What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed, industry-supported initiative to provide businesses with a way of proving that they have a basic level of cyber security in place. Cyber Essentials certification shows that companies and their owners:

Understand the basic principles of cyber security
Have taken basic precautions against cyber-attacks

The full scheme was launched in June 2013 and has the backing of the Federation of Small Businesses and the Confederation of British Industry.

Recently, Cyber Essentials certification has become crucial for both buyers and suppliers within the public sector. The cyber-attacks that have occurred throughout 2017 have underlined just how under-prepared even large organisations are to deal with these threats.

A full overview of Cyber Essentials is available for free in the Scheme Summary document. A copy of the Self-Assessment Questionnaire is also available to help inform your next step with becoming Cyber Essentials Certified.

Buy Now Download Scheme Summary Sample Questionnaire

Why become Cyber Essentials certified?

Did you know that in 2016 46% of UK SMEs suffered a cyber security breach? On average, each instance of a cyber-attack costs the affected company £1,340.

Based on the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2017*, only one in ten businesses have a plan in place in the event of a security breach. This is despite just under half (46%) of all UK business identifying at least one cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The report also highlighted that around 13% of UK business are attacked daily.

It is estimated that security breaches will continue to increase in the next year. The survey found 59% of respondents expected to see more security incidents. Businesses need to ensure their defences keep pace with the threat.

Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates to your clients and industry partners that your business holds itself to a high standard of cyber security in accordance with the UK’s National Cyber Security Programme.

*UK Gov, The Information Security Breaches Survey – Department of Business, Innovation & Skills

How can you protect yourself?

Did you know that in 2016 46% of UK SMEs suffered a cyber security breach? On average, each instance of a cyber-attack costs the affected company £1,340.

So, if you haven’t already joined the Cyber Essentials scheme, then now is the time to do so.

*UK Gov, The Information Security Breaches Survey – Department of Business, Innovation & Skills