Recent government statistics have stated that 1 in 5 internet users have been affected by cybercrime and 4 in 5 senior management teams within UK businesses have rated cyber security as a ‘very high’ or ‘fairly high’ priority.
We have outlined FIVE reasons why your business needs to invest in Cyber Essentials, a government backed scheme that is designed to teach businesses how to protect themselves against cyber attacks.
1. Improve your security processes
By investing in Cyber Essentials your business’s security processes will be dramatically improved, with protection against 98.5% of the most common security threats.
Businesses that receive a Cyber Essentials certificate are immediately less at risk of GDPR non-compliance and, as a result, a reduced likelihood of an associated fine.
The framework outlines five security controls that directly address cyber security. These controls include firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection and security update management.
2. Bid for government contract
A Cyber Essentials certification is mandatory for businesses that are seeking specific government contracts, whilst those that aren’t accredited cannot bid for such contracts.
Contracts that require Cyber Essentials certification are likely to include those that:
- Deliver IT services or products that process, transfer or store data
- Handle personal information of the general public
- Handle personal information of government employees
By ensuring your business is in the position to be able to bid for contracts, your business will see a huge opportunity open in terms of large-scale projects that will form positive relationships with organisations in the public sector.
3. Build trust with your customer
Cyber Essentials can be leveraged to build and gain trust from customers as having a government backed accreditation proves your business is establishing strong governance mechanisms that prioritise the safety and privacy of customers.
The new world of digital has meant that it has become increasingly important that organisations take a proactive approach in ensuring the right protocols are in place to maintain customer confidence.
This means that through implementing effective cyber security measures, your business has created a digital ecosystem that is built on trust.
4. Be on a trusted register of suppliers
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) creates a vital bridge between industry and government, providing businesses with support and guidance on cyber security incidents.
As an accredited Cyber Essentials business your company’s name will appear on NCSC’s website, meaning current or potential customers will be able to readily check your cybersecurity essentials and thus showcasing commitment to protecting customers data.
In 2020, NCSC reviewed the influence that Cyber Essentials has on cyber security attitudes and behaviours. It found:
- 93% of certified organisations are confident that they are protected against common cyber-attacks
- 66% of certified organisations claim Cyber Essentials had a positive impact on their ability to respond to attacks
- 61% of certified organisations say they are more likely to choose suppliers with Cyber Essentials certification
Similarly to building trust with customers, it is equally as important to ensure that your business instils confidence into other key stakeholders.
Partners, suppliers and investors need to trust that your organisation operates with their best interests at the heart of all activity.
Cyber Essentials certification provides proof to third parties that your business has established effective control and oversight of supply chains.
To help your business be cyber secure we are teaming up with our Cyber Essentials partner CyberSmart to host a cybersecurity webinar Don’t Get Scammed, Get Secured.
The free event takes place on Thursday 18th May, 12noon until 1pm.
Sign up now: bit.ly/b4bCyberWebinar