Checklist for Cyber Essentials Readiness

Cyber Security is a critical aspect of business operations, especially for small to medium businesses. As an MSP (Managed Service Provider), Corbel understands the importance of protecting your business from cyber threats and our checklist for Cyber Essentials Readiness is a tool to assist you with this. One of the most effective ways to do this is by adhering to Cyber Essentials, a UK Government-backed scheme aimed at protecting businesses against cyber threats.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of Cyber Essentials and provide a checklist of steps that small to medium businesses should take to prepare for Cyber Essentials.

The Importance of Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials is a certification scheme that sets out a baseline of Cyber Security measures that businesses should have in place. It helps businesses to protect themselves from the most common cyber threats and provides reassurance to customers that their data is safe. By achieving Cyber Essentials certification, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to Cyber Security and enhance their reputation.

Checklist for Cyber Essentials Readiness

1. Conduct a Risk Assessment: The first step to Cyber Essentials readiness is to conduct a risk assessment. This will help you to identify the areas of your business that are most vulnerable to cyber attacks. The risk assessment should cover all areas of your business, including IT systems, networks, and employees.
2. Secure Your Networks: Securing your network is an essential step in protecting your business from cyber threats. Ensure that all your devices are up to date with the latest security patches, and consider implementing a firewall and antivirus software.
3. Secure Your Devices: Your business devices, such as laptops and smartphones, are vulnerable to cyber attacks. Ensure that all devices are encrypted and password protected and implement Multi factor authentication for added security.
4. Control Access to Data: Control who has access to your business data and ensure that sensitive information is encrypted. Implement strong password policies and educate employees on the importance of Cyber Security.
5. Educate Your Employees: Your employees are your first line of defence against cyber threats. Educate them on the importance of cyber security and provide regular training on how to identify and respond to cyber attacks.
6. Create an Incident Response Plan: Create an incident response plan that outlines how your business will respond to a cyber attack. This plan should include steps for containing the attack, notifying affected parties, and restoring systems.
7. Test Your Cyber Security Measures: Regularly test your cyber security measures to identify vulnerabilities and ensure that they are working effectively. This can be done through penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and simulated phishing attacks.

By following these steps, small to medium businesses can prepare for Cyber Essentials and enhance their cyber security measures. Corbel is a trusted IT Support provider in Suffolk that can help you achieve Cyber Essentials certification and protect your business from cyber threats. Contact us today to learn more.

 Corbel Solutions are a local IT support company in Ipswich who work proactively throughout Suffolk including Felixstowe,  Woodbridge, and Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds. Providing a range of comprehensive services from Cloud Services, to Cyber Security and IT Consultancy and Automation. Corbel work with small to medium businesses across a number of industries.

For more information, or to have a chat with one of our team members, feel free to give us a call on 01473 241515 or email us on info@corbel.co.uk or book an online appointment with a member of our team here.