Cyber Essentials Accreditations
Cyber threats are a growing concern for businesses of all sizes, making robust security measures more important than ever. Our Cyber Essentials services help you protect your organisation, meet compliance requirements, and build customer trust through recognised certification.
What is Cyber Essentials Certification?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme that equips organisations of all sizes to protect themselves against the most common cyber attacks. The vast majority of cyber threats can be defended by employing a few fundamental safeguards.
Cyber Essentials emphasises five basic security controls. The scheme ensures your organisation has deployed these controls and is committed to growing your cyber security skills.
Zenzero offers Cyber Essentials services
We provide a service to help businesses attain both Cyber Essentials certifications – Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. We offer advice, guidance, education, and skills to equip you and your team to meet the criteria confidently, helping you manage and mitigate cyber security risks effectively.
As your IT training provider, we highlight the actions you need to take to comply with the Cyber Essentials scheme. The process typically starts with a gap analysis, during which we identify areas where your security falls short of stipulations and provide practical support to facilitate the necessary upgrades.
Having completed Cyber Essentials assessments and questionnaires for hundreds of our clients, we’re confident in how we handle this administration. While we can’t sign the self-assessment declaration on your behalf, we can guide you through everything and help you complete and submit the questionnaire.
We can also support you through the technical audit process required for the Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
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What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
The main difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus is the level of assessment involved. Cyber Essentials is a self-assessed certification that confirms your organisation has put in place the basic cyber security measures to guard against common threats. It involves completing an online questionnaire, which is reviewed by an external assessor, but does not include any independent testing.
In contrast, Cyber Essentials Plus includes a more rigorous process: a qualified assessor carries out a hands-on technical audit to verify that the required controls are not only in place but are working effectively. This includes vulnerability scans and checks on systems and devices, providing a higher level of assurance.
What are the 5 technical requirements of Cyber Essentials certification?
Firewalls
Implementing robust firewalls across your enterprise and networks, ensuring default passwords are changed.
Secure configuration
Avoiding misconfigurations that can cause weak points for hackers to exploit.
Security update management
Ensuring your software has the latest security features to reduce vulnerabilities.
Malware protection
Installing and managing the anti-virus and anti-malware tools that defend against malware.
User access control
Ensuring system access is controlled and restricted based on user roles and responsibilities.
Why is Cyber Essentials important?
Enhanced security
Achieving certification helps enhance your organisation’s overall security posture. A vigilant focus on the 5 key cyber security measures should effectively protect you from up to 80% of the most common cyber threats.
This is because most cyber criminals are opportunistic. If they (and their automated probes) encounter a layer of defence, they often move on in search of easier targets.
Business advantages
Cyber Essentials shows stakeholders that you have seriously addressed the growing threat of cyber attacks and have taken tangible steps to mitigate the dangers. The accreditation and the responsibility it demonstrates can position you to attract more business – including from government and public sector entities that might require an Essentials certificate to enter contracts.
Holding the credential makes you a better supply chain security risk. Plus, you can proudly display the Cyber Essentials logo on your website and other online presences.
Regulatory compliance
Modern businesses must comply with a number of regulations around record keeping and data protection. Regulatory compliance tends to go hand-in-glove with cyber security (since data and sensitive customer information are prime targets for cyber criminals).
The Cyber Essentials framework can help develop more effective legal and regulatory compliance systems.
What cyber attacks does Cyber Essentials address?
Accreditation raises your company’s cyber security level. With ongoing vigilance and regular reviews of your systems, you can safeguard yourself against the following security threats:
Malware attacks: Essentials protects against malware attacks that can steal and corrupt data. Common malware includes viruses, worms, Trojans, and ransomware operations.
Phishing attacks: The certification helps you defend against phishing attempts. Phishing is where attackers deceive users into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software.
Unauthorised access: Cyber Essentials prioritises access control protocols to prevent unauthorised users from accessing sensitive data and systems.
Insider threats: By ensuring that access to data is restricted based on user roles and responsibilities, the scheme addresses potential insider threats (including malicious actions by disgruntled employees, contractors, or management).
Weak configuration vulnerabilities: Essentials encourages secure configuration of devices and software, reducing the likelihood of exploitation through known vulnerabilities.
Outdated software risks: Regular patch management is a core element of the scheme. Patching updates software security features, protecting you from hackers that target weaknesses found in outdated software.
Why choose Zenzero as your Cyber Essentials partner?
We are driven to make innovative technology attainable to all our clients. This applies particularly in the cyber security sphere. When you partner with us to receive Cyber Essentials accreditation, you are in safe hands.
Complete security solutions
Cyber crimes are increasing in volume and sophistication. To counter this growing threat, security has become a central pillar of Zenzero’s Managed IT services. We offer complete cyber security solutions for clients around the globe. Our cyber security expertise covers everything from network monitoring to detection and response.
If you need guidance on acquiring Cyber Essentials or building a complete cyber security shield, we’re here for you.
Globally recognised accreditations
We hold the globally recognised accreditations ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) in Coventry & London offices. ISO 27001 is particularly relevant in this context. It is the world-leading framework for Information Security Management.
While Cyber Essentials provides good basic security techniques, ISO 27001 is a considerably more advanced framework.
Cutting-edge technology
Cyber attack dynamics change constantly. We continually update our assets and tools to keep pace. When we assist you with any aspect of your security, you benefit from the latest technology and techniques.
Cost-effective service
Our services are affordable and flexible. The flexibility allows you to scale up or down depending on your needs.
Next steps
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade to Cyber Essentials Plus, we are here to support you every step of the way. As a trusted service provider, we specialise in helping businesses like yours protect their IT systems with tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of your organisation.
Our team of experts can help you understand the requirements of the Cyber Essentials scheme, guide you through the Cyber Essentials assessment, and ensure you’re protected against common cyber security risks – all in line with standards set by the National Cyber Security Centre. We also offer ongoing support to keep your systems secure and compliant as your business grows.
Contact us today to book a consultation, request a gap analysis, or simply ask a question. We’re here to help you gain peace of mind and demonstrate your commitment to cyber security.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I get Cyber Essentials certified?
The scheme administrators, IASME, aim to get your assessment results back as soon as possible. If you pass your assessment, you can get your certification confirmed within 1-3 days.
Is Cyber Essentials required to bid for government contracts?
In some cases, Government departments may require you to be certified to bid for a contract. The department wants assurance that you have the Cyber Essentials technical controls in place and are security vigilant.
Requirements and exemptions vary between departments, so it’s always advisable to check with the relevant unit regarding their Cyber Essentials requirements.
How can people check if I am Cyber Essentials certified?
Anyone wanting to confirm you are certified can go to the Cyber Essentials Certificate search on the IASME website. They can enter your organisation’s name, and the official site will confirm that you are Cyber Essentials certified (provided your certificate has been issued in the last 12 months).Â
What is a Cyber Essentials partner?
A Cyber Essentials partner is an organisation or entity authorised to assist other organisations in obtaining Essentials certification. They provide support, advice, and technical services to ensure your company meets the necessary technical controls and requirements for certification.
Can any organisation apply for Cyber Essentials certification?
Yes, any entity can apply for Cyber Essentials certification regardless of size, type, or industry. Accredited organisations include businesses, charities, educational institutions, and governmental bodies. The goal of the scheme is to help all types of operations protect themselves against the most common cyber attacks and demonstrate their commitment to cyber security.
Most Cyber Essentials accredited businesses are UK-based, but even entities outside the UK can qualify.
What do I need to do to achieve Cyber Essentials certification?
To achieve Cyber Essentials certification, your organisation must meet the scheme’s requirements across five key controls that protect against the most common cyber threats. These include firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management.
Our experienced cyber advisors offer tailored guidance throughout the process, helping you prepare thoroughly. We’ll assist you in identifying and addressing any gaps in your current setup and support you in completing the Cyber Essentials questionnaire.
Once you’re ready, the completed questionnaire is reviewed by an approved certification body. If your application meets all the required standards, you’ll have officially passed Cyber Essentials and will receive your certificate, demonstrating your commitment to cyber security.
What is involved in the certification process?
The certification process typically starts with a gap analysis, followed by completing the Cyber Essentials questionnaire to work toward your Cyber Essentials certificate. For those pursuing Cyber Essentials Plus, a technical audit is also required, which includes an external vulnerability scan to ensure your systems meet the necessary standards.
Zenzero’s cyber security experts will guide you throughout the entire journey – from preparation to submission and review – helping organisations protect themselves against common cyber threats through this government-backed certification scheme.
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