In today's digital age, cyber threats are becoming more frequent and severe. The recent cyber-attack on the NHS, which disrupted critical operations, highlights the devastating impact such breaches can have. According to the UK government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, 50% of UK businesses experienced a cyber-attack in the past year, with this figure rising to 72% for medium-large businesses, up from 39% in 2022.
Cyber Essentials certifications are a robust defence, protecting businesses against up to 98.5% of threats. Achieving Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus demonstrates your commitment to cyber security, reassures customers, and opens doors to government contracts and new business opportunities. While the certification process may seem daunting, especially for smaller businesses, following these five tips will help you navigate and achieve your Cyber Essentials certification with confidence.
Here are five tips to help you achieve your Cyber Essentials certification:
Tip 1: Get Full Buy-In
The success of your cybersecurity efforts depends heavily on the buy-in from your entire workforce. Ensuring that your employees understand the real risks of cyber breaches and the benefits of being certified is crucial.
- Communicate the Risks: Make sure your team is aware of the potential consequences of cyber-attacks, including data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.
- Highlight the Benefits: Explain the advantages of certification, such as compliance with regulations, enhanced reputation, and new business opportunities.
Their full backing and participation will be key to successfully achieving and maintaining your certification.
“47% of people have stopped working with a business after losing trust in its digital security.”
Tip 2: Scope It Out
Before diving into the certification process, it’s vital to define the scope of your Cyber Essentials assessment. Knowing exactly which systems, data, and services fall under the assessment boundary will focus your efforts and ensure a smoother certification process.
- Create an Inventory: List all in-scope IT assets, including hardware, software, and mobile devices.
- Define Boundaries: Understand the separation of in-scope vs. out-of-scope components to streamline your certification efforts.
Having a well-defined scope helps you concentrate your resources and time on the areas that matter most.
“It takes 1-3 days, on average, to get Cyber Essentials certified.”
Tip 3: Discuss & Delegate
Cyber Essentials certification requires clear documentation of policies and procedures. Engage in open discussions with your team to outline roles and responsibilities, and agree on specific security controls and processes.
- Outline Roles: Clearly define who is responsible for each aspect of cybersecurity within your organisation.
- Agree on Controls: Ensure all stakeholders understand and participate in implementing security measures.
- Effective delegation ensures that your documentation is valuable and that everyone knows their part in maintaining cybersecurity.
Tip 4: Prioritise Quick Wins
During your assessment, you'll likely identify numerous areas for improvement. Focus on quick wins that can provide immediate risk reduction and build momentum.
- Remove Old Accounts: Deactivate unnecessary user accounts and outdated software.
- Apply Patches: Ensure all systems are updated with the latest security patches.
- Enable Security Features: Activate basic security measures, such as firewalls and antivirus software.
Implementing these quick fixes not only reduces risks promptly but also demonstrates progress, motivating your team to continue with more significant improvements.
“Cyber Essentials protects businesses against up to 98.5% of threats.”
Tip 5: Embrace Continuous Improvement
Cybersecurity is an ongoing practice, not a one-time project. Once you've achieved Cyber Essentials certification, it's important to keep evolving your security measures to address new threats and changes in your IT environment.
- Regular Reviews: Schedule ongoing reviews of your policies and controls.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest threats and vulnerabilities.
- Assess Changes: Regularly evaluate how changes in your IT environment impact your security posture.
- Update Requirements: Implement updates based on new Cyber Essentials requirements.
Maintaining a culture of continuous improvement ensures that your business remains protected against emerging threats and stays compliant with the latest standards.
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification is a significant step towards protecting your business from cyber threats. By following these five tips, you can streamline the certification process and ensure your organisation is secure.
If the process still seems daunting, don't worry – you don’t have to do it alone. At Assured Digital Technologies, we provide expert guidance and support to help you achieve your Cyber Essentials certification. And the best part, it only takes 1-3 days on average to get Cyber Essentials certified.
Download our comprehensive Cybersecurity Checklist here to get started, or get in touch for a free personalised consultation.