In line with the Government’s 10 steps to Cyber Security, Cyber Essentials is a Government-backed scheme encouraging businesses to review their online activity and security. It is for all organisations of all sizes and all sectors of business.

There are two levels to Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Basic and Cyber Essentials PLUS. Both levels cover 5 areas and they are: Secure configuration, Boundary firewalls and internet gateways, Access Controls, Patch (Update) Management and Malware protection.

Cyber Essentials Basic

Cyber Essentials Basic requires the organisation to complete a self-assessment questionnaire, have it signed off by the CEO of the business and then the response is independently reviewed by a certifying body.

Cyber Essentials PLUS

Cyber Essentials PLUS offers a higher level of assurance through the external testing of the organisation’s cyber security approach. Cyber Essentials Plus comprises remote and on site vulnerability testing to check whether the controls claimed actually defend against basic hacking and phishing attacks.

What are the benefits?

• Peace of mind
• Cyber Liability Insurance worth £20,000
• Access to exclusive contracts – Mandatory for central Government contracts since October 2014 which involve handing personal information and providing certain ICT products and services.

What are the costs involved?

Cyber Essentials documents are free to download and can be used to either attain Cyber Essentials or to simply self-assess and apply the appropriate controls.

In order to gain the certifications and use of the badge, Cyber Essentials basic costs £300 but Cyber Essentials PLUS varies depending on the size of the business as this will impact on the amount of testing to be done.

If you would like more information on Cyber Essentials please visit the Cyber Streetwise website https://www.cyberstreetwise.com/cyberessentials/ where you can see which businesses can offer Cyber Essentials and gain more of an insight into what is involved.