A cyber essentials certification is a scheme to allow businesses to protect their data and infrastructure from cyber-attacks. Cyber essentials are also backed by the government and have a list of rules companies need to follow to be sure they're safe from cyber threats. There are different levels that you can achieve in cyber essentials, for example, the standard and the plus. So, depending on what you want to gain will determine the certificate that's right for you. Here's how you can achieve a certificate in cyber essentials.
Choose Your Level
The standard certification will provide you with the end certificate, but the other levels can offer you different elements such as further support and vulnerability scans. Each level will have a varying price depending on how many extras are included in your bundle certification. Although some may offer different benefits, they all provide you with a certification that's compliant with the set standards of IASME.
Your certificate will also need to be renewed once a year, so this is something to take into consideration when choosing your level. When you first apply, you may want the highest package with the most support, but as the years go on and it becomes second nature, you may want to reduce your package.
Complete Your Assessment And Get Your Certification
Once you've purchased your chosen package, you'll then need to complete a self-assessment, answering questions related to your business and its data security. Your answers are then assessed and marked against set criteria before you find out if you've successfully passed. Your provider will also contact you if there are any gaps in your questionnaire or answers that don't seem right. This is so they can get an accurate picture of how you're protecting your business and customers from cyber-attacks.
Some higher packages differ from the standard as they require an on-site assessment to be carried out. This is to check your internal vulnerability and make sure that you can meet the requirements of the criteria. If your assessments are approved, you'll then be awarded your chosen certification.
How Long Does It Take?
It can take a couple of weeks for the whole process to be completed. This is because the audit needs to be as thorough as possible to ensure your business is completely protected. The questionnaire itself shouldn't take too long for you to complete, roughly a couple of hours at the most. Similarly, if you manage to fix any gaps in your answers, the quicker the assessment can be carried out and your certification sent to you.
Having a cyber essentials certification shows anyone who's involved in your business from customers to investors, that you're dedicated to taking all precautions against cyber threats. You may even find yourself working with new associates as they have seen your certification and feel secure joining forces. As technology develops and gets better, so do cybercriminals and that's why it's so important to protect your business from any potential dangers.
