Reasons to become ‘Cyber Essentials’ Certified

Published on 31 October 2022

When it comes to growing a business online, cyber security is one of the biggest and most important factors in securing everything from online transactions to customer data and beyond.

And with hackers becoming more sophisticated by the day, and online scams continuing to spread throughout every industry and sector, cyber and IT security has never been more prominent for businesses of all sizes.

While cyber security audits and reviews have become some of the most popular services in terms of assessing and understanding a business’s own approach to cyber security, the government is now backing a scheme which empowers business owners like you to take control and become what we call “Cyber Essentials certified”. Via this scheme, businesses are shown how to identify a basic cyber-attack and – importantly – what to do if it happens. With a combination of prevention techniques and defence mechanisms, becoming Cyber Essentials certified essentially means arming yourself and your business with the security that your customers want to see, and your colleagues need to understand.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of becoming Cyber Essentials certified.

Reasons to become Cyber Essentials Certified

There are two main classifications which fall under this new government-backed scheme.

The first is the basic ‘Cyber Essentials’ certification which is self-assessed and shows business owners and IT technicians how to arm themselves with the basic defence tools against cyber-attacks.

The second is the more comprehensive ‘Cyber Essentials Plus’ certification which is just as simple in terms of what you need to do, but which also involves the hands-on involvement of a verified technician to assess and confirm your secure status.

Both types of certification demonstrate a commitment to cyber security which not only keeps your business safe but makes it more trustworthy and enticing in the eyes of both clients and customers.

Benefits of being Cyber Essentials Certified

To understand the benefits of becoming Cyber Essentials certified, you need only consider the immense damage that can happen within just seconds of being hacked or subject to a cyber-attack.

Just some of the short term and long term effects of a cyber-attack include financial loss, damage to your reputation among peers and customers, a loss of data, and the high chance of breaching data protection standards.

With that said, how does being Cyber Essentials certified help your business?

1. Your business is seen as being more trustworthy

When your business can display Cyber Essentials certification, you instantly tell both customers and business clients that any data they give you, or payments they make, will be secure. It shows that you are doing what you can to minimise risk and keep your business – and their information – safe.

2. Understand your IT security level

Becoming Cyber Essentials certified enables you to have a better understanding of your business status in terms of IT security – teaching you to recognise threats and respond to them effectively.

3. Expand your horizons

Many companies don’t realise that in order to successfully bid on and win government contracts and other contracts which include sensitive data, Cyber Essentials certification is a basic requirement. Therefore, not only does the certification inspire trust and customer peace of mind, but it also makes you a more attractive prospect for potential new clients.

Boost your response to cyber security

Armed with Cyber Essentials certification, you will find that your business becomes more attractive to customers, in addition to providing you with the peace of mind of knowing your data and information is secure.

For more advice on cyber security, for help in achieving Cyber Essentials certification, and to benefit from our comprehensive cyber security assessments and checks, get in touch with us at Bluebell IT Solutions today on 01908 044202, or visit our contact page to send us a message.

If you are ready to talk about Cyber Essentials or after further information, book a meeting with one of our experts below.