UK government-backed certification scheme covering fundamental cyber security controls.
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cyber security certification scheme that helps organisations protect against common cyber attacks. It covers five technical controls: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management. Cyber Essentials is self-assessed via an online questionnaire; Cyber Essentials Plus adds independent technical verification. Certification is required for UK government contracts involving personal data or certain IT services and increasingly expected by private sector customers.
Why It Matters
The DSC Perspective:
Cyber Essentials is baseline security certification in the UK. It's required for many government contracts and demonstrates basic security hygiene to customers. It's achievable for any organisation willing to implement fundamental controls.