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If you've been considering a cybersecurity certification for your business, you've probably been weighing up Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus.
By choosing the right certification, you ensure that your cybersecurity measures align with your business’s specific needs and help you stay ahead of potential risks. Whether you need basic protection or a more thorough assessment, this guide will help you decide which certification is the best fit for you.
What are Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification scheme designed to help businesses protect themselves from the most common cyber threats. This framework equips businesses with the essential steps needed to strengthen their defences and minimise security risks.
Cyber Essentials Plus follows the same fundamental framework but includes an additional independent audit, offering a higher level of security and assurance.
How are they similar?
Both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus follow the same five security controls:
- Boundary firewalls and internet gateways: ensuring a secure internet connection
- Secure configuration: guaranteeing devices are set up securely
- User access control: restricting access to data and services
- Malware protection: implementing defensive measures against viruses
- Patch management: keeping software and devices up to date
These controls are the backbone of the Cyber Essentials scheme, helping organisations mitigate risks and protect against common cyber threats.
How are they different?
The key distinction between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus lies in the assessment process.
Cyber Essentials
This certification ends with a self-assessment. You complete a questionnaire to confirm you’ve implemented the necessary security controls in your business. A certification body then reviews the assessment and decides whether you've met the qualification requirements.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus includes an independent audit. An auditor will thoroughly evaluate your security controls, ensuring you've implemented them correctly.
Advantages of Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is a cost-effective way to simplify and demonstrate your commitment to cybersecurity. It’s essential for companies bidding for government contracts. Not only does it provide a solid foundation for further security measures, but it also provides businesses with a competitive edge as it builds trust and allows you to bid for government contracts.
Cyber Essentials Plus
The Plus certification offers enhanced credibility through third-party verification, increasing trust with customers and partners. This is especially for those in industries with strict data security regulations such as healthcare or the financial sector. It also helps you to stand out when securing contracts and increases protection against advanced threats.
Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus: the verdict
It might sound like a bit of a non-conclusion, but choosing between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on your business's needs.
Cyber Essentials is a great starting point for businesses looking to demonstrate basic cybersecurity measures. However, if your industry demands higher assurance levels or if you handle sensitive data, Cyber Essentials Plus offers added credibility and support through independent verification.
