Every day, we see technology evolving at a rapid pace. The year 2024 is one where AI in particular evolved in leaps and bounds. The possibilities are limitless to what technology can do shortly. However, as technology evolves, the number of risks people and businesses face grows. Hence, the emergence of Cyber Essentials is a necessity in today’s world.
Cyber Essentials was created by the National Cyber Security Centre and is a nationally recognized certification. This certification is an essential cornerstone for any business as it provides a robust defense against the growing number of online threats. Implementing these measures strengthens businesses and provides a strong shield against cyber threats today and tomorrow.
Cyber Essentials is the first and necessary step to building a secure network as it protects against nearly 80% of all cyber breaches. It is especially vital for SaaS companies as it helps these businesses manage sensitive client data on cloud-based platforms. It also sends a message to all clients that your company follows robust security protocols, enhancing your credibility and trust in a highly competitive market.
This blog covers the many aspects of Cyber Essentials certification. That way, you get a comprehensive view of its implementation and its importance.
Understanding Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is an essential set of assessments and standards meant to ensure robust cybersecurity practices in the United Kingdom. That said, there’s no reason why other companies shouldn’t follow these practices. The guidelines provided create a structured approach for businesses to establish a baseline for cybersecurity resilience.
Following these guidelines means your business is committed to shielding yourself against the prevailing cyber threats in the digital world. Cyber Essentials consists of two tiers and each one has varying assessment depths. The first tier is where companies engage in self-assessment exercises covering the basic cybersecurity principles. Think of this tier as a starting point. It provides a foundation for adding more security measures. Cyber Essentials Plus requires in-depth on-site audits done by external experts. The second tier extensively evaluates a company’s cybersecurity systems and provides a detailed assessment of its security posture.
Does your company need Cyber Essentials?
Following the guidelines established by Cyber Essentials is necessary for any company involved in handling sensitive data and personal information. It is also needed for companies that provide specific technical products and services. Also, any company looking to strengthen its cyber security protocols benefits immensely from implementing these measures.
Differences between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials plus
| Cyber Essentials | Cyber Essentials Plus |
| Basic evaluation | An in-depth evaluation |
| Focus on fundamental security principles and controls | Includes hands-on technical testing |
| Based on a self-assessment and verifies basic security protocols | Involves an in-depth technical verification done by independent assessors |
| Focuses on protection against prevalent cyber threats | Validates advanced security measures |
| Ideal for companies looking for a basic level of cybersecurity assurance | Ideal for enterprises aiming for a high degree of assurance and a deeper security validation |
| Best suited for small to medium businesses | Best suited for large organizations or enterprises |
| Provides a great starting point for adding additional security measures | Provides a thorough analysis of the protocols and ensures a higher level of protection |
The table provided above shows the major distinctions between basic Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. That said, you should choose which measures are in line with your company’s needs and requirements.
Requirements of Cyber Essentials
The guidelines provided in the NSCS Cyber Essentials Requirements for IT infrastructure have five important components to follow. Adhering to these components means you meet the requirements for having a strong cybersecurity framework. Do note that the basic and the Plus version have the same or similar requirements. The distinction between the two lies in the technical review.
Think of the technical review as providing an extra degree of confidence about the effectiveness of an organization’s controls.
Here are the five requirements every company must have before following the Cyber Essentials guidelines.
EPaaS or Endpoint Protection as a Service
Every endpoint in a company is a potential entry point. Devices like mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are exploitable points for savvy cybercriminals. The rise of remote work also makes it easy for hackers to take advantage of any new openings in a company’s security measures. Add to that the proliferation of trends like IoT and you can see why it is now very easy to hack into an organization.
Endpoint Protection as a Service brings together monitoring and response and reduces any potential threats at all endpoints within the organization. The best cybersecurity service companies like Ruah Tech utilize AI to scale up detection and response efforts. That way, the system can keep up with the size and ferocity of endpoint attacks many companies face today. Also, it is preferable to have 24/7 monitoring and alerts as many of the new endpoints come from remote workers who access the network at any time.
One of the more notable advantages of EPaaS is the ability to use automated, playbook-focused responses. This approach reduces the time needed to identify and address any suspicious activity. That way, the company enables action-oriented solutions that stop hackers from making any progress.
Data protection and safety
The third quarter of 2022 saw nearly fifteen million data breaches taking place worldwide. The United States holds the dubious honor of being the country with the highest costs per data breach. Here, the average cost of a data breach is nearly 10 million USD, making it more than twice the global average. So imagine a company that goes beyond identifying and resolving data breaches. Imagine a company that prevents them from ever happening. Such a company drastically reduces the negative impacts of such incidents.
Hence, Data Protection as a Service is a fundamental part of any robust cybersecurity strategy. It is essential to have a fully integrated solution that provides comprehensive protection. Anything from sensitive customer protection, proprietary documents, valuable content, and employee communications must be protected by these measures. The right DPaas solution will lock the whole network down if it detects a threat. Normally, data protection also covers areas like endpoint protection, email encryptions, and other vital elements needed to achieve a high degree of security.
Patch management
Here’s an interesting piece of information. The most used external attack method by hackers is application vulnerabilities. Take a look at the data from the National Vulnerability Database and it becomes clear the risk that emerging common vulnerabilities and exposures pose. Hundreds of these exposures get reported every day and that adds up to thousands of potential weaknesses in an organization.
The number of weaknesses makes this issue downright impossible to handle without professional support. Patching is a critical measure but a time-consuming one. Often, this process leaves many organizations overwhelmed and that leaves them open to attacks. Patch management by companies like Ruah Tech frees the company from the burden of implementing new patches. That way, your company has the peace of mind of knowing it is properly protected. You get back the time needed to focus on other issues and shifts in the environment are no longer stress-inducing.
Patch management services must be flexible to adapt to the changing IT infrastructure and needs.
Zero trust Network Access or ZTNA or multi-layered firewalls
Every company today has firewalls implemented to some degree. These are the most basic of cybersecurity efforts and protect your network and all connected devices. Firewalls are the most basic measure to combat cyber threats. However, it doesn’t have to be the only measure. Take it a step further and you get multi-layer firewalls. These measures use something called dynamic packet filtering technology. The tech evaluates all inbound data before it allows anyone to enter the network.
A multi-layer firewall has multiple benefits. It ups the ante with threat detection and alerts. Your network and active connections are always monitored and extra security layers prevent any cyber attackers from gaining access. This way, you are better equipped to cut off access before an unknown or malicious user can do serious harm.
A business relying on remote work can use the Zero Trust Network Access instead of the standard firewall approach. This service utilizes the power of cloud-based solutions to provide multiple identification and authorization levels to every device and user. Establishing strict security controls at all levels ensures a company can effectively address the security concerns that come from remote working.
Cybersecurity training and awareness
Perhaps the biggest threat to any business’ security is the human factor. Sadly, it is also the hardest one to control. The human element is the cause of nearly 80% of all security breaches. Often, these breaches are the result of poor organization policies or uninformed decision-making. Regardless of the cause, these breaches severely impact a business.
One of the best investments any company can make is having a robust cybersecurity awareness training program in place. Despite that, businesses often underestimate the value of this program until it is too late. An effective training program empowers the business to create a ‘human firewall’. Now, your employees become an asset rather than a liability.
That said, getting results requires having a custom solution that addresses your company’s unique needs, pain points, and more. Companies like Ruah Tech are the ideal providers of cybersecurity services as they are well-versed in the latest technology and threats there.
Look at this another way: you would never leave your company’s doors unlocked or have your valuable assets remain unsecured. But, without a robust cybersecurity solution in place, this is what most companies are doing.
Benefits of Cyber Essentials
Following the Cyber Essentials guidelines means your business has robust defensive measures in place. These measures protect the organization from outside threats and vulnerabilities. It enhances trust, and credibility and provides a safe place to protect digital assets. Listed below are the biggest benefits these measures provide.
Enhanced cybersecurity measures
The program helps companies assess their current cybersecurity measures, and locate weaknesses, and opportunities for advancement. The process streamlines and strengthens an organization’s security infrastructure. It also gives IT teams a greater understanding and oversight of their security protocols.
Safeguard against cyber threats
Successfully navigating the dangerous landscape of modern cyber threats requires resilience against most low-level attacks. Following these methods means your business has systems in place that safeguard against hackers. That way, you lower the likelihood of falling prey to vicious malware attacks or expensive data breaches.
Improved customer trust
A company that follows these measures showcases its commitment to safeguarding data. It makes them appealing to clients valuing secure transactions and enhancing a company’s standing.
Conclusion
A recent study tells us that cybercrime could cost the world more than ten trillion USD by 2025. Every day, we see or learn about data breaches and cyber crimes occurring across all industries. Following the guidelines set by Cyber Essentials is now a necessity for business security. This move actively protects your company today and against threats that will appear in the future.
The easy implementation of these protocols only benefits the company in the long run. If the process of following these measures is difficult for your company, you can always contact or work with a cyber security services provider. Companies like Ruah Tech are well-versed in the latest cyber security threats and can provide the necessary measures to protect your company. Take the first step in protecting your business from cyber threats both now and in the future.