As technology continues to advance, cyber criminals become more sophisticated, constantly evolving their methods. This makes it challenging for businesses to stay ahead of the latest cyber security threats, especially during the busy Christmas season. Learn more about how Cyber Essentials can protect your business against 80% of the most common cyber threats. It also demonstrates to your clients and customers that your business is taking cyber security seriously. Start your Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification with our help today and give your business the gift of security this Christmas.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a Government backed scheme which will help protect your organisation against the most common types of cyber attacks.
The vast majority of data breaches are caused by human error. Therefore, it is vital for companies to undertake Cyber Essentials to assist their employees understanding of how to avoid cyber risks.
Cyber Essentials will guide you through how to prevent the common types of cyber attacks and an overview of defences. The process involves completing an online self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) which will assess the security systems your business has in place.
What is Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus is a more hands-on technical verification that is carried out by an external auditor, either on-site or remotely, to assess your IT systems and controls. Businesses must have already successfully been accredited with the self-certified Cyber Essentials before proceeding with the Cyber Essentials Plus.
Cyber Essentials Plus is the highest level of certification, which involves an independent assessment of your firm’s cyber security measures. This includes vulnerability scans and penetration testing to identify any potential weakness in a business’s systems and networks.
Cyber Essentials Plus certification provides a greater level of assurance that your business’s systems and data are secure against cyber threats. It basically ensures businesses are not marking their own homework, by commissioning an independent approved auditor to guide you through Cyber Essentials Plus and formally confirm your completion.
What’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
The Cyber Essentials Scheme offers two different levels of certification, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. The clue is in the name really, Cyber Essentials Plus, offers an advanced level of accreditation. However, you do require the foundational level of Cyber Essentials before proceeding to become certified for Cyber Essentials Plus.
The core difference between the certifications is that Cyber Essentials is an online self-assessment that you will answer and provide evidence, whereas Cyber Essentials Plus is carried out by an external auditor who will carry out checks and tests to verify an advanced level of security.
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