Introducing: The new and improved desktop app for CyberSmart Active Protect

CyberSmart Active Protect

CyberSmart is excited to announce the relaunch of our desktop app for Active Protect. Designed to safeguard users and devices from cybersecurity threats, it comes complete with cybersecurity awareness training, endpoint monitoring, device misconfiguration assessments and the ability to enforce compliance with company policies. 

How does Active Protect work?

Active Protect runs an unobtrusive agent in the background on your devices, checking configurations, training modules passed, and policies read and acknowledged. 

Once Active Protect has run its scans, passes and fails are reported back to the user and administrator(s) with tips for addressing any misconfigurations. Plus, the employee(s) responsible for cybersecurity in your organisation can view this information through several different dashboard views. 

For desktop users, the app can be downloaded via email once an administrator has sent out the enrollment link. And, for mobile, through the app store relevant to your device.

What’s changed? 

Radical redesign

The first thing you’ll notice upon opening the new and improved Active Protect is how it looks and feels. We’ve updated the design with the latest user experience (UX) principles in mind, making it easier to use than ever before. 

Renamed security controls 

We felt ‘device checks’ wasn’t clear enough so we’ve renamed them ‘security controls’ to reflect their purpose better. We’ve also renamed each check to give users a more accurate picture of their status. 

Updated security controls

All Active Protect’s security controls have been updated with new logic to help them stay up-to-the-minute with changes to manufacturers’ operating systems. This dramatically reduces the risk of false positives and makes them our most accurate security controls yet. 

Improved memory usage

Memory is an important resource for any small business. So, to free up as much as possible for our customers, we’ve rebuilt our security controls to minimise CPU usage when running a check.

Consolidated reporting

You can now see every desktop version of Active Protect in your business in one place. This makes it simpler than ever to ensure everyone in your organisation has the highest protection levels. 

Legacy devices page

Manage devices on older versions of Active Protect and give them access to the latest features and security enhancements.

Vulnerable software security control

Most excitingly of all, we’ve added a brand new security control that analyses a user’s desktop for software vulnerabilities, complete with a severity rating system, so you know which fixes to prioritise first. 

Changes to security controls

As we mentioned earlier, we’ve made some changes to the names of Active Protect’s security controls. To help you avoid confusion, here’s a handy list of the changes.

CyberSmart Active Protect

How to get access

From the 24th of June 2024, all new devices will be automatically enrolled on the latest version of Active Protect. For existing devices, there are in-platform buttons and simple instructions in our Knowledge Base on how to get access to the latest version.

Cost of living CTA 3

How CyberSmart enhances protection against Qilin ransomware

Qilin ransomware

The emergence of Qilin ransomware as a formidable cyber threat requires robust cybersecurity measures. In this blog, we’ll look at how CyberSmart is helping organisations defend against this sophistacted malware.

What is Qilin ransomware?

Qilin ransomware is distinguished by its advanced encryption techniques. It uses a blend of AES (symmetric) and RSA (asymmetric) encryption to secure data. This makes decryption very difficult without the corresponding keys.

Qilin ransomware is adept at exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities, allowing it to infiltrate and persist within systems undetected.

How does it get in?

Given it’s sophistication, you might expect Qilin ransomware to require an eqaully refined delivery method. But that’s not the case. Most Qilin attacks are launched via common phishing scams. Once in, it exploits vulnerabilities to spread quickly across systems.

Qilin’s Operational Tactics

Qilin’s operational tactics are what make it so tricky to deal with. For example, it can customise its payload to avoid detection or change its approach to exploit the target’s weaknesses.

It also uses lateral movement techniques to spread accross networks, encrypting valuable data and altering file extensions. This makes file recovery extremely difficult.

Global Impact

Qilin primarily targets sectors where data access is critical. These include industries like healthcare and manufacturing which offer criminals the chance for maximum disruption.

All this demonstrates the importance of an adaptive approach to cybersecurity to counter the threat – which is where CyberSmart comes in.

CyberSmart’s defensive strategies

CyberSmart’s comprehensive suite of tools can significantly mitigate the risks posed by threats like Qilin. Here’s how.

1. Endpoint monitoring and compliance assurance

CyberSmart Active Protect continuously monitors endpoints. This ensures that every system in your business complies with the latest security standards. In addition, it quickly identifies vulnerabilities and provides simple instructions for mitigating them – depriving Qilin of gaps to exploit.

2. Education to combat phishing

According to a study from IBM, 95% of all cyberattacks are caused by human error. And, this is especially true of ransomware attacks. CyberSmart Academy focuses on reducing human error. It does this through targeted training to help employees recognise and avoid phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.


3. Proactive vulnerability management

Routine vulnerability scans are critical in preempting attacks. They help to identify and address the security loopholes threats like Qilin try to wriggle through.

4. Data recovery and continuity planning 

With our partners’ support, we encourage all businesses to implement data recovery and backup plans. This approach minimises the downtime and operational impact caused by a breach. So, even if the worst-case scenario happens, you’ll recover quickly.

5. Install and maintain anti-malware solutions

Although CyberSmart doesn’t directly handle malware detection, it ensures that anti-malware solutions are installed and configured correctly. Again, this provides confidence that your whole network is adequately protected.

The need for layered cybersecurity strategies

The threat Qilin poses highlights the need for a layered cybersecurity strategy. What do we mean by that?

Well, in short, protection against sophisticated ransomware is about more than anti-malware tools. Organisations must maintain rigorous update protocols, regularly monitor systems and enhance employee awareness to properly mitigate risk.

By integrating CyberSmart’s advanced security solutions, businesses can strengthen their defences and ensure greater resilience against cyber threats.

Jamie Akhtar, CEO at CyberSmart, adds:
“In an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, it’s vital that our defences not only match but exceed the level of threat we face. Sectors like healthcare, previously considered off-limits, are now actively targeted due to legacy systems, interconnectedness, and the necessity to restore services quickly. CyberSmart is committed to collaborating with our extensive partner network to deliver complete cyber confidence for organisations against complex threats like the Qilin ransomware. This commitment is crucial for maintaining the trust and safety of the digital systems that power our everyday lives.”
SME cost of living crisis






CyberSmart announces expansion into the Australian market with HAT Distribution partnership

HAT Distribution partnership

The move will streamline and simplify Essential Eight assessment for Australian SMEs and MSPs

Wednesday 08 May 2024 – London, UK: CyberSmart, the UK’s leading provider of complete cyber confidence to UK SMEs is excited to announce its partnership with Australian technology distributor, HAT Distribution. The partnership will provide businesses in Australia with fast, hassle-free Essential Eight assessment and year-round assurance.

CyberSmart is the world’s first complete SME solution, offering all-in-one cybersecurity monitoring, optimisation and training, proven to defend against cyber threats. With its user-friendly platform, simplified progression framework, year-round protection and unlimited support, implementing Essential Eight controls has never been easier for Australian businesses.

As cybercrime escalates in Australia, with 94,000 incidents reported in 2023* alone (equivalent to one report every 6 minutes!), completing Essential Eight – the recognised Australian government standard for cybersecurity – is not just advantageous but also crucial in certain industries. CyberSmart’s solutions are specifically designed to help businesses implement these strategies effectively so they can attain and maintain a government-approved standard of cybersecurity, reducing cyber risk.

The platform is tailored for MSPs and SMEs, who represent a critical segment in the economy but often face challenges with maintaining robust cyber defences due to limited resources and expertise. With CyberSmart, MSPs can enhance their service offerings by delivering comprehensive and cost-effective solutions to their clients, while SMBs gain access to straightforward Essential Eight assessment, without the need for extensive resources. 

Australian SMEs will also gain access to CyberSmart Active Protect,  a powerful on-device agent that delivers comprehensive endpoint monitoring, risk management, policy enforcement, and cybersecurity awareness training. Active Protect regularly monitors and reports the status of a device by running through a series of security controls, identifying any vulnerabilities and providing simple step-by-step walkthroughs on how to fix them. 

Jamie Ahktar, CEO at CyberSmart said, “We’re excited to expand into the Australian market with HAT Distribution. Cybercrime is a worldwide business, and the interconnected nature of global commerce in 2024 means that the more geographies we are able to offer SMBs complete cyber confidence in, the better. Almost half of Australians reported experiencing cybercrime in 2023, and we believe that the comprehensive protection we’re bringing to the Australian market will be able to limit both the success and impact of these incidents moving forward.

Josh Gammer, General Manager of HAT Distribution said, “Amidst the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, we are thrilled to partner with CyberSmart, a leader in cybersecurity innovation, to help more Australian businesses comply with the government’s endorsed Essential Eight framework. 

With CyberSmart, even smaller players gain access to the tools required for assessment, and for MSPs, the partnership is a consultative business opportunity to guide their clients on a transformative journey toward stronger cyber defences.”

For more information about CyberSmart’s cybersecurity solution for Australia, please visit https://www.cybersmart.com/au

SME cost of living crisis

Press release: Heightened risk of insider threats during cost-of-living crisis, according to SME study

insider threats

Our latest research (to be released as a report) reveals fear among UK SMEs about insider threats. Some key findings include:

  • Nearly half of UK SMEs (47%) believe they are at greater risk of a cyberattack since the cost-of-living crisis.
  • 38% believe this is due to increased malicious insider threats, and 35% believe it is due to negligent insider threats.
  • 1 in 4 believe staff are overwhelmed or concerned about meeting their financial commitments.
  • 20% believe employees will steal sensitive or proprietary data from the company to sell for profit or for a competitive advantage.
  • 17% believe employees will seek to harm the company’s reputation due to resentment over salary cuts/stagnation and/or layoffs.

London, UK (15th June 2023) – Nearly half of UK SMEs (47%) believe they are at greater risk of a cyberattack since the onset of the cost-of-living crisis. Of these respondents, 38% believe this is due to increased malicious insider threats (i.e., disgruntled employees making decisions that are not in the best interest of the company) and 35% believe it is due to negligent insider threats (i.e., overworked or distracted employees making mistakes). This is according to a survey of a thousand SME senior leaders across the UK, commissioned by CyberSmart, the category leader in simple and accessible automated cybersecurity technology for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and conducted by Censuswide.

In light of the economic uncertainty, almost 1 in 3 employers (29%) admit that employee salaries have stayed the same: in effect, resulting in a decline of real wages to accommodate for inflation. A further 11% have even gone so far as to reduce salaries. What’s more, nearly a quarter (24%) of SMEs have hit pause on recruitment, while 16% have laid off employees for budgetary reasons.

It is no coincidence then that 1 in 4 employers (24%) are finding that their staff are overwhelmed or concerned about meeting their financial commitments, while nearly a fifth (18%) find they are feeling overworked. Moreover, 16% believe their staff are less engaged or productive due to the stress, 14% think they are more disgruntled and 11% have noticed an increased rift between senior leadership and employees.

Remarkably, employers expect their employees might engage in the following activities whilst in this unhappy state.

  • 22% believe employees will take on a second or third job during contractual hours.
  • 22% believe employees will be more likely to make mistakes such as clicking on a phishing link.
  • 20% believe employees will steal sensitive or proprietary data from the company to sell for profit or for a competitive advantage.
  • 17% believe employees will seek to harm company reputation due to resentment over salary cuts/stagnation and/or layoffs.
  • 14% believe employees will use AI such as ChatGPT to do their job for them.
  • 14% believe employees will steal money from the company or commit financial fraud.

“Not all businesses are experiencing a negative company culture as a result of the crisis. In fact, 20% believe the cost-of-living crisis has brought the company closer together and 16% of employees are becoming more motivated to impress senior leaders. Nevertheless, in times like these, it is crucial that employers are mindful of how their staff are coping,” said Jamie Akhtar, CEO and Co-Founder of CyberSmart. “It only takes one disgruntled or overworked member of staff to make a decision that could put the entire business at risk. This research highlights the importance of conducting regular security awareness training, but also the need to show up for employees with empathy and support.”

It should be noted that SME business leaders also consider external forces to be responsible for the growing risk of cyberattacks, with 32% attributing it to higher rates of supply chain fraud and 31% expressing concern about nation-state interference from hostile countries such as Russia and China.

Want to know more? Read the report in full here.

SME cost of living crisis

CyberSmart joins Kickstart’s new accelerator

Another week, another good news story at CyberSmart. We’ve joined Kickstart’s new accelerator. Here’s what it all means.

What is Kickstart? 

Kickstart is one of Europe’s largest innovation platforms. It helps start-ups in a variety of sectors from FinTech to food and retail to innovate and scale sustainably. 

Since its founding in 2015, Kickstart has helped create over 220 commercial partnerships and supported 323 start-ups. 

What does the accelerator involve? 

Companies selected for the accelerator take part in a ten-week programme. It’s designed to breed commercial partnerships and encourage collaboration between start-ups and Kickstart’s partners. Its partners include AXA, Co-op, Swisscom, La Mobilière, PostFinance, Sanitas, The City of Zurich, Canton de Vaud, Credit Suisse, Galenica, CSS Insurance and others.

What does this mean for CyberSmart?

We’re delighted to be picked for the accelerator’s InsurTech cohort. Not only did we beat some strong competition, with applications coming from 58 countries, but we’re also set to work alongside some of the biggest names in the FinTech and InsurTech industries. 

This represents a massive opportunity for us. We’ll learn from and collaborate with some of the best. And, it’ll help us generate new ideas, refine our current products, and reach more small businesses than ever before.

All in all, it’s another step in our journey to protect every small business from cyber threats. Stay tuned for what comes next.

Protecting your business on a budget is tricky. Calling in the experts or investing in the latest tools is expensive. So what can you do? CyberSmart Active Protect secures your business around the clock with no need for costly consultants, tools or an in-house team. Try it today.

Active Protect CTA

Double delight as CyberSmart scoops two awards

We love an awards ceremony at CyberSmart. It’s a chance to wear long-neglected formal wear, snaffle a free dinner, and meet up with the people that make cybersecurity such a great industry to work in.

However, what we love even more than the glitz and glamour is winning. So imagine our delight when we were nominated for the 2022 SC Awards Europe and CompTIA Spotlight Awards and took home a gong at each. 

What were the awards?

The SC Awards Europe, run by SC Media UK, is one of the most prestigious events in the cybersecurity industry’s calendar. It aims to recognise and reward products and services that continue to stand out from the crowd, exceeding customer expectations to help defeat imminent threats and cybersecurity attacks.

The nominees and winners of these awards usually, read like a who’s who of the cybersecurity sector. So we were very happy to be nominated, particularly as we narrowly missed out on an award last year.

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a global leader in the training and upskilling of IT professionals. And, it’s one of the leading voices in our sector. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this makes the organisation’s annual awards ceremony a must-attend within the cybersecurity industry. 

What did we win? 

We won both the CompTIA UK Innovative Vendor Spotlight Award and SC Awards Europe’s Best SME Security Solution award.

We’re incredibly proud to win two such prestigious awards, especially amongst such impressive competition. We’d also like to say congratulations to all the other nominees and winners.

What comes next? 

Although we’re always thrilled to win awards, our work is far from done. We won’t stop until every small business has the knowledge and protection to keep themselves safe from cyberattacks.

As we write this, SMEs are being targeted like never before and there are still too many without adequate protection. And these awards, while proving we’re on the right track, only spur us on to help more small businesses.

To find out more about what drives us, read our latest guide, The State of UK SME Cybersecurity. It’s full of useful insights on the risks small businesses face and what can be done to counter them. Get your copy here.

State of SME cybersecurity

CyberSmart scoops two Security Excellence Awards

security excellence awards

Awards season is in full flow and it’s already been a successful one for CyberSmart, as we scooped two awards at Computing’s Security Excellence Awards 2021.

What are the Security Excellence Awards? 

Computing’s Security Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements of the tech industry’s leading security companies, products and personalities. Or, as they put it, ‘the ones who keep the rest of the industry operating’.

This year has been a particularly tough year for anyone working in cybersecurity. Remote and hybrid working have become commonplace, nation-state and ransomware attacks are on the rise, and a society that previously gave little thought to cybersecurity has suddenly been forced to start thinking about it in a big way.

These awards are a well overdue celebration of the best of a turbulent year. 

What did CyberSmart win?

We’re delighted to have won two awards, one for CyberSmart as a business, and the other for our SME-focused product, CyberSmart Active Protect. Here’s a little explanation of each award: 

Security Vendor of the Year – SMEs

“SMEs are often forced to make do with ageing infrastructure and legacy systems, and may be unable to defend themselves against new threats. This prize will go to the company that can best aid SMEs in their constant battle to avoid becoming the ‘low-hanging fruit’ of cybersecurity.”

SME Security Solution Award

“SMEs are prime targets to malicious agents, with small teams and often similar budgets. The cost of large and expensive security offerings can make SMEs feel priced out of the market, so in this category, we’re looking at affordable services that still offer the range and scope of security coverage any larger organisation typically enjoys.”

What does this mean for CyberSmart? 

First of all, we’re thrilled to have won these two awards, particularly as both focus on SMEs. Since our founding, we’ve made it our mission to make cybersecurity simpler and more affordable for SMEs. So, to be recognised at an awards ceremony for doing exactly that is proof we’re on the right track.

However, our work is far from done. SMEs are being targeted like never before and there are still too many without adequate protection. While welcome, these awards only add fuel to our fire for 2022 and beyond.

Protecting your business on a budget is tricky. Calling in the experts or investing in the latest tools is expensive. So what can you do? CyberSmart Active Protect secures your business around the clock with no need for costly consultants, tools or an in-house team. Try it today.

Active Protect CTA

CyberSmart up for three awards

Awards

Awards season is just around the corner. So we’re delighted to kick proceedings off with a bang, bagging three nominations at the 2021 Network Computing Awards

What is the Network Computing Awards? 

Network Computing Magazine is one of the UK’s most prominent online tech publications. It began life in the 1990s as a monthly print publication covering the tech world, before moving to online-only in the late noughties.

As part of its focus on IT and tech, Network Computing also hosts an annual awards ceremony celebrating the best the industry has to offer. Past winners read like a veritable who’s who of tech royalty, including everyone from SolarWinds to Dell and Cisco.

What awards is CyberSmart up for? 

We’re honoured to have been nominated for three awards:

Remote Working Product of the Year (Cybersmart Active Protect)

The One to Watch Company (CyberSmart)

The Innovation Award (Cybersmart Active Protect)

We’re particularly proud to see CyberSmart Active Protect up for two awards. We’ve spent most of the year so far refining our approach to cybersecurity for SMEs. And these nominations are a great early sign that we’re on the right track.

But we’re just getting started. The rest of 2021 will see more exciting developments and the launch of several new products.

In the meantime, we’d like to wish all the other nominees the best of luck. We’ll certainly be crossing everything in the run-up to the ceremony on the 21st of October! 

Are you a small business looking to improve cybersecurity but not sure where to begin? Start by getting certified in Cyber Essentials, the UK government scheme that covers all the fundamentals of cyber hygiene. 

CTA button

What is a cybersecurity policy and why do you need one?

Cybersecurity policy

You’ve likely heard the term ‘cybersecurity policy’ before. But what is it? And why does your company need one? 

What do we mean by ‘policy’? 

A ‘policy’, in cybersecurity terms, is a set of principles that guide decisions within an organisation. These principles can inform the decisions senior management make or guide employees in their day-to-day activities. A great example of the latter is a password policy.

What is the purpose of a policy?

A well-crafted policy can help your organisation achieve its goals, say reducing the risk of phishing attacks or compliance with Cyber Essentials. Any policy worth its salt should outline what employees should or shouldn’t do, offer directions on best practices, and guidance for decision making. 

Why are policies so important? 

According to research,  90% of security breaches occur through human error. However, improving your cybersecurity isn’t about blaming employees for their all-too-human mistakes. It’s about giving your people the tools and knowledge to better protect themselves.

According to research,  90% of security breaches occur through human error


This is where policies come in. Policies and procedures provide a roadmap for day-to-day operations. They ensure compliance with laws and regulations, offer guidance,  and even help employees make better decisions. After all, if your people don’t know which behaviours are harmful, they can’t correct them.

But clear, readily available policies have benefits beyond merely reducing the likelihood of a successful security breach. Here are just a few.

Improved efficiency 

Sometimes clear policies are all that stand between a business and organised chaos. Sure, everyone’s working, but are they all pulling in the same direction? Or adhering to company values?

When everyone is following policies and procedures, a business will generally run smoothly. Management structures and teams operate as they’re meant to while mistakes and hiccups in processes can be quickly identified and addressed. 

What’s more, when everyone understands what’s expected of them and goals are clearly defined, time and resources are managed more efficiently. And this will ultimately help you meet targets and grow. 

Better customer service 

There’s nothing more frustrating than receiving wildly different service from two separate interactions with the same organisation. It could be your utility provider, GP surgery or bank, but we’ve all experienced the irritation it causes. 

Having clear, easy-to-follow policies in place is a sure-fire way to stop your business from providing erratic customer service. When policies are followed, tasks are performed correctly and every customer receives the same high level of service – enhancing your business’s reputation to boot. 

A safer workplace 

Workplace accidents and incidents are far less likely to happen if everyone’s working to the same standards and principles. This not only reduces liability risk for your business but also cuts downtime and disruption. And, even if the worst does happen, you’ll weather it much better with a clear procedure on how to deal with it. 

How can CyberSmart help? 

We’ve discussed why policies are important but now comes the tricky bit. How do you ensure that everyone in your business has access to the policies they need to work safely? And, more important still, how do you make sure they read them?

CyberSmart Policy Manager allows you to digitally upload and share policies straight to staff’s devices through our platform, CyberSmart Active Protect. Policies can easily be uploaded through the CyberSmart Dashboard and made available to your users instantly. 

What’s more, you can be sure your employees read them. Our Dashboard provides you with a digital audit trail of when policies have been read and agreed upon. 

But what if you’re unsure of where to start when creating a new policy? Well, we’ve got you covered there too. We’ve put together a handy set of templates to help you get started. These are free to download from your CyberSmart Dashboard and easily modified to suit your business. Our policy templates include: 

  •  Data Classification policy 
  •  Cyber Essentials policy 
  •  Data Protection policy 
  •  IT Access policy 
  •  Security Awareness and Training Guidelines policy 
  •  Work From Home Covid-19 policy

We also offer a GDPR policy pack as part of our IASME and GDPR certification.

And that’s all there is to know about policies. They’re a simple tool, but one that provides an important first line of defence for your business against cyber threats. Hopefully, this blog has armed you with all the knowledge you need, but if you have any questions please get in touch, our team are always happy to help.

Looking to improve your cybersecurity but not sure where to begin? Start by getting certified in Cyber Essentials, the UK government scheme that covers all the fundamentals of cyber hygiene.

CTA button

Case study: Helping a healthcare business build trust

Healthcare

Cyber Essentials certification is becoming ever-more important to the healthcare industry, particularly for those firms looking to work with the NHS. 

So we sat down with Kim-Lisa Gad, Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager at Vula Mobile to discuss how CyberSmart has helped the business complete Cyber Essentials Plus certification.

Vula is a medical referral app and online platform that makes it easy for primary healthcare workers to get advice from and refer patients to specialists.

CyberSmart: What security challenges have you faced as a business? 

Kim: Like many businesses – even those with good physical, technical and administrative security measures in place –  it’s often a challenge to reassure customers and partners that their data is protected and our organisation is secure. 

The Cyber Essentials Plus certification has allowed us to demonstrate to customers and partners that we take security seriously. And, that we’re continually improving and verifying that our security processes are effective and well managed. 

CyberSmart: What prompted you to get Cyber Essentials Plus certification?

Kim: Initially, we were required to get Cyber Essentials Plus to apply for a business tender. However, since then, Cyber Essentials Plus has helped us obtain and move forward with other contracts. Being able to demonstrate our security measures to current and potential customers has proved invaluable. 

The Cyber Essentials Plus certification offered through CyberSmart is an absolute necessity for any business that wants to validate its security commitments.

CyberSmart: How easy was the process from initial enquiry to certification?

Kim: The process was exceptionally quick and seamless, from our initial contact with James (Direct Sales Manager at CyberSmart) to our audit with Glen (CyberSmart’s Head of Cyber Audit) and obtaining our certification. 

The team at CyberSmart were always on hand with information and advice, making the whole process much less stressful. It was also wonderful that they were able to do everything remotely as we are based in South Africa. 

CyberSmart: How long did the process take? 

Kim: The initial questionnaire for Cyber Essentials took around a week to complete. We had our first response back requesting more information on three questions within a day of completing it. I provided the information the same day and we were granted certification later that afternoon. 

We then started Cyber Essentials Plus certification two weeks later, preparing ourselves for the online audit. The audit took around three hours; Glen was exceptional in helping us prepare and very thorough in his assessment. We received our Cyber Essentials certification the same day as the audit which was a very efficient turnaround. 

CyberSmart: How has Cyber Essentials Plus helped your business?

Kim: It’s proved an invaluable way of proving to customers, partners and prospects that our security is effective and follows best practices. Certification has also made the process of submitting tenders and business documentation much easier. The certification itself answers many of the questions we’re asked in potential business agreements. 

Our customers, partners and prospects have really appreciated the additional assurance that certification provides.

CyberSmart: Have you noticed any change in your relationship with customers, suppliers, or prospects since getting certified?

Kim: Our customers, partners and prospects have really appreciated the additional assurance that certification provides. What’s more, their trust in how we manage our business and the services we provide has also increased. 

We find once we’ve submitted our Cyber Essentials Plus certificate to other businesses, they’re generally satisfied and don’t require any further proof of our commitment to security. The certificate provides all the proof they need. 

CyberSmart: Would you recommend Cyber Essentials Plus to other businesses like yours?

Kim: Most definitely. The Cyber Essentials Plus certification offered through CyberSmart is an absolute necessity for any business that wants to validate its security commitments. And, it’s a great way to assure customers and business partners that your organisation is secure.

Finally, it’s also a very methodical approach to ensuring your security measures are well-thought-out, executed properly, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. 

Considering Cyber Essentials Plus for your business? Click here to find out why CyberSmart is the UK’s leading provider of Cyber Essentials certification.

CTA button