Do you need help with Cybersecurity?
Passing Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus doesn’t have to be a headache. If you’re wondering how to get it done quickly and smoothly, this guide is for you. We’ll break down the steps to avoid delays and get certified faster, focusing on what really matters.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritise upgrading unsupported systems and devices first.
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across all web-based tools.
- Conduct cyber awareness training early to get staff buy-in.
Tackling Unsupported Systems First
When you’re aiming for Cyber Essentials certification, the first thing to look at is your systems. Everything your business uses needs to be supported. This means getting rid of old operating systems like Windows XP or Windows 8, and outdated software like Office 2009. Similarly, older mobile phones, like iPhone 10 or 11, might not cut it anymore. If your current software or hardware isn’t supported, it needs to be updated or replaced. These kinds of projects often take the most time, so tackling them early is key to speeding up the whole process.
Making Multi-Factor Authentication Work for You
Once your systems are up to date, the next big step is ensuring all your web-based tools use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password. Ideally, you should be able to use your Microsoft account to authenticate with these tools. If a system doesn’t support MFA, or if the manufacturer won’t add support, you might have to look into replacing that system. Again, this takes time, so it’s another reason to get started sooner rather than later.
Policies, Procedures, and Device Management
With the core technical bits sorted, you’ll need to sort out your policies and procedures. This involves making sure you have the right tools to manage all your devices. Think about mobile monitoring and remote management for your desktops and laptops. This helps you keep everything patched and up-to-date, which can also take a bit of time. For larger organisations, getting these things in place can take a couple of months.
The Importance of Staff Buy-In
While there are ways to speed up the technical aspects, doing so can cause disruption. A smoother path involves getting your staff on board from the start. This is where cyber awareness training comes in. If you train your team early on about why security changes are necessary, they’re more likely to accept them. Instead of seeing new security measures as just making their jobs harder, they’ll understand the need to protect the business. This understanding helps prevent resistance and ensures everyone is working towards the same goal.
Avoiding the ‘Tick-Box’ Mentality
It’s tempting to just go through the motions and tick boxes to get Cyber Essentials done. However, this approach is risky. If you’re not genuinely improving your security, you could be lying about your compliance. This can invalidate your insurance, leave you vulnerable to attacks like ransomware, and potentially put your business out of operation. It’s far better to do it properly and build real resilience.
If you’re unsure about any of these steps or need a hand getting your Cyber Essentials certification sorted, don’t hesitate to reach out. Getting it done right means better security and peace of mind for your business.
