Cybersecurity is now a fundamental requirement for organisations of all sizes. Two key certification schemes designed to improve security are IASME Cyber Essentials and IASME Cyber Assurance. While both certifications focus on enhancing protection against cyber threats, they address different levels of security needs and cater to specific organisational requirements.
In this blog, Creative Networks explores the differences between IASME Cyber Essentials and IASME Cyber Assurance, how they help organisations improve their security posture, and the ongoing Cyber Essentials Charity Month by IASME that encourages charities to adopt cybersecurity measures.
What is IASME Cyber Essentials?
IASME Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme focused on helping organisations defend against the most common cyber threats. This certification covers the basics of cybersecurity and is ideal for businesses and organisations seeking to implement foundational security controls.
Key Features of Cyber Essentials:
1. Five Key Security Controls:
- Firewalls and Internet Gateways: Blocking unauthorised access to networks.
- Secure Configuration: Ensuring devices and software are configured securely.
- User Access Control: Restricting access to systems and data to authorized users.
- Malware Protection: Preventing malware infections with antivirus software.
- Patch Management: Ensuring software is updated regularly to address vulnerabilities.
2. Two Levels of Certification:
- Cyber Essentials: A self-assessed certification that verifies the implementation of these five key controls.
- Cyber Essentials Plus: An enhanced version that includes independent technical verification by a certification body.
3. Cost-Effective and Practical:
Designed to be affordable and accessible, Cyber Essentials offers a straightforward, cost-effective way for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and charities to meet basic cybersecurity standards.
What is IASME Cyber Assurance?
On the other hand, IASME Cyber Assurance is a more comprehensive certification that goes beyond the basic security controls of Cyber Essentials. It covers broader areas of cybersecurity governance, data protection, and risk management. IASME Cyber Assurance is designed for organisations that need a higher level of assurance and protection.
Key Features of Cyber Assurance:
1. Broader Scope:
- Governance and Risk Management: Covers how organisations manage cybersecurity risks, including incident response and business continuity planning.
- Data Protection: Addresses how organizations protect sensitive information, including compliance with data protection laws.
- Supply Chain Security: Evaluates how organisations handle security risks from third-party suppliers.
- Staff Training: Ensures employees are trained to recognise and mitigate cybersecurity risks.
2. Two Levels of Certification:
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Self-Assessed): Similar to Cyber Essentials, this involves a self-assessment of the organisation’s security measures.
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Audited): This level includes an independent audit conducted by an accredited certification body to verify that security practices are in place and effective.
3. Comprehensive Protection:
Cyber Assurance is designed for businesses that need advanced cybersecurity controls, such as encryption, supply chain risk management, and incident response. It also helps organizations comply with legal and regulatory requirements like GDPR.
Which Certification Is Right for Your Organisation?
- Cyber Essentials is ideal if your organisation is seeking to implement basic cybersecurity measures quickly and affordably. It’s particularly well-suited for SMEs, charities, and organisations looking for a cost-effective way to defend against the most common cyber threats.
- Cyber Assurance is a better choice if your business requires more advanced security controls, including risk management, governance, and data protection. This certification is geared toward organizations in regulated industries or those that handle a large amount of sensitive data and need to comply with legal requirements like GDPR.
Both certifications serve to protect organisations from cyberattacks, but the level of protection and the scope of security measures vary depending on the certification you choose.
Charity Cyber Essentials Month: Helping Charities Strengthen Cybersecurity
Throughout October, IASME is leading Cyber Essentials Charity Month, an initiative aimed at helping charities improve their cybersecurity by obtaining Cyber Essentials certification. Many charities operate with limited budgets and minimal IT resources, leaving them highly vulnerable to cyberattacks. However, they often store sensitive data such as donor information, financial records, and beneficiary details, making cybersecurity critical.
Why Charities Are Vulnerable:
- Limited Resources: Charities often don’t have the budget to invest in robust cybersecurity measures.
- Valuable Data: They manage sensitive data that can be exploited by cybercriminals.
- Lack of Awareness: Many charities are unaware of the cyber risks they face, leading to insufficient security practices.
How Cyber Essentials Can Help Charities:
By achieving Cyber Essentials certification, charities can implement foundational security controls that protect them from the most common types of attacks, such as phishing and ransomware. The certification is cost-effective, making it accessible for even the smallest charities. During Charity Cyber Essentials Month, IASME and its partners, including Creative Networks, are offering discounted certification packages to make it easier for charities to adopt these essential security practices.
With Charity Cyber Essentials Month in its final week, this is your last chance to take advantage of these exclusive discounts.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity—Contact Creative Networks today to start securing your charity’s data.
Hurry, time is running out!
Choosing the Right Certification and Strengthening Your Cybersecurity
Whether your organisation needs the basic protection provided by Cyber Essentials or the comprehensive framework of Cyber Assurance, both certifications offer valuable tools to help businesses and charities protect themselves against cyber threats. During Charity Cyber Essentials Month, charities have the added advantage of discounted certification packages, making it an excellent time to enhance their cybersecurity.
Contact Creative Networks today to learn more about which IASME certification is right for your organization and how we can support you through the certification process
