In case you’re unfamiliar, Cyber Essentials is a government scheme launched to encourage organisations to adopt cyber security best practices. It’s the government’s way of making Britain a safer and more attractive place to do business. Along with taking other basic precautions, it’s a complete no brainer. Here are the top 5 reasons why.
It will make you more cyber secure
Most cyber-attacks are designed to attack basic weaknesses. Being Cyber Essentials Certified will ensure you’re not the low hanging fruit cyber criminals look for and gives you the opportunity to audit your internal security policies. Tasks such as checking over your endpoints and ensuring firewalls are up to date is always a good idea and often uncovers previously unseen weaknesses.
It will boost your efficiency
Getting Cyber Essentials Certified will give you a holistic view of your security. This gives you a clearer idea of the state of your security systems and will allow you to work more efficiently long term. What’s more, implementing the Cyber Essentials’ five security controls, and your wider perspective on security will free you up to concentrate on growing your business.
You’ll win more (and possibly better paying) business
Cheaper insurance
Not surprisingly, business insurers like it when you’re more cyber secure. Being Cyber Essentials Certified can not only lower your premiums but might also make you eligible for free cyber insurance cover. If your business has turnover under £20 million, you certify with an IASME certification body, and you’re a UK based business, you’re protected against up to £25,000 in cyber threats.
It helps stay GDPR compliant
If you’re processing personal data from EU citizens, you need to protect it in accordance with GDPR regulations. If you don’t and you suffer a security breach you could face a fine of up to 4% of your global turnover. This means one phishing attack and a misplaced click could cost your business thousands plus the cost of remedying the attack. To adhere to GDPR regulations you’ll need to go beyond getting Cyber Essentials Certified. But it’s one of many important steps all SMEs must take if they’re to remain GDPR compliant.
Getting started with Cyber Essentials
Cyber security is constantly evolving. But the basics will remain the same – at least for the foreseeable future. At its core, being Cyber Essentials Certified is simply responsible business. Along with the above benefits, your current customers will also appreciate it. Thus, allowing you to build further trust with them. If you’d like to give your business every chance of surviving a cyber-attack, then it’s time to get Cyber Essentials Certified. Click below to talk with one of our experts about Cyber Essentials and your cyber security today.