Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus is an extension to the Cyber Essentials scheme, which is a government-backed cybersecurity certification initiative designed to help organizations protect themselves from common cyber threats. Cyber Essentials Plus builds on the foundation of the basic Cyber Essentials certification and offers a higher level of assurance and security.
To achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification, organizations need to meet the same five basic cybersecurity controls as the standard Cyber Essentials certification. These controls are:
- Secure configuration: This control involves ensuring that all devices and software used by the organization are configured securely. This means that default passwords are changed, unnecessary services are disabled, and network access controls are put in place.
- Access control: Access control involves limiting user access to data and systems. This control ensures that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and systems, and that user access is monitored and managed.
- Patch management: This control involves ensuring that all systems used by the organization are up-to-date with the latest security patches. This helps to protect against known vulnerabilities and ensures that systems are not left exposed to attack.
- Malware protection: Malware protection involves protecting devices from malware attacks. This includes using antivirus software, keeping software up-to-date, and monitoring systems for signs of malware.
- Firewalls: Setting up firewalls is an important control that helps to protect devices and networks from unauthorized access. Firewalls are essential for ensuring that only authorized traffic is allowed in and out of the organization’s systems.
However, in addition to these basic controls, Cyber Essentials Plus requires an independent technical assessment of an organization’s cybersecurity posture. This assessment includes a vulnerability scan and a penetration testing exercise to identify any vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the organization’s cybersecurity defenses.
The independent assessment is carried out by an accredited certification body that is approved by the UK government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The assessment provides a higher level of assurance that an organization’s cybersecurity defenses are effective and can withstand common cyber attacks.
Organizations that achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification can demonstrate to customers and stakeholders that they have taken significant steps to secure their systems and data from cyber threats. It can also help organizations win new business, as many government contracts and some commercial contracts now require Cyber Essentials Plus certification as a prerequisite for doing business.
In summary, Cyber Essentials Plus is a higher level of certification than Cyber Essentials and provides a more in-depth assessment of an organization’s cybersecurity defenses, providing greater assurance of an organization’s ability to defend against cyber threats.
Guardian Angel PC Support can help your organization achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification by providing the necessary guidance, support and tools.
Our team of cybersecurity experts can help you assess your current cybersecurity posture and identify areas that need improvement. We can then help you implement the necessary controls and measures to meet the Cyber Essentials Plus standards.
Our Cyber Essentials Plus services include:
- Cyber Essentials Plus Gap Analysis: We can perform a detailed gap analysis of your current cybersecurity posture and identify areas that need improvement.
- Cyber Essentials Plus Consultancy: We can provide expert advice on how to implement the Cyber Essentials Plus controls and help you develop a roadmap for achieving certification.
- Cyber Essentials Plus Technical Assessment: We can help you prepare for and pass the Cyber Essentials Plus technical assessment by providing you with the necessary tools and guidance.
- Cyber Essentials Plus Managed Service: We can provide ongoing support and maintenance to help you maintain your Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
By working with Guardian Angel PC Support, you can ensure that your organization meets the Cyber Essentials Plus standards and is protected from common cyber threats. Our team of experts has the technical knowledge and skills to help you achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification quickly and efficiently.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification and protect your organization from cyber threats.
