As we move further into the digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for all organisations, including charities. Many charities often assume they are less likely to be targeted by cybercriminals, but this is not the case. Cyber threats are evolving, and charities, which often handle sensitive data, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
To combat this growing risk, Creative Networks, in partnership with IASME and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is proud to be participating in Charity Cyber Essentials Awareness Month this October. This month-long campaign aims to raise awareness about the cyber threats faced by charities and provide practical support to help them strengthen their cybersecurity measures.
Throughout October, Creative Networks will offer special support and discounted Cyber Essentials certification exclusively for charities. We’ll guide charities through the process, helping them implement essential cybersecurity practices that can protect their data and operations.
Here’s everything you need to know about this important initiative and why your charity should participate.
Get to know about Cyber Essentials Awareness Month?
Cyber Essentials Awareness Month, taking place from October 1st to 31st, 2024, is a campaign led by IASME in collaboration with the NCSC and participating Certification Bodies like Creative Networks. The goal of this campaign is to educate charities about the cyber threats they face and emphasize the importance of Cyber Essentials certification as a key protective measure.
Charities, like any other organisations, are at risk of cyberattacks, which can result in data breaches, loss of donor information, financial loss, and reputational damage. This month-long campaign seeks to mitigate those risks by providing charities with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves.
Throughout October, participating Certification Bodies, including Creative Networks, will provide free resources, guidance, and discounted Cyber Essentials certifications to help charities understand and adopt cybersecurity best practices.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme developed to help organizations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. It provides a clear framework of basic security controls that, when implemented, significantly reduce the risk of a cyberattack.
Cyber Essentials focuses on five key areas of cybersecurity:
- Firewalls and Internet Gateways – Ensuring your systems are protected from unauthorised access and harmful data.
- Secure Configuration – Setting up devices and software to minimize vulnerabilities.
- User Access Control – Managing who has access to your data and systems.
- Malware Protection – Installing and updating antivirus software to block malware attacks.
- Patch Management – Keeping your systems up to date by applying patches and updates as soon as they are available.
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification shows that your charity has implemented these key controls and is actively protecting its data and digital assets. The certification not only provides peace of mind but also demonstrates to stakeholders, donors, and beneficiaries that your charity takes cybersecurity seriously.
Why Does Your Charity Need Cyber Essentials?
While charities often focus their resources on delivering valuable services to those in need, neglecting cybersecurity can leave them exposed to potentially devastating cyberattacks.
Here are a few reasons why Cyber Essentials is vital for your charity:
1. Protection Against Cyber Threats
Cyber threats are a real and growing risk for charities. Even small charities hold sensitive data, such as donor information, personal details of beneficiaries, and financial records, which make them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Cyber Essentials provides a straightforward, cost-effective way to safeguard against common threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware.
2. Safeguard Sensitive Data
Charities handle large amounts of personal data, including details about beneficiaries, donors, and volunteers. A data breach could have serious consequences, not just in terms of regulatory fines but also in terms of lost trust and reputational damage. Implementing Cyber Essentials helps ensure that your charity’s data is secure, reducing the risk of a breach.
3. Build Trust and Credibility
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates that your charity takes cybersecurity seriously. It shows that you’ve taken proactive steps to protect the data of your donors and beneficiaries, building trust and credibility with stakeholders. In an increasingly digital world, transparency and accountability in handling sensitive data can set your charity apart from others.
4. Compliance with Regulations
Charities are often subject to the same data protection regulations as businesses, such as GDPR. Cyber Essentials ensures that your charity meets basic cybersecurity standards, helping you stay compliant with these regulations and avoid potential fines or legal complications.
5. Cost-Effective Security
One of the major benefits of Cyber Essentials is that it provides a cost-effective framework for cybersecurity. With discounted certification available during Cyber Essentials Awareness Month, this is an ideal time for charities to take advantage of the offer and protect their operations.
How Creative Networks Can Help
As a proud participant in Charity Cyber Essentials Awareness Month, Creative Networks is committed to helping charities protect their vital operations and data from cyber threats. Throughout October, we will be offering:
- Discounted Cyber Essentials Certification: Charities can benefit from discounted certification costs during the campaign, making it easier and more affordable to implement essential cybersecurity controls.
- Free Support and Guidance: We will provide access to a wide range of resources, including guides on applying cybersecurity controls, advice on working with third-party IT providers, and best practices for remote working and multi-factor authentication.
- Awareness Campaign Materials: We’ll be sharing official campaign materials to help raise awareness within your charity about the importance of cybersecurity. These include social media graphics, email signatures, and posters that emphasize the importance of Cyber Essentials.
This initiative, backed by IASME and the NCSC, empowers charities with the knowledge, support, and tools they need to defend against cyber threats.
Our team at Creative Networks is here to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible, providing personalised support throughout the certification process.
How to Get Started
Protecting your charity from cyber threats has never been easier. During Cyber Essentials Awareness Month, Creative Networks offers the expertise, resources, and discounted certification you need to ensure your organisation is secure.
To get started with Cyber Essentials, contact Creative Networks today. Our team will guide you through every step of the certification process, from initial assessment to final certification, ensuring your charity is fully protected.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to enhance your charity’s cybersecurity while benefiting from exclusive discounts and support during Charity Cyber Essentials Awareness Month.
Let’s work together to ensure that your charity is protected from cyber threats and that the trust of your stakeholders is upheld.
Contact Creative Networks today to learn more about Cyber Essentials and how we can help your charity achieve certification.
