Introduction
In today’s digital age, cyber security isn’t just an IT concern; it’s a necessity. With cyber attacks on the rise, organisations need robust technical controls to protect sensitive data. This is where certifications like Cyber Essentials Plus come into play. But what is Cyber Essentials Plus, and why should your organisation care? Let’s break it down.
What Is Cyber Essentials Plus Certification?
Overview of Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help your organisation guard against common cyber threats. It provides a clear framework to improve basic security as an (annual) independently verified self-assessment.
Cyber Essentials Plus Certification
Cyber Essentials Plus takes it a step further. Unlike the self-assessment approach of the basic certification, Cyber Essentials Plus involves an independent assessment by qualified experts, carrying out tests to check whether an internet-based opportunist could hack into systems with typical low skills methods. This higher-level certification therefore ensures the technical controls required for Cyber Essentials are in place and operating effectively for your organisation. It also provides potential to be part of certain supply chains and/or bid for business related opportunities that require Cyber Essentials Plus certification to be in place.
Key Differences Between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
Feature | Cyber Essentials | Cyber Essentials Plus |
Assessment Type | Self-assessment | Independent verification |
Testing of Controls | Active testing is not carried out by an Assessor | Testing is carried out by an Assessor |
Level of Assurance | Basic | More Advanced |
Technical Controls | Five technical controls | Same five technical controls |
Verification | Self-assessment | Independent auditor verifies controls are in place and operating effectively |
Assurance | Basic protection from cyber threats | Verifies scope, includes vulnerability assessment / scanning, patching checks, device sampling, checks malware protection in operation, checks multi-factor authentication configuration, checks account separation |
Certification | 12 month certificate for Cyber Essentials | 12 months certificate for Cyber Essentials Plus |
Why Cyber Essentials Plus Matters
Protection Against Common Threats
With cyber threats like phishing and ransomware becoming increasingly sophisticated, Cyber Essentials Plus provides an additional layer of assurance through engagement with an independent and licenced Assessor. The Assessor carries out testing to validate that the technical controls are in place and working effectively for your organisation.
Increased Trust and Credibility
Being Cyber Essentials Plus certified signals to clients and partners that your organisation prioritises security, potentially enhancing reputation. It also demonstrates that the five technical controls required for Cyber Essentials have been tested to meet the standards set – aimed at protecting your organisation against common forms of cyber attack. Some contracts and procurement processes will also require Cyber Essentials Plus as part of their supply chain processes.
Compliance with Data Protection Regulations
Cyber Essentials Plus helps your organisation align with UK GDPR and other regulatory requirements by demonstrating robust technical controls; by taking a proactive approach to protecting personal data; by managing risk associated with potential data breaches; and by completing independent technical audits to protect customer information.
Who Needs Cyber Essentials Plus?
For SMEs and Large Organisations
Regardless of size, every organisation faces cyber risks. Cyber Essentials Plus is particularly beneficial when looking for assurance that the basic technical controls required for Cyber Essentials are actually in place and operational, thereby confirming that the controls are actively protecting against common forms of cyber attacks. Your organisation may choose Cyber Essentials Plus in order to validate that an internet based attacker could not easily hack into systems with low-skill methods, such as those relating to phishing and ransomware. Your organisation may also require Cyber Essentials Plus to bid for contracts and/or be part of a supply chain.
Specific Industries
Sectors including education, defence, healthcare and finance may have Cyber Essentials Plus mandated. Your organisation may also be looking to bid for UK government contracts and are finding Cyber Essentials Plus is either mandated or highly recommended.
Key Benefits of Cyber Essentials Plus
- Enhanced Cyber Security Assurance: A technical audit, provides a higher level of assurance that security measures are effective against common cyber threats.
- Customer Trust and Confidence: Demonstrates cyber security is taken seriously, which can further enhance your reputation and trust.
- Compliance with Certain Contracts: Cyber Essentials Plus Certification may be required as part of an organisations procurement process, to reduce risk within their supply chain.
- Supports UK GDPR: Ensures technical controls are in place and operating effectively.
- Improved risk management: Helps identify and address vulnerabilities in IT systems, leading to better overall risk management and a stronger security posture.
- Competitive Advantage: Can give a competitive edge in the marketplace, highlighting commitment to maintaining cyber security standards.
- Valuable investment: Can be viewed as a valuable investment when looking to protect against cyber threats and to demonstrate commitment to cyber security.
How Cyber Essentials Plus Works
The Certification Process
- Complete Cyber Essentials level one (verified self assessment).
- Prepare for audit testing – including alignment of scope, review of Cyber Essentials self assessment, sampling of devices, permission to proceed and deployment of any required assessment tools.
- Execute independent testing by an appropriate Cyber Essentials Plus Assessor (level two audit) – validating that scoping is accurate, that technical controls are in place and working effectively to protect against common forms of cyber attack.
- Complete and process the appropriate testing, documentation and reporting within 3 months of receiving a valid Cyber Essentials (level one) certificate.
- Receive a Cyber Essentials Plus (level two certificate) and logo for website.
- Removal of any deployment and testing tools.
How RB Consultancy Ltd Help Organisations Achieve Cyber Essentials Plus
- By providing a variety of time based options to support organisations through the whole process of Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.
- By providing appropriate support to help organisations prepare for and complete the entire audit process.
- By providing hassle free’ agents to support vulnerability assessment.
- By providing services that are appropriate for organisations who require a little, or a lot of support in achieving Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
- Successful applicants receive a 12 month Cyber Essentials Plus certificate and certification logo for their website.
The Five Technical Controls of Cyber Essentials Plus
- Firewalls: To ensure internet connectivity is secure and to give protection from unauthorised access.
- Secure Configuration: To ensure devices and systems are configured securely to reduce vulnerabilities.
- User Access Control: To limit and manage access to authorised personnel.
- Malware Protection: To ensure measures are in place to protect against malicious software.
- Security Update Management: To ensure software and systems are kept up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Common Challenges in Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus
- Misalignment of scope: Applicants may have overlooked key cloud services or operational equipment that a bad actor could attack.
- Misunderstanding or misconfiguration of required controls: Applicants may find controls are not in place or may have misconfigured settings that are required to protect against common forms of cyber attack.
- Issues with scanning software and assessment: Applicants may not be able to scan and assess sample devices or may identify vulnerabilities that were previously not known about, which an attacker could easily identify and leverage.
- Use of Outdated Systems: Applicants may need to continue to use outdated / unpatched systems but do not know how to approach certification with these in place.
- Lack of Expertise: Applicants may not have the internal expertise to ensure completeness and accuracy of protection.
- Resistance to Change: Applicants may have areas of the organisation who are resistant to change and may fear impact to existing operational processes.
How RB Consultancy Ltd Help Overcome Common Challenges in Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus
- Misalignment of scope: We provide help to cross-check the self-assessment and prevent bad actors attacking ‘easy targets’ that may not have been included in scope.
- Misunderstanding of required controls: We explain the requirements without using technical jargon, to help ensure controls are understood and in place to protect against common forms of cyber attack.
- Issues with scanning software and assessment: We provide software (agents) that are very easy to deploy. Also provide guidance on how to fix any known vulnerabilities that can be easily identified and attacked by hackers.
- Use of Outdated Systems: We can provide options to help with scoping and securing of outdated systems
- Lack of Expertise: We provide expert knowledge and insight to help applicants achieve Cyber Essentials level one and two (Plus) certification.
- Resistance to Change: We help educate and empower organisations throughout the process and support knowledge transfer to ensure benefits of any change are understood and embraced.
Why Work with an Assessor and Certification Body?
IASME Cyber Essentials Plus Assessors and Certification Bodies are required in order to test, assess and certify organisations to Cyber Essentials Plus standard. Assessors and Certification Bodies have been tested to meet rigorous security and assessment standards. Assessors and Certification Bodies are trusted to ensure appropriate levels of testing and assessment takes place.
Why Choose RB Consultancy Ltd for Cyber Essentials Plus Certification?
We are an IASME Certification Body for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. We are also NCSC Assured Service Provider and Cyber Advisor, giving you the confidence that we have met the standard set by the (both) NCSC and IASME and can be trusted to act accordingly. RB Consultancy have demonstrated a proven track record of delivering high quality customer service and tailored advice to meet organisational needs. We also assess and certify organisations for IASME Cyber Assurance.
Conclusion
Cyber Essentials Plus is more than a certification. It provides confidence and assurance that technical controls are in place to prevent common forms of cyber attack. Supporting compliance with regulations, it also reduces cyber security-related risks. Furthermore, it serves as an enabler, allowing organisations to join supply chains and unlock new opportunities. Don’t wait for a breach to act; take the proactive step today.
FAQs
- What’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials is a verified self-assessment, while Cyber Essentials Plus involves independent testing and validation.. - How long does certification take?
Timescales can vary significantly, depending on organisational size, priorities and preparedness. - Is Cyber Essentials Plus mandatory?
For some contracts and sectors, yes. For others, it’s highly recommended. - What does testing involve?
Testing includes vulnerability assessment, checking of patching, device sampling, checking malware protection in operation, checking multi-factor authentication configuration and account separation. - Can RB Consultancy Ltd help?
Absolutely! RB Consultancy Ltd provides expert guidance to achieve Cyber Essentials Plus.