Cyber threats are everywhere these days, and businesses of all sizes are at risk. From data breaches to malware attacks, it’s essential to stay one step ahead. That’s where the Cyber Essentials Checklist comes in. This government-backed scheme helps businesses put security measures in place to keep their data safe.
Let’s break down the key steps of the Cyber Essentials Checklist, and detail how you can get certified and stay secure.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a certification designed to help businesses improve their cybersecurity. It focuses on five key areas to help prevent common cyber threats.
There are two levels of certification:
- Cyber Essentials – A basic self-assessment that helps you put key security measures in place.
- Cyber Essentials Plus – A more in-depth certification that includes hands-on testing by security professionals.
Getting Cyber Essentials certified shows customers and partners that you take cybersecurity seriously, making your business more trustworthy and resilient against cyber threats.
The Cyber Essentials Checklist: Five Key Areas
Firewalls & Network Security
Firewalls act as your business’s first line of defence against cyber threats. To stay secure:
- Make sure your firewall or internet gateway is correctly set up to block unauthorised access.
- Restrict access to only what’s necessary.
- Regularly check and update your firewall settings.
Secure Configuration
Leaving systems misconfigured is like leaving your front door unlocked. Here’s how to keep things secure:
- Get rid of unused applications, services, and accounts.
- Apply strong security settings on all devices.
- Only give admin access to people who need it.
User Access Control
Managing who has access to what is crucial for keeping data safe. Make sure you:
- Follow the principle of least privilege, so users only have access to what they need.
- Enforce strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Regularly review user accounts and remove unnecessary access.
Malware Protection
Malware can cause serious damage to your business. Stay protected by:
- Installing and keeping anti-virus and anti-malware software up to date.
- Turning on automatic updates and real-time scanning.
- Using email filtering to block phishing scams and suspicious attachments.
Patch & Update Management
Keeping your software up to date is one of the easiest ways to stay protected. Don’t forget to:
- Apply security updates and patches as soon as they’re available.
- Enable automatic updates whenever possible.
- Regularly check for updates on software, firmware, and operating systems.
Why Cyber Essentials Matters for Your Business
Getting Cyber Essentials certified isn’t just about ticking a box – it helps protect your business. Here’s why it matters:
- Keeps cyber threats at bay – Following this checklist helps prevent the most common cyber-attacks.
- Meets legal and compliance requirements – Many industries now require cybersecurity measures.
- Boosts customer trust – People want to work with businesses that take security seriously.
- Opens up new opportunities – Some government contracts and clients require Cyber Essentials certification.
How Midland Computers Can Help
At Midland Computers, we make cybersecurity easy. Our cybersecurity consulting and cybersecurity engineering services help businesses like yours get Cyber Essentials certified and stay protected. Here’s what we offer:
- Cybersecurity audits to find and fix security gaps.
- Managed firewalls and network security to keep threats out.
- Advanced malware protection to stop cyberattacks before they happen.
- Step-by-step help with Cyber Essentials certification.
Our team works with you to put the right security measures in place and keep your business safe.
Get Cyber Essentials Today
Cyber threats aren’t going anywhere, but you don’t have to tackle them alone. The Cyber Essentials Checklist is a simple, effective way to protect your business from common cyber risks. With help from Midland Computers’ cybersecurity consulting, you can secure your systems, achieve certification, and give yourself peace of mind.
Want to make your business more secure? Get in touch with Midland Computers today and let’s get started!