ARE YOU DOING THE CYBER ESSENTIALS?

April 2014

The UK Government has today announced its “Cyber Essentials” scheme that provides clarity to organisations on what good cyber security practice is and sets out the steps they need to follow to manage cyber risks.

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said:

“Cyber Essentials is an easy-to-use, cost-effective way to help businesses and the public sector protect themselves against the risks of operating online. Organisations will now be able to easily demonstrate they are cyber safe – reassuring their clients, boosting confidence and profitability. I encourage all organisations to adopt it.”

Nexor CEO, Steve Kingan commented:

“I particularly welcome this initiative, which fills an important gap in enabling organisations, particularly SMEs, to understand the most important technical aspects of cyber security protection. Nexor will be supporting this initiative over the coming weeks and months.”

The Cyber Essentials profile is now available to download from the UK Government website. Organisations can self-assess themselves straightaway and from this summer will also be able to apply to be assessed and gain formal certification, leading to award of a Cyber Essentials badge.

The five technical controls within the Cyber Essentials profile document focus on five essential mitigations within the context of the previously published “10 Steps to Cyber Security”.

Nexor plans to be an early adopter of the Cyber Essentials scheme. In the meantime all feedback on the draft assurance framework should be submitted to the UK Government by 7th May 2014.