As your trusted Managed Service Provider, we understand the growing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. Earning Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates your commitment to online security, potentially opening doors to new clients, insurance benefits, and government contracts. But navigating the path to certification can seem daunting. Fear not! We’re here to guide you through our Cyber Essentials Tips to ensure a smooth and successful journey towards Cyber Essentials success.

Our Cyber Essentials Tips

1. Demystify the Threat Landscape 

The first step is to understand the cyber threats targeting businesses. Phishing emails, malware attacks, and unauthorized access attempts are just a few common adversaries. We’ll work with you to assess your specific threat profile, identifying the vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited. This collaborative approach allows us to tailor your defenses for maximum effectiveness. 

2. Mastering the Five Controls 

Cyber Essentials focuses on five core technical controls that form the foundation of a secure IT infrastructure. Think of these controls as building blocks for your digital fortress: 

  • Boundary Firewalls: We will ensure your network has robust firewalls acting as guardians at the gate, meticulously filtering incoming and outgoing traffic to block unwanted intrusions. 
  • Secure Configuration: Imagine secure configuration as fortifying your digital castle walls. We will work with you to ensure all hardware and software systems is configured securely according to industry best practices and vendor recommendations. 
  • User Access Control: Envision user access control as a guarded entrance. We will implement strong access controls, granting users only the minimum privileges required to perform their jobs. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, further safeguarding your digital domain. 
  • Malware Protection: Think of malware protection as a vigilant sentry patrolling your network. We will deploy robust anti-malware solutions across all devices to detect and prevent malware infections before they can wreak havoc. 
  • Patch Management: Imagine patch management as constantly reinforcing your defenses. We will establish a rigorous process to identify and install security updates promptly, minimizing vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. 

3. Foster a Culture of Security 

Remember, even the most sophisticated technical controls are only as effective as your human Firewall. Educate your staff on cybersecurity best practices, including phishing email identification, strong password creation, and the importance of reporting suspicious activity. Regular security awareness training is crucial to cultivate a vigilant workforce. By empowering your staff, you strengthen your overall defenses significantly. 

4. There seems to be so much to do – Seek Professional Help 

While achieving Cyber Essentials is attainable in-house for many organizations, seeking professional help can be advantageous. We will be your security consultants, providing expert guidance, streamline implementation, and conduct vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential security weaknesses. For many companies attaining Cyber Essentials for the first time, the amount of information required can seem unsurmountable. We will cut that down to smaller, more manageable chunks, and support your efforts until you are Cyber Essentials certified. 

5. Write it down! 

Many businesses (great and small) do not currently have documentation for their security procedures. For example: Keeping track of who has administrative access to a system, why they have that access, and when that access needs reviewing. Cyber Essentials will confirm you have processes in place for a wide range of security tasks, but only a few will require documentation and maintenance. Cyber Essentials will not need to see the policy; they will take your word for it. 

6. You got certified, now keep going 

The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, and it is easy to become complacent after achieving Cyber Essentials certification. Some elements may only change every few years or more (such as your infrastructure: Firewalls and other hardware), but staff changes can happen much more frequently and will require documenting. Remember to keep going with the monthly/quarterly reviews and ensure you remove any obsolete software and hardware from use. By staying on top of your documentation you will make things easier for when you need to re-certify next year. 

By following these top Cyber Essentials tips and partnering with your trusted MSP, you can confidently navigate the path to Cyber Essentials certification. This achievement demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity, enhancing your organization’s resilience and building a foundation for a more secure digital future. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and we will be by your side every step of the way, ensuring your defenses remain robust in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats. Let us embark on this journey together and unlock the power of Cyber Essentials for your business! 

Contact Us