The Cyber Essentials accreditation is a leading UK certification backed by the government and the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre). The accreditation is awarded to organisations that demonstrate the adoption of the core principles of effective cyber security. It helps you enhance protection against common cyber threats and mitigate security risks. In the evolving threat landscape, it’s paramount to build and maintain a security posture that safeguards all users, systems, critical data and information.
Cybersecurity and risk management has never been more important. Organisations of all sizes are being targeted by cybercriminals every day. Remote and hybrid working has created new avenues for hackers to attack and access your business data. Aligning your business to Cyber Essentials is a great first step towards improving your protection and security controls against cyber-attacks and data breaches.
This blog post will explore the benefits of a Cyber Essentials accreditation and how it can help you win new business.
Enhance your reputation
Cyber security is now at the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to deciding which business they want to deal with, or purchase from. Customers and companies want to work with businesses that take security seriously.
Being Cyber Essentials Certified means you can prove to customers and other businesses that you’re proactive when it comes to cyber security and data protection. By certifying annually to an evolving Government approved scheme, means cyber security can be embedded into your everyday working practices and this will develop a security conscious culture that customers and other companies will be interested in.
On top of having the Cyber Essentials accreditation, improving security awareness amongst employees will help build a security conscious culture. Did you know that 95% of security breaches are caused by human error? It’s essential to educate yourself and your staff on how to securely work, connect, and collaborate in order to strengthen your security reputation, and demonstrate to stakeholders that your business does take security seriously.
This in turn makes your value proposition more attractive to prospective customers and partners.
Here are some top tips on how to educate your workface on information security and data protection best practices.
Cyber Essentials is increasingly regarded as a vital requirement from businesses
The population has developed an understanding of the value of their data and the necessary responsibilities expected by an organisation when it comes to cyber security. In particular, if your business targets the public sector, or is thinking of targeting the public sector in the future then a Cyber Essentials accreditation is a fundamental asset to hold. Many businesses in the public sector will not work with you without the certification.
The UK Government has made it mandatory for suppliers to be compliant with the Cyber Essentials scheme to be eligible to bid for government contracts. The Ministry of Defence has mandated Cyber Essentials for all its new suppliers, and part of the NHS and education system have also made the certification a mandatory requirement for contracts.
Could this be an opportunity for your business to leverage the Cyber Essentials accreditation to target a new market?
Demonstrate credibility
In an online working world brimming with possible risks, trust and credibility is often a prerequisite for doing business. How can you be really sure whether your supplier or new partner is following the cyber security best practices they claim to be?
You need proof, and this is where your Cyber Essentials accreditation comes in, with a tangible certification to demonstrate your security credentials to suppliers, customers, and partners.
Cyber Essentials is a cost-effective, simple way to highlight your commitment to data protection and to safeguarding your own data and that of your customers.
Safeguard your business’s profits and reputation
In the last 12 months, 39% of UK businesses were affected by a cyber-attack, with an average estimated cost of between £4,000 and £20,000.
The Cyber Essentials accreditation is designed to defend against the most common cyber-attacks and protect your networks, devices, systems, data and more. In fact, Cyber Essentials can help your business reduce its cyber risk by at least 80%.
Data breaches and cyber-attacks cause reputational harm and financial damage which can ultimately put customers off your business. Reputational damage can have a long term impact on your business, it can affect not only your customers and clients, but also your relationship with suppliers and partnerships.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires organisation’s that are processing personal information to protect this data against data theft and unauthorised access. If a business is found to be negligent to the GDPR in the event of a breach, the business could face fines of up to 4% of its overall turnover. Following the Cyber Essentials scheme can assist your business in preventing these heavy fines and prepare you for compliance with GDPR.
A breach of data against GDPR can cause both reputational and financial damage and cause customers and suppliers to lose faith in your business.
Stay ahead of the competition
Both businesses and individuals are more empowered than ever to choose where they put their trust. The cyber security status of your business can affect a customer’s decision to choose your business or to go with a competitor. The Cyber Essentials accreditation gives you a clear and affordable way to prove that you have your business in order.
It enables you to present your business as a more responsible and trustworthy choice. With Cyber Essentials you can take control of your cyber risk and show responsibility towards your customers, supply chain, and partners, and prove that their information is in safe hands.
Stay ahead of the competition, win new business, and leverage new opportunities with the trust and security provided by the Cyber Essentials accreditation.
848 can help your business become Cyber Essentials Certified
The 848 Group is Cyber Essentials Certified, with a highly specialised team of cyber security experts. 848 can help your business adopt the security controls outlined by Cyber Essentials, and meet the requirements to achieve the accreditation first time.
As well as holding the Cyber Essentials certification, 848 also has advanced Microsoft accreditations in Information Protection and Governance, and Identity and Access Management. 848 can examine your security weaknesses and provide guidance in line with the Cyber Essentials certification to help strengthen data protection and information security in your organisation.
Achieve the Cyber Essentials Certification with 848.