Welcome to the fascinating world of cybersecurity certifications! But which one should your business have?
In this blog, we’ll be exploring Cyber Essentials Basic and Cyber Essentials Plus, two formidable contenders in the UK cybersecurity arena.
So, which one will be the best fit for your business needs?
Cyber Essentials Basic
First up, we have Cyber Essentials Basic, the agile and budget-friendly contender. This certification focuses on five essential security controls – think of each one as the trusty guardians defending your business’s online stronghold:
- Boundary Firewalls and Internet Gateways – The walls that keep cyber intruders at bay.
- Secure Configuration – The watchful protectors ensuring all devices and software are fortified with robust security settings.
- User Access Control – The gatekeepers granting access only to trustworthy individuals.
- Patch Management – The swift responders who mend every chink in the armour with the latest security patches.
- Malware Protection – The virus-fighting squad, relentlessly safeguarding against malicious invaders.
Pros of Cyber Essentials Basic:
- Affordable & Accessible: With Cyber Essentials Basic, even the smallest of UK businesses can join the cybersecurity league without denting their budget.
- Essential Upgrades: These five security controls deliver significant improvements to your business’s cyber resilience, offering crucial protection.
- Boosted Credibility: Achieving the Cyber Essentials Basic badge displays your commitment to cybersecurity, instilling confidence in clients and partners.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Next up, we have Cyber Essentials Plus – the heavyweight champion with an extra punch! It not only encompasses the same five essential security controls but also packs an extra blow with its powerful technical verification: This means that Cyber Essentials Plus assessors turn into friendly hackers, conducting simulated attacks on your digital fortress to unearth any hidden vulnerabilities.
Pros of Cyber Essentials Plus:
- Rigorous Testing: Cyber Essentials Plus leaves no stone unturned! Its simulated hacking attempts provide a comprehensive examination of your defences.
- Enhanced Assurance: Earning the Cyber Essentials Plus certification showcases your business’s dedication to the highest levels of cybersecurity preparedness.
- Competitive Edge: Displaying the Cyber Essentials Plus accolade sets your business apart as a true cybersecurity champion among UK competitors.
Which One Should You Choose?
If your UK business is just beginning its cybersecurity journey and requires a friendly and budget-conscious companion, Cyber Essentials Basic is your ideal ally. It will help you build a strong foundation, shielding you from most common cyber threats.
However, if you operate a high-stakes UK business, handle sensitive information, or work in a highly regulated sector, Cyber Essentials Plus is the undisputed champion.
Its rigorous testing ensures your business becomes an impregnable fortress against cyber adversaries!
Conclusion:
Both Cyber Essentials Basic and Cyber Essentials Plus bring their unique strengths to protect your UK business. The choice ultimately hinges on your business’s size, budget, and appetite for cyber risk.
Southern Solutions provide advice and guidance to businesses across the South. If you are concerned about your business security, please call Oli for a free, confidential conversation at 02382 022099.