Recent cyber attacks in the US and Europe have once again highlighted the need for small businesses to implement strong information security policies. While large companies are certainly very visible to hackers - and visibility is vulnerability - small businesses can often be even more vulnerable.

Every business should be concerned about data security, especially if they handle sensitive customer data. The Cyber Essentials Plus (CEP) scheme was introduced by the government as a way for small businesses to demonstrate their ability to protect customers' data from cyber criminals while giving them peace of mind about how well protected the company is.

What are Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus Certifications?

Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are a set of security standards that have been developed by BCS in order to help businesses proactively manage IT security. They can be compared to the ISO 27001 standard created to address management practices within the scope of larger organizations, though while both were written by British Standards Institute (BSI), the focus of each one is different.

These standards are intended to make preventing cyber crime easier for businesses by helping them verify whether or not the organization's information systems are prepared for cyber threats, so that they will have an increased chance of functioning properly during such attacks.

This is good news for small businesses, such as Internet cafés and other businesses who have to deal with even more cyber security threats than usual. Most small businesses don't have enough necessary knowledge and experience that would be needed in order to defend themselves against cyber attacks. Cyber Essentials provides simple steps for businesses to provide themselves protection on their own time.

Does this sound like your small business? This inability could lead even the most successful business into bankruptcy if they are targeted by criminals who would try to take advantage of these weaknesses.

What's The Difference Between Cyber Essentials And Cyber Essentials Plus?

The difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus is the number of controls that are included.

As the name suggests, Cyber Essentials covers essential cyber security requirements necessary to meet data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), but it only provides you with a basic level of security.

Cyber Essentials Plus, by comparison, covers all of the Cyber Essentials requirements, but Plus certification also requires an audit from an outside organization. The Plus certification is endorsed by NCSC, the UK Government agency responsible for national security cyber capabilities.

This company will audit your information security system and then decide whether or not they believe it passes Cyber Essentials standards for protecting customer data online. If you successfully obtain this certificate, your business will be considered to have good information security, and it will be easier to attract customers.

How Can Cyber Essentials Help My Small Business?

If your small business has not yet invested in Cyber Essentials review and certification, it is about time to begin thinking about it. After all, it's never too late to put the safety and security of your personal or professional information first.

If the prospect of suffering a cyberattack may seem unlikely to your small business, think again. They happen more often than one might think.

It's More Common Than You Think

According to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, 39% of businesses and 26% of charities reported suffering a cyber attack or data breach between March 2020 and 2021. Of those breaches, roughly 1 in 5 report losing money, data or other assets, and roughly 1/3 of the rest still report disruption to business activity.

In any event, cyberattacks are more common than we would like. The best way for a small business to be prepared is by improving its cybersecurity through review and refinement. It may not seem like it, but Cyber Essentials can have a big impact on your security system when you apply it.

Cyber Essentials marks the first step towards providing a safe online experience for you and your customers. It demonstrates that you're doing you part in making the internet a better place, which is something that every company should strive to do.

Security Breaches Are Increasing

Given the number of cyber attacks reported over recent months, it is clear how essential security awareness in businesses of all shapes and sizes has become. Security breaches can be expensive and damaging to a business of any size, but especially to a small business.

It's a lot to think about. Is it hard to achieve certification?

Is It Difficult To Obtain?

The good news is that obtaining Cyber Essentials certification is simple. There are no complex criteria to follow, and there is no need to go out of pocket for additional security measures or cyber security professionals (like some other programs might require).

Rather than being a comprehensive all-inclusive security solution, Cyber Essentials certification seeks to act as a guideline for businesses to ensure that they have a baseline level of protection against against cyber attack.

A Self-Assessment Process

It's worth noting that in order to become Cyber Essentials certified, your organization must only go through a self assessment process. Essentially, Cyber Essentials certification requires a small business or non-profit organization to verify that they are stringently complying with a small number of basic IT security procedures and practices.

Once you've determined your business is in compliance with each of these standards, your organization will be deemed Cyber Essentials certified. With this certification, you'll be able to put the logo on your marketing material-something that indicates to the public, and potential employees or clients, that you're serious about information security.

How Will My Employees React?

Cyber Essentials is a simple security solution that anyone can implement. It's all about maintaining your security and having the confidence that you know what you're doing. Through undertaking the various security best practices prescribed in the standard, employees are given hands-on experience in security management.

As participants in the security process, they will be more aware of its relevance to company success, thus increasing their "buy-in" for the security initiatives. It will reassure staff that their efforts are noticed and appreciated because they work for a respectable business in this digital age.

How Do I Achieve Cyber Essentials Certification?

To achieve Cyber Essentials certification, small businesses will have to complete a security assessment which ensures that they follow all government security standards. This allows them to demonstrate that their company is cyber secure, engaging safe practices and working to prevent malicious attacks.

It's important for companies, no matter what size, to protect themselves against cyber attack by meeting these requirements as it shows their clients that they care about protecting

Post-Implementation Assessment

Cyber Essentials Plus certification requires a post-implementation assessment. This is to ensure that not only are the higher standards of Cyber Essentials Plus complied with, but that your organization remains Cyber Essentials certified after implementation.

This means once your small business is ready to be assessed, they'll analyze if you're meeting all of the standards required by Cyber Essentials Plus.

If you are found in compliance on this second round of testing-congratulations! You'll then receive not only the standard Cyber Essentials logo to put on any materials for marketing purposes but also the Plus logo.

The Cyber Essentials Logo

Adding the Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essential Plus logo to a website, social media page, logo placement on company materials and other promotional items is a great way for to build credibility as an organization that's able to keep cyber security in mind.

Once you do, it's just like clearing customs at an international airport. Everyone will know that their data will be secure with you, which in turn could open many doors for new opportunities.

Is My Business Really At Risk?

Since many smaller companies do not have dedicated IT personnel or a robust information security infrastructure in place, this also leaves them vulnerable to attack by more experienced hackers who prey on smaller organizations. These attackers can be financially motivated, such as ransomware creators, or simply a rogue attacker looking to cause trouble.

How Can I Protect Myself?

Small business owners can feel overwhelmed by the amount of security options available to them; however, becoming certified under CE or CEP will not only help protect your company from growing cyber threats but could also boost revenue. There has been an increase in demand for cyber secured organisations, and there are now more opportunities for contractors and suppliers to be cyber secured.

Every small business should implement security controls that protect against common cyber threats. These include: virus protection software on every device; anti-phishing training for staff; keeping software updated or installing security fixes when they become available; and ensuring all passwords are strong enough.

Why Cyber Essentials?

- Cyber Essentials is a simple and effective way to get your business underway with information security measures, and to let your clients know that you take data security seriously. It's not enough to obtain and maintain data protection compliance for your organization - demonstrate to your clients that you are actually aware of these risks, too!

- Cyber Essentials takes away a lot of the legwork involved in researching how to implement information security measures on your own. All Cyber Essentials requirements are clearly laid out in an easy-to-follow manner.

- Demonstrates that you take security seriously and want to ensure it happens organically by taking proactive steps towards securing your small business' reputation online.

By attaining Cyber Essentials certification, small businesses will be able to prove that they are doing all they can towards ensuring the security of small business data, while simultaneously being protected from cyber attacks during busy periods.

What else should I know about the differences between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials certification is aimed at those who do not employ cyber security professionals who hold certifications in information security, whereas Cyber Essentials Plus is for those who already have experience with implementing security processes within their business.

The Plus variant includes more in-depth tasks which will take additional time and effort on behalf of your company, but will provide even more protection against advanced threats.

Cyber Essentials will provide a lot of value for small businesses who do not have security experience. With the Cyber Essentials Plus certification being dependent on implementing processes which could take months (if not years) to complete, the information provided by Cyber Essentials is invaluable towards those who find themselves uncomfortable or unfamiliar with cyber security in the first place.

What About My Company's Reputation?

Many well-known brands experiencing data breaches of their systems recently. This is bad enough for them, but this can be especially damaging for smaller companies.

If a customer finds out you've been hacked and their data has been stolen, your reputation will suffer greatly, and many customers will not want to do business with you.

Your Customers Want To Know

Remember - these certifications prove that you've taken steps to achieve network security. Don't forget to let your customers know that you're serious about the safety and security of their information. Your company's reputation will improve by demonstrating that you care about their data security.

If you want your company's reputation to thrive, then making sure you are properly protected online should be one of your highest priorities. After all, cyber security is much more than simply keeping your personal information safe.

Small Businesses Don't Have To Be Afraid Of The Unknown

Having a small business and having proper protection can seem like something quite alarmingly daunting! That's why it's extremely useful for smaller businesses to have access to easy-to-understand guidelines such as Cyber Essentials Plus certification.

After all, it only takes one moment for bad people to steal your data or cause you harm. Cyber criminals can access your sensitive information, or interfere with your business. They can even steal customer data or payment information.

Regardless, you need to be as protected as possible, because your customers are depending on you to keep their information safe.

If you're starting a small business, or if you've already got one running that you want to protect, then achieving Cyber Essentials certification can bring you added peace of mind towards protecting yourself and your company. It's essential today for all responsible companies to have strong security measures in place.

It's Expensive, Right?

You may fear that you will have to pay a lot of money to keep your business safe from cyber criminals, but Cyber Essentials certification is almost always free as long as your company meets the prerequisites, which include having at least 5 full time employees.

Cyber Essentials certification can be obtained after a short training course and a quick test, which is why it's so simple to qualify for Cyber Essentials certification. Small businesses can easily find the time that they need to invest in this type of security measure because they are not overly complicated measures to put into place.

Can Cyber Essentials Help My Small Business Secure Government Contracts?

Small businesses can be at a significant disadvantage when it comes to securing government contracts, particularly those related to information technology. Cyber Essentials certification is often required by the government before a bid can even be submitted.

This ensures all rival bids meet a minimum security requirement, ensuring that it's more difficult for cyber criminals to exploit your business' system and steal the sensitive government-related data you hold.

Cyber Essentials certification doesn't guarantee a small business will clinch a government contract of course, but it will make it possible to get your foot in the door.

Keep The Internet Safe

Once your business does get Cyber Essentials certification, you will be helping yourself by contributing to an overall safer internet environment. Other people will be more likely to trust your business with their online information.

You'll be able to make sure that all of your employees understand the importance of cyber security in order for them to follow through on establishing necessary procedures when handling sensitive customer data or confidential employee information.

Complying with GDPR standards

Another important thing to consider is complying with GDPR standards. GDPR is a European regulation that will require businesses to take on some of the compliance responsibility.

If your business is not in compliance already, achieving Cyber Essentials certification can prove your small business is making significant efforts towards improving security standards. In the event that your small business should fall victim to security breaches or lost data, you can prove that your company did all it could to protect itself.

Improve Your Cybersecurity

At the end of the day you'd certainly prefer to improve your cyber security as expediently and affordably as possible. Achieving Cyber Essentials certification is the first step toward achieving better cyber security without breaking the bank. Protect your company documents and sensitive data against cyber threats by following the basic principles of Cyber Essentials.

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