New tool launched to support organisations achieve Cyber Essentials certification

12 May 2021 02:03 PM

Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool asks organisations questions related to the main Cyber Essentials criteria to help prepare them for certification.

BUSINESSES in the UK are today set to benefit from a new tool which supports them to achieve certification under the government-backed Cyber Essentials scheme.

The Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool, which has been developed by IASME on behalf of the NCSC – a part of GCHQ – asks organisations a series of questions related to the main Cyber Essentials criteria to help prepare them for certification.

Launched on day two of the NCSC’s flagship conference, CYBERUK 2021 ONLINE, the tool asks questions about an organisation’s use of hardware, software, and boundary devices such as firewalls, as well as use of passwords and protections against malware.

Upon completion of the survey, organisations are presented with a bespoke action plan that outlines the steps needed to prepare for the certification process.

Sarah Lyons, NCSC Deputy Director for Economy and Society, said:

“The Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool is a fantastic starting point for organisations who are unsure about where to start their preparation for Cyber Essentials certification.

“Not only does the tool highlight areas where more cyber security controls need to be put in place, it also provides guidance on how to implement them.

“From catering to construction, everyone should care about their businesses’ online security and I’d encourage people to take advantage of the new tool.”

Cyber attackers often use relatively simple methods to exploit basic vulnerabilities, which are the equivalent of a burglar checking a front door to see if it is locked. But through the Cyber Essentials scheme, businesses can learn how to defend themselves by securing internet connections and devices, controlling access to data, and understanding how to protect against malware.

Since the scheme launched in 2014, the NCSC has helped to protect over 60,000 UK businesses from the most common cyber threats.

Achieving Cyber Essentials certification allows businesses to