With the ever-present threat of cyberattacks, protecting your company’s sensitive information has never been more critical. No doubt you and your IT team or provider have implemented cyber security protocols to help do just that, but your clients may be looking for additional reassurance.
This where the UK Government-backed Cyber Essentials certification steps in. Launched in 2014, Cyber Essentials is a cybersecurity certification program designed to help businesses, regardless of size, protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. It provides a baseline of cybersecurity measures that organisations must implement to defend against cyberattacks effectively and offers a stamp of approval that those measures have been met.
The primary goal is to improve your company’s cybersecurity. By following the guidelines provided, it helps you take steps to bolster your defences against common cyber threats such as malware, phishing attacks and data breaches. With a proactive approach, you can reduce the risk of costly cybersecurity incidents.
However, the benefits do not stop there – the Cyber Essentials certification is an endorsement that can open doors to new opportunities and other benefits as outlined below:
Competitive Edge
Trust and security are paramount in today’s business landscape. Holding a Cyber Essentials certification can make you stand out from your competitors. It demonstrates a commitment to cybersecurity and assures clients and partners that their data is in safe hands. It could just be the deciding factor when a potential client is choosing between providers.
Access to Government Contracts
If you’re eyeing opportunities in the public sector, having this certification is often a prerequisite. Without it, you could be automatically excluding your organisation from even being considered in the first place.
Reduced Insurance Costs
Some insurance providers offer reduced premiums to organisations with Cyber Essentials certification. Demonstrating your commitment to cybersecurity may mean you can negotiate better insurance rates and save your business money.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that you have taken vital steps to protect your business from cyber threats allows you to focus on your core business activities without the worry of a potential breach.
Customer Trust
With data breaches often making the news, customers are increasingly aware of cybersecurity risks. They want to do business with organisations that take data security seriously, so the Cyber Essentials certification can be a powerful tool to build trust and assure your customers that their sensitive information is safe and handled with care.
Improved Internal Practices
The Cyber Essentials certification encourages businesses to review and enhance their internal cybersecurity policies and practices. This may also include refresher training for staff to remind them of their responsibilities when it comes to sensitive data. Undergoing this exercise will likely lead to a more robust and secure IT infrastructure that will benefit your organisation in the long run.
Staying ahead of the curve is vital in a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated. The Cyber Essentials certification provides a clear roadmap for achieving better cybersecurity and offers numerous benefits. It’s a clear demonstration of your commitment to protecting your organisation from cyber threats.
If you’re looking to achieve the certification, then the best place to start is to review your current cyber security protocols. Office Anyplace can provide you with a full cyber security report of your organisation so you can understand how protected you are against attacks. Our holistic approach reviews your current systems via a questionnaire and interview, resulting in a full report that identifies both strong and weak areas of security as well as recommendations. Click here to book your review and launch the process to becoming fully certified and reap the benefits.
