Cyber security is never out of the news and the role technology plays in our daily lives and our businesses means it can never be taken lightly.
Cybercriminals see businesses, especially small businesses, as easy targets, as many are often protected, leaving many wondering how they could ever get the upper hand.
The good news is that businesses can take the initiative by certifying against the UK government’s Cyber Essentials Certification Scheme.
The scheme has been in operation since 2014, and over 25,000 certificates were awarded in 2021 (a 37 percent increase over 2020). This is clear evidence that many businesses take cyber security seriously.
Why is Cyber Essentials so popular? This plan provides tangible benefits to businesses by giving them insight into their cyber security, showing what they do well and where they may need to improve.
It also provides clear, independent assurance to customers and suppliers that a business is taking steps to protect itself.
In fact, Cyber Essentials is a business differentiator, giving businesses a competitive advantage over less hardworking competitors.
Businesses that wish to contract with the NHS, the UK Government and the Ministry of Defence, must have a cyber imperative, and the scheme is effectively becoming mandatory for many private sectors, such as finance and insurance.
Businesses without Cyber Essentials are not only at increased risk of attack, but also the possibility of being disadvantaged in the market and falling behind their competitors, which is even more important in the current economic climate.
Can your business effectively manage these risks without cyber imperatives?