How Small Businesses Can Achieve Cyber Essentials Certification with Hexagon IT
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is paramount for businesses of all sizes, including small businesses that are often the target of cyber attacks due to perceived vulnerabilities. Achieving Cyber Essentials certification is a crucial step for small businesses looking to protect themselves against a vast majority of cyber threats. This certification not only fortifies your business’s defences but also demonstrates a commitment to cybersecurity to your clients and stakeholders. Hexagon IT, with its comprehensive IT support and cybersecurity services, is perfectly positioned to guide small businesses through the Cyber Essentials certification process. Here’s how Hexagon IT can help your small business achieve this essential certification.
Understanding Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed, industry-supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common online threats. It outlines five basic controls that, when properly implemented, can prevent around 80% of cyber attacks. These controls include secure configuration, boundary firewalls and internet gateways, access control and administrative privilege management, patch management, and malware protection.
Initial Assessment and Gap Analysis
The first step towards achieving Cyber Essentials certification with Hexagon IT involves conducting an initial assessment of your current IT infrastructure. This assessment identifies any gaps between your existing security measures and the Cyber Essentials requirements. Hexagon IT’s team of experts will review your systems, processes, and security controls, providing a detailed gap analysis report.
Tailored Security Recommendations
Based on the gap analysis, Hexagon IT will provide tailored recommendations to address any deficiencies in your cybersecurity posture. This could involve configuring your existing systems more securely, updating or replacing outdated software, and implementing new security measures to meet the Cyber Essentials criteria. Hexagon IT’s recommendations are designed to be practical, cost-effective, and minimally disruptive to your business operations.
Implementation Support
Implementing the necessary changes to achieve Cyber Essentials certification can be a daunting task for small businesses without in-house IT expertise. Hexagon IT offers hands-on support throughout the implementation process, from configuring systems and installing security updates to setting up firewalls and malware protection. Their team ensures that all technical requirements are met efficiently and effectively, reducing the burden on your business.
Certification Process
Once your business is aligned with the Cyber Essentials controls, Hexagon IT will guide you through the certification process. This involves completing a self-assessment questionnaire, which Hexagon IT can assist with, to ensure accuracy and completeness. Following the submission of the questionnaire, an external certification body will review your application and conduct any necessary audits.
Ongoing Support and Compliance
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification is not just a one-time event but an ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards of cybersecurity. Hexagon IT provides continuous monitoring, regular updates, and advice to ensure your business remains compliant with Cyber Essentials standards. This ongoing support is crucial for adapting to new threats and maintaining the integrity of your cybersecurity measures.
Conclusion
For small businesses, achieving Cyber Essentials certification is a significant milestone in enhancing cybersecurity and building trust with clients. With Hexagon IT’s expertise and support, the path to certification becomes clear and manageable. Their comprehensive approach not only helps small businesses meet the certification requirements but also strengthens their overall cybersecurity posture, providing lasting benefits well beyond the certification itself. In partnering with Hexagon IT, small businesses can navigate the cybersecurity landscape with confidence, secure in the knowledge that they are protected against a wide array of cyber threats.