An industry supported and government-backed scheme, Cyber Essentials helps you protect your organisation against the ever-present threat of cyber attacks. It offers a safer internet space to businesses of all sizes and sectors to operate in by teaching you the fundamentals of staying safe online.
Since it’s created and operated by the NCSC (National Cyber Security Center), the Cyber Essentials Plus check is known to be the first and most important step towards a secure IT infrastructure. What’s more, it can be attributed to preventing nearly 80% of basic network breaches, while enabling you to display your credentials as secure and trustworthy.
At Redpalm, we’ve put together this handy guide explaining all you need to know about Cyber Essentials Plus and why it’s important.
Let’s take a look!

Cyber Essentials – The Two Types of Certifications

Defining a certain set of controls that offer clear guidance on the various cyber security measures that you can implement, the Cyber Essentials certification is available in two types.

Cyber Essentials

A foundation level certificate, the Cyber Essentials scheme is developed to offer a statement that underlines the basic controls your business needs to implement to prevent potential cyber attacks.

Cyber Essentials Plus

Although a certification offered under the same scheme, Cyber Essentials Plus is a more detailed test of your business’ cyber security measures. In this certification, a vulnerability test is carried out to ensure that your company is fully secure from phishing attacks and basic hacking.
To find out more about these certifications, give the IT support team at Redpam a call today!

Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus – What’s the Difference

When it comes to the basic Cyber Essentials scheme, it includes taking an online self assessment test and upon successful completion, your business is given a certificate that’s valid for the next 12 months. This also includes Cyber Essentials branding which can be added to your emails, website and more.
The Cyber Essentials Plus scheme, on the other hand, provides extensive support throughout your application process.
In addition to the certificate (valid for 12 months) and branding for the website, this scheme also offers your business onsite assessment within the company not to mention, a dedicated helpdesk support. An added advantage of this scheme is that it doesn’t have resubmission fees.

Why Is Cyber Essentials Plus Important?

It doesn’t matter how small or large your company is, it’s highly likely for you to be vulnerable to a multitude of cyber attacks.
Since larger organisations, suppliers and third party vendors are all a part of this ecosystem, a network breach in your business is sure to impact all the way down to the supply chain of other companies.
It is, therefore, important for your organisation to make sure it isn’t the weakest link amongst others. The best way to do this is by analysing your cyber risk score and executing various security strategies along with proper employee training. 
In doing so, you’ll not only safeguard your business but also those interconnected to yours.

Comply, Protect and Promote With Cyber Essentials Certification

Cyber Essentials offers your organisation stark clarity on which security measures you need in place to lower the potential threats. However, there are a few more reasons why this certification is important for you:

• It highlights the control of your business’ network security
• It protects your organisation from data theft
• It helps prevent nearly 80% of the common cyber threats
• It promotes your dedication towards cyber security
• It helps with cost saving and drives business efficiency

Above all, it’s important to become Cyber Essentials certified because it helps you win contracts that involve the generation or transfer of MODII (Ministry of Defence Identifiable Information).
Get in touch with Redpalm to get your Cyber Essentials Certification!

Cyber Essentials Benefits – How It Helps Your Business?

When your organisation is Cyber Essentials certified, it shows that you have a proactive approach against potential cyber threats.
Additionally, it demonstrates to your investors, customers and insurers that you have the essential measures in place to prevent cyber attacks while keeping their data safe.
Here are a few other benefits of becoming Cyber Essentials Plus certified:

• It reassures your customers that you’re taking all the necessary precautions to protect your IT infrastructure and any sensitive information from cyber attacks
• It helps you partner with new businesses by promising them that you take cyber security seriously and have all the required measures in place
• It shows that your business understands its cyber security levels
• It helps you gain essential Government contracts

Read this blog to learn more about the benefits of becoming Cyber Essentials certified.

Contact Redpalm to Get Your Business Cyber Essentials Plus Certified

A widely accredited, government-backed scheme, Cyber Essentials not only secures your business from online threats but also shows that you’re a trustworthy and reputable company.
Get Cyber Essentials certified with Redpalm and reduce the overall risk in your organisation while gaining more business.
To find out more, get in touch with us on 0333 006 3366 today!