What is Cyber Essentials?

With the significant innovation and advancement of technology there has also been a significant increase in the number of cyber security breaches in recent years which has only amplified during the pandemic. CE is a government-backed scheme that helps businesses implement basic cyber security controls within infrastructure to have the protection there against common cybersecurity threats.

Who needs to be CE certification?

It has now become a requirement for any business that conducts government work to have the certification. By obtaining the certification you are portraying yourself as a safe and secure business which will put your suppliers, partners and clients at ease. It will make them feel confident that their data is stored securely by your business and is unlikely to be compromised.

How do I become CE certified?

You will need to firstly find a certification body and purchase the package with them. They will then send you over a questionnaire that will ultimately lead to the process of you becoming  certified. Solutions 4 IT can provide remote audits to ensure that your business is secure. We will guide you through the whole process and help your business become Cyber Essentials certified, learn more here.

What areas are covered by Cyber Essentials?

There are five key technical controls that are covered by this certification (1):

1. Firewalls
2. Malware management
3. Patch management
4. User access controls
5. Secure configuration

What is the main difference between CE and CE Plus?

Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment type of certification that requires you to fill out a self-assessment form which is assessed and reviewed by an IAMSE Certification Body. A Cyber Essentials Plus assessment also requires you to complete a self-assessment but this is alongside an audit that is supplied by the Certification Body.

The Cyber Essentials Plus audit is a slightly more complicated and in-depth examination which will require the auditor to scan your system for vulnerabilities, email tests, external scans and malware tests. It is highly recommended to apply for the Cyber Essentials Plus.

 

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This is a government backed scheme that will help you to protect your organisation, whatever its size, against a whole range of the most common cyber attacks. We are Cyber Essentials Plus auditors and are more than happy to answer any more of your questions regarding this scheme. Call us on 0121 289 4477 or email us at info@solutions4it.co.uk