• Secure configuration 
• Access control 
• Malware protection 
• Patch management 

Almost every industry is now relying on customer data, whether that’s to drive marketing campaigns, enhance the customer experience or improve operational performance. In 2023, it’s almost impossible for a business to succeed without data collection. 

As the reliance on data continues to be one of the main drivers for success, so too does the responsibility of organisations to handle and safeguard their databases. Cyber Essentials offers clearly defined protocols to ensure a safer internet space for businesses and consumers alike. 

How is Cyber Essentials different from standard cyber security? 

Developed and operated by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Cyber Essentials helps you protect your business and technology against the most common cyber threats – which is important as vulnerability to basic attacks can mark you out as a target for more in-depth unwanted attention from cyber criminals.  

“80% of cyber crime could have been prevented with just basic security measures in place.” 

Dr Jamie Saunders, Strategic Security Consultant 

• Cyber Essentials is a foundational level certificate that provides basic controls your organisation should have in place and identifies any gaps to mitigate the risk of common cyber security threats 

• Cyber Essentials Plus is the highest level of certification, offering a more rigorous test of your organisation’s cyber security plan – involving vulnerability tests carried out by experts to protect against hacking and phishing attacks  

Do you need Cyber Essentials? 

No matter how big or small your organisation is – whether your work in B2B, B2C or the public sector – if you are working with data (which you most likely are) you are a possible target for cyber attacks. This possibility is enough to cause concerns over the safeguarding of your data and the people that could be affected if this is at risk. 

Organisations should have processes in place that allow their vulnerabilities to be detected and resolved with proven methods – ensuring you are never the weakest link in your supply chain. 

A widely recognised, government-accredited certification shows your potential customers, clients, and suppliers that you are a trustworthy partner who takes the safeguarding of their data seriously.  

Cyber Essentials has become a mandatory requirement to win public sector contracts and this could soon be more widely adopted in the private sector looking to fortify their security measures. So stay ahead of the curve and get Cyber Essentials accredited today. 

“We were surprised at how relatively painless it was to achieve Cyber Essentials. When you read up on the scheme, it sounds quite time-consuming and expensive but, it was neither. There was some remedial work needed which Hubtel IT handled behind the scenes, and we were extremely pleased to have passed the accreditation first time.” 

Nick Horncastle, Managing Director at Platinum Nursing Care 

Read our full case study here on how we helped Platinum Nursing Care become Cyber Essentials Accredited. 

If you would like more information on certifying your business to the Cyber Essentials standard, give Hubtel IT a call on 01675 466637, email enquiries@hubtelit.co.uk or for more information, click here.