Cyber Essentials can help to prevent 80% of cyber attacks
According to the UK Government, around 80% of cyber-attacks could be prevented if businesses put simple cyber security controls in place. However, not all organisations are getting these basics right. Only 58% have assessed themselves against the governments "10 Steps" cyber security guidance and only 30% of boards receive regular cyber security intelligence*.
The Cyber Essentials scheme is a key deliverable of the UK’s National Cyber Security Programme. Realising that the controls in the 10 Steps to Cyber Security were not being implemented effectively, and that no existing, individual standard met its specific requirement, the government developed the Cyber Essentials scheme. This scheme focuses on 5 key areas:
- Secure Configuration
Implementing security measures when building and installing computers and network devices to reduce unnecessary vulnerabilities - Boundary Firewalls and Internet Gateways
Providing a basic level of protection where an organisation connects to the Internet. - Access Control and Administrative Privilege Management
Protecting user accounts and helping prevent misuse of privileged accounts. - Patch Management
Keeping the software used on computers and network devices up to date and resisting low-level cyber attacks - Malware Protection
Protecting against a broad range of malware (including computer viruses, worms, spyware, botnet software and ransomware), including options for malware removal, which will protect your computer, your privacy and your important documents from attack.
*Department for Business and Innovation Skills Cyber Governance Health Check Jan 2015.
