Cyber Essentials certification is the first step in taking your business’ cybersecurity seriously. That’s because the security of your business’s data and systems is paramount in today’s digital age. With cyber threats evolving and increasing rapidly, it’s essential to have a robust defence mechanism in place. One way to take a proactive step is obtaining the Cyber Essentials Certification. Let’s explore why this certification is crucial for your business.
The Rising Tide of Cyber Threats
Cyber threats aren’t just a problem for big corporations; they affect businesses of all sizes. From ransomware attacks that can lock you out of your systems to phishing scams that trick employees into revealing sensitive information, the range and sophistication of these threats are growing. And everyone is a target.
The Real-World Impact
A recent example is the Kettering-based KNP Logistics Group, which suffered a ransomware attack in June. This attack affected their key systems, processes, and financial information. As a result, about 730 employees were made redundant. The cyber attack severely damaged KNP Logistic Group’s financial standing, hindering its ability to secure additional investment and funding. This incident underscores the tangible consequences of cyber threats and the importance of being prepared.
At SoConnect, we believe a well-thought-out cybersecurity strategy is the only way to fight against the growing threat. By considering the cyber threats in the context of your business, you’ll be able to build a strategy robust enough to withstand attacks.
You might be wondering where to start with all this. The best place to start is with the Essentials.
Why Cyber Essentials Certification?
Demonstrate Commitment to Security
Achieving this certification shows your clients, partners, and stakeholders that you take cybersecurity seriously. It’s a testament to your commitment to protecting your own data and theirs.
Protect Against Common Threats
The certification ensures you have measures to defend against the most common cyber threats. It’s about building a solid foundation.
Stay Updated with Best Practices
Cybersecurity isn’t static. With Cyber Essentials, you’re aligning your business with a framework that stays updated with the latest best practices in the industry.
Potential Business Requirement
More and more, businesses are making it a requirement for their suppliers and partners to have a certain level of cybersecurity. Being certified can give you a competitive edge in tenders and contracts.
Reduce Risk
By implementing the controls required for the certification, you significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats to your business. It’s a proactive approach to risk management.
The Broader Implications
Beyond just the technical benefits, having a Cyber Essentials Certification can enhance your business’s reputation. Clients and customers are becoming more tech-savvy and will likely choose partners prioritising security. Moreover, in the unfortunate event of a breach, demonstrating that you had robust measures can be crucial for damage control.
In an era where cyber threats are probable and almost inevitable, taking proactive steps to safeguard your business is essential. The Cyber Essentials Certification is more than just a badge; it’s a statement of your commitment to cybersecurity. Ensuring your business is equipped to handle the challenges is not just advisable – it’s imperative.
Next Steps
Cyber Essentials certification is an investment in the future and security of your business. We want to make it easy to see what steps you need to take to be Cyber Essentials compliant.
Download our Cyber Essentials checklist and our Cyber Essentials Plus checklist.
SoConnect can help you with every step of your Cybersecurity journey. We’ll conduct a Cyber Essentials gap analysis to help you determine what actions your business should take. We’ll audit your security controls, train your team in Security Awareness, and we’ll even manage your application to the Cyber Essentials/Plus Scheme.
