Cyber Security certification and accreditation

Cyber Essentials helps you to guard against hackers and costly mistakes that ruin your reputation. Whether it’s the most obvious threats or the things that most businesses don’t see coming, a Cyber Essentials certification will ensure your organisation is safe.

What Is Cyber Essentials?

CE is a scheme backed by the Government that aims to highlight common issues and assist enterprises that allow them to go under the radar. The program does this by showcasing the things that the majority of companies don’t know are threatening and offering simple-yet-effective solutions.

There are two levels of qualifications that your organisation can utilise.

Cyber Essentials

This is the most basic of the two accreditations. However, you shouldn’t let this impact your perception of the scheme as a big percentage of leaks are as a result of small problems that escalate out of control.

Many businesses are targets because they are easy to hack, which is why it’s essential to cover the bases. This will give you peace of mind that your systems can handle rudimentary attempts from outside sources who plan to cause your company harm.

A Cyber Essentials course includes a self-assessment questionnaire that is independently verified by a third-party. This means that the Standard Level of Certification allows you to say with confidence that you meet the requirements of Cyber Essentials.

Cyber Essentials Plus

A Cyber Essentials Plus qualification involves raising awareness of the protections you require to thwart threats. These include common issues, as well as more advanced problems. As a result, a certified accreditor must perform a technical verification to ensure you meet the required standards.

A Cyber Essentials Plus course includes:

• Info on the Government’s ten steps to cybersecurity. You have to prove that your company’s procedures are in line with the steps.
• A systems test.
• A self-assessment by a certified body.

It is up to you which level of qualification you choose.

How It Works

Whether you prefer the standard certification of the Cyber Essentials Plus qualification, your company will be tested against the same five basic security controls. They are:

• Secure Configuration
• Boundary Firewalls & Internet Gateways
• Access Control & Administrative Privilege Management
• Patch Management
• Malware Protection

The difference between the certification and accreditation process for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus is that the former evaluates the five controls via a technical audit. For a standard Cyber Essential qualification, you only need the information you provide to be verified by an assessor.

The proof required for either program is based on the size of the business. Therefore, the evidence is relative, meaning each application is taken on a case-by-case basis. There is no one-size-fits-all policy.

The Application

Here’s what you can expect during the application process.

1. A briefing: We’ll walk you through the foundation of the scheme and highlight things such as the length of the course and the required details.
2. An application form: In it, you’ll see how you need to provide the necessary proof to support your application.
3. The assessment: Once you have completed the form and sent it to us, we’ll review the information and inform you whether you have been successful.
4. The interview: The last part of the process is for the service owner to attend an interview.
5. Certification: Congratulations – you’re Cyber Essentials qualified!

We always offer feedback on failed applications so that you can assess your weak spots and provide the evidence required to secure your certificate.

Why Is Cyber Essentials A Good Thing?

There are a plethora of benefits included in your qualification. Firstly, the basic certificate is a legal requirement for UK government suppliers or anyone bidding for the contracts. Without it, you can’t show that you’re able to handle sensitive and personal information securely, and you’ll be rejected.

Also, the Cyber Essentials certification includes liability insurance for certified businesses. For £300 plus VAT, you receive peace of mind that you’re covered for anything cybersecurity-related.

You must be certified and have a turnover of £20m or less per year.

How JVR Consultancy Can Help

All of the above may sound complicated, but they are basic security problems that are easy to fix. At JVR Consultancy, we can empower you to take your company’s safety to the next level by assessing and certifying you as Cyber Essentials qualified.

As one of only 42 organisations in the UK to be accredited by the IASME Consortium in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre, we can assess your application and certify you as Cyber Essentials ready. Plus, we offer vital advice that will boost your chances of succeeding in the first attempt.

Cyber Essentials is backed by the government, which is why it’s essential to contact us as soon as possible for a free analysis on your current systems and a road map on how best for you to progress. As one of few consultancies in the UK to be accredited by the IASME Consortium in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre, we can assess your application and certify

For your free Cyber check  get in touch with us today.

How JVR Consultancy Can Help

For more information on how JVR Consultancy can support your business to remain compliant with a range of accreditations, please contact us today

Frequently Asked Questions from our Customers