Updates to Cyber Essentials scheme announced

Organisations are set to benefit from a refreshed government-backed scheme which supports them to protect against the majority of cyber attacks, including ransomware.

Developed by the National Cyber Security Centre, the Cyber Essential scheme is a certification scheme that supports organisations of all sizes to guard against online threats and demonstrate a commitment to cyber security to customers and stakeholders.

Delivered by IASME, the scheme has been updated following a major technical review which will help organisations maintain their minimum cyber hygiene in an evolving threat landscape. Amongst the main changes are revisions to the use of cloud services, home working, multi-factor authentication, password management, and security updates.

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 ransomware.

Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Skills and Growth, said: “The landscape in which organisations are operating in cyber space is constantly changing, and this major refresh of the technical controls reflects the cyber security challenges of today. We’ve strengthened the Cyber Essentials scheme so that it continues to meet evolving threats and the increased risk of ransomware, and I would encourage UK businesses of any size to take part in order to protect themselves from the most common attacks.”