What is Cyber Essentials and why should I have it?
It’s a scheme designed to help UK organisations with limited experience of cyber security improve their defences and demonstrate publicly their commitment to cyber security.
As a set of baseline technical controls, the Cyber Essentials scheme has a very wide audience. Organisations large and small, public, private and charitable can all benefit from the provisions set out in the scheme.
The process of certification has been designed to be lightweight and easily manageable while at the same time providing a respected standard in cyber security.
Is my organisation eligible?
If you’re a voluntary sector organisation, then yes! However, if your turnover is over £4m, you will need to apply to undertake the Cyber Essentials Plus scheme. In order to achieve Cyber Essentials Plus, you must have Cyber Essentials accreditation in place.
What’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
Both schemes require the same set of protections to be in place, but verification of the Plus scheme is carried out independently by a certification body. Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment which is then verified by a certification body.
How long does it take?
This will depend on your current status and what your organisation has in place when you begin. Here’s good place to give yourself a check up! You’ll need to speak to your in-house IT or 3rd party IT supplier to find out how long they think it will take to verify the requirements of the scheme.
Is this a ‘no strings attached’ grant?
No – you’ll need to sign a contract if you’re awarded that will specify the time you have to complete the scheme, and send proof of certification to SCVO.
How long do I have to apply?
Applications will be opening on the 4th of November 2019, and we’ll keep them open until March 31st 2020. We will be awarding throughout the duration of this period too. You have plenty of time to check out what’s involved and what you’ll need to do, and of course you can contact us if you have any questions about applying!
