Cyber Essentials 10th Anniversary: Boosting UK Cyber Security

As Cyber Essentials celebrates its 10th anniversary, businesses across the UK are urged to reinforce their digital defences to stay ahead of cyber threats.

The Critical Importance of Cyber Essentials across UK Business Supply Chains

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and leading banks, including Barclays UK, Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide Building Society, NatWest, Santander UK, and TSB Bank, have marked the occasion by issuing a joint statement emphasising the critical importance of cyber security across business supply chains.

Earlier in 2024, the NCSC announced a 92% reduction in cyber insurance claims by businesses and organisations implementing Cyber Essentials controls. It’s no wonder more and more UK businesses are mandating compliance within their supply chain.

The Cyber Essentials Scheme – Impact Evaluation has also been published to coincide with Cyber Essential’s 10th Anniversary. It highlights the significant role Cyber Essentials has played in enhancing the cyber security posture of UK businesses and organisations.

Key Cyber Essentials Scheme Impact Evaluation Findings

Improved Cybersecurity Posture

• 82% of Cyber Essentials-certified organisations expressed confidence that the technical controls directly protect them from common cyber threats.

• 91% of certified users reported that the scheme improved their understanding of the steps necessary to reduce cybersecurity risks.

Reduction in Cyber Incidents

• 57% of organisations reported reduced cyber incidents since obtaining Cyber Essentials certification.

Supply Chain Assurance

• 45% of certified organisations use Cyber Essentials as a benchmark when assessing cyber risk posed by suppliers.

Increased Market Competitiveness

• 69% of certified organisations believe Cyber Essentials has increased their market competitiveness.

• 61% of Cyber Essentials-certified organisations are preferred by clients over non-certified competitors.

Momentum for the scheme is growing, with 190,000 certificates being issued to date and 43,480 certificates being issued last year.

This is all great news, right? The fact is that there is still a long way to go to ensure that UK businesses are adequately protected from cyber threats. Only 2.1% of the 2.04m active companies registered in the UK are certified with Cyber Essentials.

Assure Technical has been a leading Certification Body for Cyber Essentials since 2016 and has certified 1000s of companies. Alongside the UK Government and major banks, we urge UK businesses to strengthen their digital defences and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Take a Proactive Cybersecurity Stance

It’s only a matter of time before your business has to obtain Cyber Essentials to fulfil a supply chain or industry requirement. Certification is cost-effective, and our packages have been designed to ensure the process is as pain-free as possible.

So why not get on the front foot and speak to our award-winning cyber experts today?