Here are some of my key takeaways:
1. Improved Cyber Security: The scheme has significantly improved the cyber security of businesses and organisations of all sizes, helping them defend against common cyber threats.
2. Increased Awareness: It has raised awareness and understanding of the cyber security risk, leading to better-informed decisions and practices.
3. Stimulated Good Practices: Cyber Essentials has encouraged wider actions, good practice and behaviours. Many companies were reported as going over and above the requirements of the scheme.
4. Supply Chain Assurance: The scheme is actively used in supply chain assurance, helping organisations demonstrate basic cyber hygiene and instil confidence in their partners and clients. How secure are your suppliers?
6. Reduced Cyber Insurance Claims: Organisations with Cyber Essentials certification are 80% less likely to make a claim on cyber insurance compared to those without the certification.
7. Market competitiveness: Cyber Essentials users (69%) believe that the scheme has increased their market competitiveness.
I am reminded of a speech earlier this year by Saqib Bhatti (Technology Minister), stating:
“Let me be unequivocally clear: Cyber Essentials works. And we need to get many more businesses and organisations to adopt Cyber Essentials, and prevent those basic attacks which are so prevalent. This will have a huge impact on the UK’s overall level of cyber resilience.”
As a Certification Body, Cyber Advisor and Assured Service Provider, BC technologies can help with your compliance. Investing in Cyber Essentials not only protects your business but also instils confidence in your clients and partners. I urge all organisations to make cybersecurity a priority and plan it into your budgets for a safer digital future!
