Cyber Essentials certification has never been more appealing to businesses. As cyber threats evolve, ensuring your organisation can protect against common cyber-attacks and protect business and customer data is essential.
In recent years, there has been an increase in obtaining Cyber Security certifications, such as those offered by the Cyber Essentials scheme. But what exactly are the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications? And which accreditation is required for your business?
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed initiative that provides businesses with foundational protection against 80& of common cyber threats. It offers a clear framework for organisations to showcase their cyber security dedication by achieving either the Cyber Essentials certification or Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.
Overview of Cyber Essentials
There are two variants of the Cyber Essentials scheme. Cyber Essentials is the basic level available. It involves a self-assessment questionnaire and guarantees that your organisation meets the base standard of cyber security as defined by the Cyber Essentials framework. It’s an excellent first step, especially for smaller businesses or those just beginning their cyber security journey.
For an initial comparison, Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation is more rigorous. While it encompasses all the basic Cyber Essentials certification standards, it requires an independent assessment of the organisation’s systems to ensure compliance with the standards. This is a hands-on technical verification, offering a more in-depth assurance.
The Importance of Cyber Essentials
Why does your business need Cyber Essentials? In a digital landscape riddled with cyber threats, this certification offers a foundational layer of security. It reassures your customers, stakeholders, and partners that you take data protection seriously, increasing their trust in your organisation.
Key Features of Cyber Essentials
The Cyber Essentials certification provides various features to strengthen an organisation’s cyber defences. It focuses on securing internet connections, devices and software, control of access to data and services, protecting from viruses and other malware, and keeping devices and software up to date.
What is Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus is a step up from Cyber Essentials. While it encompasses the same 5 key controls as its counterpart, it goes a step further with independent testing of the organisations security measures.
The Value of Cyber Essentials Plus
While Cyber Essentials lays the groundwork for cyber security, Cyber Essentials Plus is the advanced version of this certification. This certification demonstrates an organisation is committed to maintaining a robust security posture, giving clients and partners increased confidence in its security measures.
Key Features of Cyber Essentials Plus
In addition to the features offered by Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus involves hands-on technical verification. It tests an organisations response to threats, ensuring that the five controls are effectively implemented, and its cyber security meets the Cyber Essentials framework standard.
Cyber Essentials Plus – Is it worth the upgrade?
As Cyber Security Experts, we will always encourage businesses to be as proactive as possible. Being prepared for any cyber security threats puts you in a great position to minimise any potential attack.
Years ago, cyber security was often an afterthought for many businesses. Although, over the last few years, we have seen a great increase in the demand for cyber security services, and Cyber Essentials Plus is part of what businesses are asking for.
Is Cyber Essentials Plus worth the upgrade? Absolutely.
Independent Testing
Under the Cyber Essentials Plus scheme, an independent certification body conducts vulnerability testing to verify that the 5 technical controls have been effectively implemented. This provides an added assurance for stakeholders that your cyber security measures are robust and effective.
Hands-on Technical Verification
This part of the Cyber Essentials Plus certification involves technical verification of a business’s infrastructure. The examination includes checking computers and other network devices for the presence of a firewall, the absence of high-risk applications, the correct configuration of the operating system, and more.
Testing for Threats
A vital component of the Cyber Essentials process is testing the business for cyber threats. This verifies that the company can effectively identify and respond to potential cyber threats, further enhancing its cyber defence capabilities.
Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus
When comparing Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus, it’s essential to understand that both certifications share the same foundational controls. The significant difference lies in the depth and thoroughness of the cyber security validation process.
The Main Difference
The primary distinction between Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus is the level of testing involved. While Cyber Essentials relies on a self-assessment questionnaire, Cyber Essentials Plus requires an independent certification body to perform an audit, including a vulnerability scan and an on-site assessment.
The Added Benefits of Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus is the better choice for organisations that need to demonstrate a higher level of cyber security assurance. The independent assessment and verification provide a higher degree of confidence in the business’s security measures.
There are many benefits of being Cyber Essentials Plus certified. The opportunity to win government contracts and work within the Ministry of Defence requires businesses to have the highest level of Cyber Security. With Cyber Essentials Plus’s highest level of Cyber Security accreditation within the UK, it’s essential for companies looking to work with the government.
Cyber Essentials Plus is also a way to differentiate your organisation from competitors. Having that extra layer of certification can make all the difference for a business looking to protect its business, customer data and supply chain. It proves to stakeholders that your business is aware of common cyber threats and has taken additional steps to ensure your defence is robust.
Which Cyber Essentials Accreditation is Better for Your Business?
Understanding the certification process for Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus can help you decide which certification is right for your business.
The Cyber Essentials scheme is designed to be straightforward and accessible for businesses. We have worked with businesses in all industries, from manufacturing, finance, health, and third-party sectors. However, it requires a clear understanding of your business’s IT infrastructure and a commitment to implement the necessary controls.
Choosing between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends largely on your organisation’s specific needs and risk profile. Micro organisations with limited exposure to cyber threats may find that Cyber Essentials offers adequate protection as they begin their cyber security journey.
Organisations that handle sensitive data require the more rigorous testing and verification offered by Cyber Essentials Plus.
Conclusion
Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus is one of the most commonly asked questions our Cyber Security Experts recieve. And the answer? As said in this article, we’ll always recommend the best protection for your business. With Cyber Essentials Plus, you’re tested to ensure you have the right measures in place.
In 2024, Cyber Security isn’t just a bonus; it’s essential. Imagine Cyber Essentials as your standard home security system and Cyber Essentials Plus as an advanced version with extra features. Your choice between the two depends on the specific needs of your business. But keep in mind Cyber Security is continually evolving with new threats, and Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus require a 12-month renewal, ensuring your business stays protected. This guide helps break down the differences so you can make an informed decision best suited for your business’s protection.
Which certification is best for your business? It’s time to end the Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus debate.
If you’re ready to get certified or you’d like to book a call, submit the form below and one of our Cyber Essentials experts will be in touch.
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Digital Marketing Lead at Excellence IT.
Writing about Cyber Essentials, Cyber Security and IT Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cyber Essentials and Cyber Security.