Cyber Essentials basic vs Cyber Essentials plus

Cyber Essentials is a programme run by the government that is designed to help all businesses defend themselves and their customer’s data against frequent cyber-attacks. When customers see that a business, they are entrusting their data to is Cyber Essentials certified, then they are more likely to be confident in that business’ ability to keep the data safe.

Here’s how Cyber Essentials can limit your cyber risk:

1. Basic Security Controls: Cyber Essentials focuses on five fundamental security controls, which include boundary firewalls and internet gateways, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and patch management. By implementing these controls, you establish a baseline level of security that protects your organisation from a wide range of common cyber threats.
2. Risk Assessment: The Cyber Essentials certification process requires you to assess your organisation’s cybersecurity risk. This involves identifying and evaluating potential vulnerabilities and threats to your systems and data. By conducting a risk assessment, you gain insights into your weak points and can take appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.
3. Security Awareness: Cyber Essentials emphasises the importance of employee awareness and education regarding cybersecurity. By promoting a culture of security awareness, you can educate your staff about common threats, phishing attacks, password best practices, and other security measures. This helps reduce the likelihood of human error or negligence that could lead to cyber incidents.
4. Assurance and Trust: Achieving Cyber Essentials certification provides assurance to your stakeholders, customers, and partners that you have implemented essential cybersecurity measures. It demonstrates your commitment to protecting sensitive information and can enhance your organisation’s reputation, building trust with clients and partners who are increasingly concerned about cybersecurity.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Many industries have specific cybersecurity requirements and regulations. Cyber Essentials can help your organisation meet those compliance requirements by providing a framework for implementing essential security controls. By adhering to these standards, you can avoid penalties, legal consequences, and repetitional damage associated with non-compliance.
6. Continuous Improvement: Cyber Essentials is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process. It encourages organisations to regularly review and improve their cybersecurity practices. By conducting regular vulnerability assessments, staying up to date with emerging threats, and implementing necessary updates and patches, you can proactively address vulnerabilities and minimise your exposure to cyber risks.

What is the difference between Cyber Essentials Basic and Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials is a foundation level certification designed to provide a statement of the basic controls your organisation should have in place to mitigate the risk from common cyber threats.

The basic Cyber Essentials package includes:

• Access to the online self-assessment questionnaire.
• Cyber Essentials branding for your business (to include on your website, emails etc).
• Cyber Essentials certification valid for 12 months upon successful application.

Cyber Essentials Plus

Cyber Essentials Plus is the highest level of certification offered under the Cyber Essentials scheme. It is a more rigorous test of your organisation’s cyber security systems where your business is subject to internal and external vulnerability assessments by cyber security experts to ensure that your organisation has technical controls in place to protect against basic hacking and phishing attacks.

Cyber Essentials Plus offers extensive support throughout the Cyber Essentials application process and includes:

• Access to the online self-assessment questionnaire.
• Cyber Essentials branding for your business (to include on your website, emails etc).
• Cyber Essentials certification valid for 12 months upon successful application.
• Dedicated help desk support.
• On-site assessment in your company HQ.
• No resubmission fees.

A complete cyber security strategy

While Cyber Essentials provides a solid foundation for cybersecurity, it’s important to note that it is not a comprehensive solution. It focuses on essential controls and should be seen as a starting point rather than a complete cybersecurity strategy. Organisations should consider additional security measures and tailor their approach based on their specific risks, industry, and threat landscape.

How Matrix can help?

Our Cyber Security services proactively protect your IT network, business information and employees.  We help prevent and mitigate threats and protect your systems against the latest threats and vulnerabilities.

Matrix IT can guide you through the full process, email us today or call us on 01329 888444.