17 Oct WTS Systems achieves UK Government Recognition as a Cyber Essentials Provider
At WTS Systems we are always focused on keeping up to date with the latest online security strategies and tactics, to keep our customers safe. Therefore, we’re delighted to announce that we have been awarded the UK government’s Cyber Essentials qualification.
In today’s digital age, ensuring the security of our businesses and personal information is more important than ever. Cyber-attacks are on the rise, and companies of all sizes need to take proactive steps to protect themselves from cyber threats.
Recognising this growing concern, the UK government introduced the Cyber Essentials Qualification, a scheme designed to help businesses enhance their cybersecurity measures and protect against common cyber threats.
What is the UK government’s Cyber Essentials Qualification?
Cyber Essentials is a world-leading, government-backed certification scheme that provides a clear set of cybersecurity requirements for organisations. It is appropriate for all sizes of businesses, from small start-ups to large enterprises, and aims to raise the level of cybersecurity across industries. The scheme was developed in collaboration with industry professionals and cybersecurity experts to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.
The Cyber Essentials Qualification consists of a set of basic cybersecurity controls that organisations must implement to mitigate the risk of common cyber threats.
These controls are straightforward and cost-effective, making them accessible to all businesses, regardless of technical capabilities. The scheme addresses five key areas of cybersecurity:
- Boundary firewalls and internet gateways: This control ensures that appropriate firewalls and device configurations are in place to protect the business’ internal network from unauthorised access.
- Secure configuration: Organisations must have secure settings in place for their devices, such as laptops, desktops, and servers. This includes ensuring that default passwords are changed, and unnecessary software is removed.
- User access control: This control focuses on restricting user access to systems and data, ensuring that only authorised individuals can access sensitive information.
- Malware protection: Companies must have robust measures in place to protect against malware, including the use of antivirus software and regular updates.
- Patch management: This control emphasises the importance of keeping software and devices up to date with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities.
By achieving the Cyber Essentials Qualification, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity and gain a competitive advantage. It provides confidence to customers, partners, and stakeholders that the company takes cybersecurity seriously and has implemented effective measures to protect their data. Many government contracts and tenders now require businesses to have achieved the qualification, making it an essential requirement for organisations looking to work within the public sector.
Why is cyber security important for my business?
Cybersecurity is important for businesses of all sizes, but it is especially essential for small businesses. Small businesses can be more vulnerable to cyber-attacks because they may lack the resources, budget, and expertise to adequately protect against them.
Cyber-attacks have a detrimental impact on small businesses, including financial losses, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust. Manufacturing companies, and other industries where downtime can be expensive, can also be targeted.
So, if you need to review and improve your cyber-security systems, or you’re unsure where to even start, contact a member of our team today – we have the knowledge and the credentials to give you some clarity!