What is cyber security?
Cyber security is how individuals and organisations reduce the risk of becoming victims of a cyber-attack. The core function of cyber security is to protect all devices used to access online systems such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and computers and prevent unauthorised access to the large amounts of information we store on these devices and online.
Cyber security is critical to deploy across a business. The use of smartphones, computers and the internet are such fundamental parts of working life, making it crucial to prevent cybercriminals from getting hold of our accounts, data, and devices.
Cybercriminals do not generally target specific organisations but attack indiscriminately. So, the key is for your business to be prepared. The rules of the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) and GDPR state:
“The GDPR requires that personal data must be processed securely using appropriate technical and organisational measures. The Regulation does not mandate a specific set of cyber security measures but rather expects you to take ‘appropriate’ action.”
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme, run by the National Cyber Security Centre. Just being certified with Cyber Essentials can reduce the risk of a cyber-attack by up to 98.5%.
There are two types of certifications: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials certification will provide:
- Protection against the most common cyber attacks.
- Help to make your company GDPR compliant.
- Show your clients and suppliers that you take cyber security seriously.
- Allow you to bid for central government contracts.
Cyber Essentials Plus certification will provide:
- All the above plus a hands-on technical verification is carried out.
Click here to download the NCSC guide to Cyber essentials and learn about the five technical controls your business should put in place.
Looking to get your Cyber Essentials certification?
We can help you achieve the certification. Find out more about our Cyber Essentials Services.
