Category: Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity focuses on protecting computer systems from unauthorised access or being otherwise damaged or made inaccessible

At The Unite Group, we take cybersecurity extremely seriously. That is why we have produced a series of blogs educating you on the latest dangers and tips to protect yourself & your business.

Cybersecurity is a crucial thing to get right, it is not one you can take any risks with due to the implications it can have on your business. We have created blogs that give you information on the Cyber essentials certification, cyber essentials plus as well as good housekeeping to keep your business in order.

Use these blogs to learn how to keep your company and personal data safe in the world of cybercrime. If you have any cybersecurity needs then please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are able to get our clients through their Cyber Essentials Certification as an awarding body of this government-backed scheme.

If there are topics you would like to see us create content around then please just send us an email or give us a call and we will get these added for you. If you find our blogs useful please let us know. You can also follow all of our blogs and content on our social media pages.

The Unite group – Cybersecurity Blog – Because technology matters.

 

  • Keeping your online accounts safe in 2023

    Keeping your online accounts safe in 2023

    Keeping our online accounts safe is high on the list of importance. However, we understand that it isn’t always at the forefront of our minds. Following best practices can seem a tedious task but it can be the difference between your accounts getting hacked.

    Everything is online these days. From business information to personal information and even payment information, our lives are online. And although technology enriches our lives, it also leaves us vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

    We understand that losing your account (no matter the size) is a scary thought. That’s why brushing up on your online safety is a lot less hassle than falling victim to cyber-attacks.

    Multi-Factor Authentication

    Setting up multi-factor authentication is arguably one of the best ways of keeping your online accounts safe. When you (or someone else) attempt to log into your account, you’ll be prompted to open multi-factor authentication.

    Microsoft authenticator is an example of a multi-factor authenticator. However, there are many more out there.

    Passwords

    Use a password even when optional

    I’m sure we’ve all heard the saying, ‘It’s better to be safe than sorry.’ This rings true when it comes to opting in for passwords.

    Declining the password option may save you two minutes in the moment. However, it heightens the chances of someone else being able to access your accounts.

    Change your password regularly

    Changing your password regularly reduces the chances of someone else being able to access your accounts. Business devices usually have a monthly prompt encouraging employees to change their passwords. However, this should be standard for personal accounts too!

    Set a reminder on your phone every 1-3 months to change all passwords. And don’t use the same password for multiple accounts!! This may seem convenient at the time but if a hacker can access one account, they can access them all.

    Choose a unique password

    We know we’re all guilty of using the classic ‘Password1234’ or the name of a family pet. It’s human nature to be compelled to pick something memorable. Even so, it’s important to remember the more simple the password, the more vulnerable your online accounts are.

    Following best practices, we recommend using a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, use a mixture of numbers and letters and never include any personal information.

    Be careful when clicking links!

    It’s easy to be caught out by phishing emails. The way around this is to not just click any old link you get sent via email. If you receive an email from an unrecognisable address or something doesn’t feel right, don’t click on it! Delete the email and block the sender.

    For employers, it’s a good idea to train your employees on how to spot phishing emails.

    VPN

    Make use of a VPN (virtual private network). I’m sure we’ve all connected to a free WIFI network when in a coffee shop or when running errands. However, you don’t know anything about the security of the connection.

    It’s possible that someone else using the same network could start looking through or stealing data without your knowledge.

    A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, routing it through a server owned by the VPN company. This means nobody can snoop through your data. In addition to this, using a VPN hides your IP address.

    Are you a business looking to keep your accounts safe

    Here at the Unite Group, we understand the many cyber threats that businesses are vulnerable to. That’s why, we believe it’s important to go the extra mile when it comes to cyber security. With this in mind, we offer Cyber Essentials.

    Cyber Essentials is a Government-backed and industry-supported scheme that allows businesses to protect themselves from cyber-attacks.

    A foundation-level certificate protects your business from 80% of the most basic cyber security breaches.

    We are a certifying body of the cyber essentials scheme. If you would like to learn more about the Cyber Essentials certification, click here!

    Keep an eye out in our newsroom for more blogs like this and be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for updates!

  • Cyber Security Misconceptions

    Introduction

    Cyber security misconceptions are real. It is a topic that’s been in the news a lot recently. You might have heard about hackers, data breaches, ransomware and so on. The topic might seem complicated and scary, but it doesn’t need to be! If you want to learn more about cyber security and dispel some of the myths surrounding it then keep reading!

    A firewall is enough

    Firewalls are not enough, they are not a panacea. They can be circumvented and evaded, as well as outdated and outmaneuvered by hackers who know how to exploit them.

    A firewall is only as good as its ability to keep attackers out, so if you think your company’s firewall alone will protect it from cyber criminals then you’re in for a rude awakening when they get inside your system anyway–and possibly worse: since many attacks happen through email or social media channels, it’s possible that no one would even notice if someone got through!

    The hacker is always a criminal

    Not all hackers are criminals. In fact, many are motivated by curiosity or a desire to help others.

    Some hackers may be motivated by profit and not know that their actions are illegal.

    Hackers are always in your network

    • Hackers are not always in your network.
    • Hackers can be anywhere in the world, and they don’t even need to be on your network to cause damage.
    • If a hacker has access to your computer through malware, he or she can use it as a proxy–a remote control device that allows him or her to manipulate information on that computer from afar.

    Hacking is easy

    Hacking is not always easy. In fact, it can be quite difficult. Hackers are often portrayed as criminals who break into networks and steal sensitive information. However, there are many other types of hackers with different motivations.

    In most cases, hacking requires knowledge about how computers work and how to exploit their vulnerabilities. Hacking can also include social engineering techniques that allow a hacker access to systems through human interaction instead of just technology alone.

    Data breaches are the norm

    Data breaches are not the norm, but they do happen. If you’re reading this article, it’s likely that you already know that data breaches are a big problem for businesses and individuals alike. Data breaches can have serious consequences for businesses–if their customers lose trust in them because of a breach, they may lose revenue as well and suffer other ill effects as well. Data breaches can also have serious consequences for individuals: if your personal information is stolen by an attacker who uses it to commit identity theft or some other crime against you (such as phishing), then your life will be turned upside down while the authorities try to sort out what happened and whether there was anything they could have done differently to prevent it from happening at all!

    Cyber security is not as simple as it seems.

    Cyber security is a complex area of study. It requires a lot of knowledge and experience, as well as resources and time.

    Many people think that cyber security is something they can do on the side while they are working at their day job or going to school full-time. However, this is not true! Cyber security requires constant attention and vigilance in order to keep your data secure at all times; if you aren’t able to commit yourself fully then it’s best not even starting down this path in the first place

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, there are a lot of cyber security misconceptions. In fact, cyber security can be quite complicated and difficult to understand. But with proper education and awareness, we can all work together to make sure our networks are safe from hackers!

    Here at The Unite Group, we are holding a free webinar – Webinars on Wednesday 29th March at 2 pm to give you more information on how you can keep your business safe.

  • Cybersecurity – The real risks!

    Cybersecurity – The real risks!

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    Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and companies must be aware of the risks.

    The risks are constantly evolving

    Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and it’s important to be aware of the latest ones. The risks are changing all the time. The risks are growing in number and severity.

    The risk landscape is always shifting, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on new cybersecurity threats as well as known ones that might have changed or gotten worse over time.

    Who is most at risk?

    Small businesses, that don’t have the resources to protect themselves, are at the greatest risk. Companies that don’t have the right IT systems in place and those with a lot of data but not enough security are also vulnerable. Finally, companies that do not have a plan for dealing with a cyber attack are vulnerable because they cannot respond quickly or effectively when one occurs.

    What to do about it?

    • Build a prevention plan. This can include:
    • Monitoring for suspicious activity and responding quickly to it when it occurs.
    • Having a response plan in place that includes solutions such as backups, antivirus software and firewalls (to name just a few).
    • Ensuring that you know who to contact if there is an incident or breach so they can get started on resolving the problem as soon as possible.
    • Training you team

    Companies need prevention and detection plans.

    Companies need to have a plan in place. If a company is not prepared, it could face huge financial losses and even go out of business. It’s important to know how to respond if an attack occurs, as well as how to recover from one.

    The first step is understanding what cybersecurity threats are out there and how they work so that you can protect your business against them.

    Cyber Essentials – What is it and why do I need it?

    What is it?

    The Cyber Essentials scheme is an ISAMW self-assessment questionnaire process. The questionnaire will then be signed off by a member of the board or an equivalent signory. After this, it is then verified by a certification body trained and licensed to certify against the Cyber Essentials scheme (like ourselves here at The Unite Group). It is important before applying you ensure your organisation meets all the requirements. This includes having evidence ready to be provided to prove you meet the requirements.

    Now the why;

    • Reduce the risk of falling victim to a cyber attack
    • Demonstrate to your customers that you take cyber security seriously
    • Open your organisation to the opportunities of working with the Government and the Ministry of Defence
    • Feel confident you have the basic levels of protection in place

    Conclusion

    The cyber security landscape is changing rapidly, and companies need to stay ahead of the curve. The risks are constantly evolving and there are new threats every day. The best way to protect against these threats is with a proactive approach that includes prevention and detection plans.

    Cyber Essentials can help with this, and The Unite group can be the one to help you get it!

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  • How to recover from a cyberattack

    How to recover from a cyberattack

    Cyberattacks can be incredibly damaging for any company. So it is important to know how you can recover from a cyberattack. Even small-scale attacks can be huge for a company. Let alone a larger attack that might throw your company into a crisis. 

    Recovering from a cyberattack can take anywhere from a few weeks to months. This all depends on how well you prepare your business against threats online. 

    In this blog, we will go over the steps to take to recover from a cyberattack. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, familiarising yourself with these steps could be the difference between recovering quickly or not at all.

    Steps to Recover from a Cyberattack

    Involve a Trusted Advisor

    No matter how much you know about cybersecurity, a trusted advisor will be the best person to consult about moving forward from a cyberattack.

    They can also help strengthen your security to ensure the same doesn’t occur in the future. Getting in touch with trusted advisors like ourselves can also provide other services for your company.

    Getting in touch with ourselves who can help you move forward. We can help protect your company from cyberattacks is a great way to make sure that your business isn’t crippled in the future by an incident.

    We’re here to help you recover from a cyberattack! Contact us if you want to take the first step to move past a cybersecurity incident.

    Create and Follow a Cyber Incident Response Plan

    A Cyber Incident Response Plan is a document that outlines whats you should do in the event of a cyber incident. They are crucial to any business. Especially with the rising threat of cybercrime and an attack being possible at any moment. This will be key to helping you recover from a cyberattack.

    A basic Cyber Incident Response Plan should contain:

    • Key Contacts: These are key IT contacts within your organisation — such as your trusted advisor, IT personnel, Senior Management, PR, HR, Legal, and Insurance. Ensure that multiple contact methods are included to avoid key personnel becoming unavailable.
    • Escalation Criteria: This is a criterion of when to seriously escalate an issue, to avoid false flags and other possibilities that could cause unnecessary vulnerability or waste resources.
    • Basic Flowchart: A flowchart of simple steps to take to ensure that personnel is aware of the priorities going forward. 
    • A Conference Number: This should be available for urgent incident calls.
    • Basic Guidance on Legal or Regulatory Requirements: An overview of legal and regulatory requirements such as when to engage legal counsel and HR.

    Ensuring that this plan not only exists but is regularly kept up to date is crucial.

    Follow Your Business Continuity Plan

    A business continuity plan (BCP) is a prevention and recovery system that helps mitigate risks. Any company should have a plan in place to ensure that they’re protected from any major incident. This includes to recover from a cyberattack within their institution.

    Ensuring to follow this plan includes training colleagues, employees, and staff on the importance of the plan and how it should be undertaken. This way, everyone knows exactly what they need to be doing and all confusion in the stressful situation is eliminated.

    Safely Recover Data

    At this point, you’ll want to start restoring your data and infrastructure to get your company back to the point where it was before the attack. With this, you’ll want to restore data from any backups and archives you have access to.

    This is why it’s imperative that you back up your company’s data regularly. In the event of a catastrophe, having an isolated backup where you can easily restore your organisation’s data is one of the best ways to ensure that you can get your company back up and running as fast as possible.

    Ensure that there are no remaining vulnerabilities before recovering your data, to ensure that you don’t leave access for a possible future breach. Ensuring that you’re doing everything safely is essential, to remove any possible future risks.

    Learn from the Attack

    Any attack is a learning opportunity for your institution. To ensure a breach or attack doesn’t happen in the future, by analysing the attack and noting the vulnerabilities and possible causes of the breach is key.

    Ensure that this is an honest and clear process. There is no point in covering up mistakes and flaws. Improving them is the only way to stop a future breach. Learning from any mistakes and vulnerabilities is the best way forwards. This ensures that your company is protected going forward, as it allows you to patch up those vulnerabilities and ensure that there are checks and balances to protect the organisation.

    How We Can Help

    Cyberattacks can be incredibly damaging to your business’s infrastructure, but there’s always a way forward. Ensuring to follow these steps to help your company get back to its best shape is vital. This will be the difference between a company that stumbles and a company that doesn’t when faced with recovering from a cyberattack.

    Having a helping hand along the way can be so important. We are here to help, and to ensure that your company can be protected.

    Have you thought about Cyber essentials? For more information on Cyber essentials and how we can help you, get in touch.

  • We celebrate Safer Internet Day!

    We celebrate Safer Internet Day!

    safer internet day

    Today marks Safer Internet Day. This day promotes the responsibility of both adults and young people in creating a safer space online.

    Each year, people from all over the world come together to spread awareness and celebrate Safer Internet Day.

    In today’s day and age, people of all ages move towards a more digital way of life. From mobile phones to work laptops and gaming devices, electronic devices are intertwined with our daily lives.

    Now more than ever, safe internet use and cybersecurity have never had such importance. So much of our personal and professional data can be accessed through the internet. This means internet safety and cyber security should be at the forefront of our minds.

    Although technology keeps us entertained and makes our lives easier, it also has its complications.

    Whilst individuals must follow best practices to protect themselves, businesses must do this to protect sensitive data. Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to reflect on how we can all promote the responsible use of technologies.

    Does your business operate on safe practices?

    Horizon WIFI

    Is your public WIFI secure?

    As the provider of public WIFI, do you have the correct measures in place? If not, this could leave you accountable for any illegal or inappropriate activity on your account.

    Horizon public WIFI is traceable. This means you can provide a public wireless solution to your customers with peace of mind you are fully protected. If someone looks at inappropriate material, you can provide this information to the authorities. Furthermore, using content filtering you can prevent these people from ever getting access.

    Here at The Unite Group we offer safe public Wi-Fi solutions. Our Horizon public WIFI product is secure, intelligent, and perfect for direct marketing.

    Visit our website to learn more about Horizon WIFI or contact us on 0191 466 1050.

    Phishing Emails

    It’s always important for both individuals and employees to be on the lookout for phishing emails. Phishing emails are categorised as a cybercrime that contacts its target via email. The sender uses this form of attack to gain and exploit personal or sensitive business information.

    There are 3 types of phishing emails to look out for:

    Spear phishing – an attempt directed at a particular individual or company.

    Clone phishing – hackers use a legitimate, previously delivered, part of online correspondence to create almost identical emails.

    Whaling – an attempt directed specifically at a senior executive or high-profile target within the business.

    For businesses, it’s important to make sure employees are aware of phishing emails and how to spot them. As an individual, never click any links or give any personal information to a sender you are unsure of.

    Weak Passwords

    We understand that when it comes to creating a password, you want to make it something memorable. But if it’s easy for you to remember, it’s also easy for a hacker to guess.

    A lot of people make their passwords something personal, for example, the name of a beloved family pet. However, we need to keep in mind that this information is easy to find. A lot of our personal information is easily accessible online via social media.

    Strong passwords are essential in keeping private or sensitive data safe.

    In the spirit of Safer Internet Day, why not double-check that your passwords comply with best practices?

    We suggest you create strong passwords by following the below steps:

    • Use a combination of upper-and lower case letters.
    • Include numbers.
    • Include special characters (symbols).
    • Never include any personal information.
    • Never use the same password for different applications.
    • Ensure your passwords are at least 12 characters long.

    Cyber Essentials

    More now then ever cybersecurity is a vital part of any business. With cyber attacks happening more and more frequently it is essential to ensure you have the correct measures in place to protect your data.

    We believe businesses should go the extra mile when it comes to cyber security. One way of doing this is to obtain the Cyber Essentials certification.

    A foundation-level certificate protects your business from 80% of the most basic cyber security breaches.

    You don’t need to be an experienced information security professional or have any technical knowledge to become Cyber Essentials certified; we can help! Our in-house qualified Cyber Essentials assessors are here to assist you throughout the entire process. Giving you peace of mind that you have protection against the most basic cyber threats.

    Chat to our friendly team today to see what measures we suggest you put in place to protect your business.

    Happy Safer Internet Day!

  • Let’s Breakdown Cyber Essentials

    Let’s Breakdown Cyber Essentials

    breakdown cyber essentials

    In this blog we breakdown the Cyber Essentials scheme. Explain why achieving the certification is important in simplistic terms – perfect to take straight into the next boardroom meeting. As well as, outline how simple it is to get started with achieving a Cyber Essentials certification.

    Cyber Essentials

    The Cyber Essentials certification is a UK government-backed scheme intended to provide organisations with a basic level of cyber security. The scheme is both accessible and achievable for all.

    There are two levels of certification that businesses can choose from – Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.

    Cyber Essentials involves completing a Cyber Essentials self-assessment questionnaire which one of our qualified assessors can assist with. The questionnaire outlines the 5 key areas of cybersecurity. Ensuring sufficient measures are in place to protect both yourself and your business from the risk of falling victim to cybercrime.

    Cyber Essentials Plus, takes this certification a step further. Achieving this also requires the self-assessment questionnaire to be completed. However, it then goes further and includes a hands-on technical verification to be carried out.

    All organisations should consider gaining a Cyber Essentials to not only protect themselves. But to demonstrate to their existing and future clients that they take data cybersecurity risks seriously!

    How to explain Cyber Essentials to your boss

    So, you’ve got to this point. You think gaining a Cyber Essentials certification would be a great step to protect your business. We couldn’t agree more! But now you need to stress the importance of this to your boss. Let us help!

    Firstly, could your businesses continue to operate if you were to fall victim to one of the above statistics? We’re sure the answer is no! Therefore it is essential you put measures in place to best prevent an attack.

    As well as this, it’s a great talking point when you are selling your business to potential customers. Who wouldn’t want to work with a company who can ensure the best protection for their data? As well as this, achieving the certification opens up the opportunity to work with the Government. And the Ministry of Defense (for Cyber Essentials Plus certifications only).

    With our Cyber Essentials packages starting from just £800 and monthly payment options available, you can be sure this will be cheaper than the damage caused by the falling victim. With the certification lasting for 12 months, you can relax with peace of mind you have the correct measures in place. Annual renewal also ensures you remain up-to-date with the latest risks in the cybersecurity world. Because we all know cyber attacks are ever-evolving and becoming harder to spot and prevent year-on-year.

    How to get started with Cyber Essentials

    Getting started with a Cyber Essentials certification is easy! Simply use the booking form below to organise a quick chat with one of our qualified Cyber Essentials assessors. From there we can best advise which scheme is best for you. Our team will then guide you throughout the entire process. Ensuring you have the necessary measures in place. As well as supporting you with the assessment.

    Becoming Cyber Essentials certified is easier than you think and could save your business from the unimaginable!

    If you’d like to learn more about the process of Cyber Essentials visit our page by clicking here. Or alternatively, dive into our Cyber Essentials blog archive by clicking here!

  • Why become Cyber Essentials Certified?

    Why become Cyber Essentials Certified?

    Introduction

    The Cyber Essentials certification program is a UK government initiative that helps to protect businesses and the public sector from cyber threats. It works by providing a set of technical standards that are essential to keep your systems secure, with the goal of protecting against common vulnerabilities and attacks. The certification is designed for companies of all sizes to demonstrate they take cyber security seriously.

    What is Cyber Essentials?

    Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme that helps companies protect themselves from cyber threats. The scheme was launched in 2011 and is designed to help businesses protect themselves against the most common cyber-attacks. Cyber Essentials is a basic level of security that all businesses should have in place!

    Do I Need Cyber Essentials Certification?

    Cyber Essentials is a certification that the UK Government requires for all organisations working with them and other public sector bodies. It also shows your commitment to cyber security, which can be useful if you’re looking for work in this area or want to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge.

    If you are involved in any kind of digital service or system, then it’s worth considering achieving this certification as a way of demonstrating your understanding of cyber security principles and good practices.

    What Does Cyber Essentials Certification Mean?

    Cyber Essentials is an online training program that offers a baseline level of protection to your business. By taking the Cyber Essentials certification, you will learn about:

    • How to protect your company from common security threats such as malware, viruses and phishing attacks.
    • What steps are necessary to secure your company’s information and systems by implementing processes like password management, patching systems and setting up firewalls.

    About Cyber Essentials Certification

    Cyber Essentials is becoming increasingly important for companies when choosing other businesses to work with. This is because cyber attacks are on the rise, up 27.4% in 2022 when compared to the year previous. Therefore, companies are far more likely to work with a company that can demonstrate they are taking protection against this risk.

    Likewise, those who suffered attacks often found it extremely time-consuming and it had a substantial effect on their business. Therefore, businesses should not only achieve a Cyber Essentials certification for their customer’s sake. But also to protect the longevity of their business.

    You don’t need to be an experienced information security professional or have any technical knowledge in order to become Cyber Essentials certified; we can help! Our in-house qualified Cyber Essentials assessors are here to assist you throughout the entire process.

    Takeaway: Protect your company!

    You can take the steps to ensure that your company is protected from cyber threats. You can also learn how to protect your business from cybercrime, cyberterrorism, and other similar threats. The process of becoming Cyber Essentials Certified will help you do this by giving you the skills and knowledge needed to be a more effective defender of your company’s data assets.

    Conclusion

    Cyber Essentials Certification is a great way to get your company started with cybersecurity. It helps you get your employees up to speed on the basics of online security and teaches them how to recognise threats and protect against them. As well as this, it demonstrates to your customers that you take data protection seriously. Giving peace of mind that you have measures in place to best protect against the most basic cybercrimes.

    Could you afford for your business to fall at risk of an attack? Sign up for a quick call with a member of our cyber essentials team to learn how we can help protect your business!

  • Why is Cyber Essentials important for SMEs?

    Why is Cyber Essentials important for SMEs?

    In this blog, we cover why achieving a Cyber Essentials certification is important for SMEs.

    cyber essentials for SMEs

    Introduction

    Cyber-attacks are among the biggest threats facing businesses today. While the threat of cyber-attacks is nothing new, they are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated. You might have heard about some of the high profile attacks on companies like Sony Pictures or Tesco Bank, but it’s important to understand that these large organisations have teams dedicated to cyber security who can invest significant resources into protecting their systems. For SMEs however, this type of investment is not always possible or practical – which is where cyber essentials come in!

    Cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent

    You may have noticed that cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent, both in terms of the number of attacks and the amount of damage they cause. The falling cost of cyber-crime is also a factor: criminals can now launch damaging web intrusions for less than £1000. As a result, businesses need to be vigilant about protecting their digital assets and complying with data protection laws such as GDPR.

    Cyber-attacks can harm your reputation

    Without a doubt, cyber-attacks can harm your reputation. If you’re unprepared or don’t have the right systems in place to prevent them, they can damage your brand and customer service. They could even affect the relationships you have with suppliers and customers.

    The importance of Cyber Essentials certification is clear: it shows that your organisation has an effective approach to protecting customer data and information security.

    Cyber-attacks often result in financial loss

    Cyber-attacks on small and medium sized businesses can result in a range of financial loss, including:

    • Loss of confidential information
    • Loss of intellectual property
    • Customer data stolen/lost (e.g., names, addresses and credit card details)
    • Business reputation damaged due to the impact of cybercrime on customers’ trust.
    • Financial assets lost as a consequence of criminal activity or fraud committed using stolen credentials.

    Cyber-attacks are not just a security issue

    Cyber-attacks are not just a security issue. They can lead to financial loss and harm your reputation, as well as the reputations of your customers. Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly frequent:

    • In the UK, cyber-crime costs business £27 billion per year.
    • The average cost of a data breach is $3.62 million in North America and $3.45 million in Europe (according to Ponemon Institute’s “2017 Cost of Data Breach Study”)

    If you’re an SME, having cyber essentials is vital

    Cyber Essentials is a voluntary, self-certification scheme to help small and medium sized businesses protect themselves from cyber threats. It’s based on the five essential controls and recommended by industry bodies such as BCS, ISACA and CIPFA.

    The Cyber Essentials scheme is endorsed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The NCSC has introduced this framework for SMEs because it’s aware that smaller organisations are less likely to have in-house expertise or resources available for maintaining good cyber security practices.

    Conclusion

    If you’re an SME, cyber essentials are vital to protect both your brand and your bottom line. By implementing the best strategies for lessening the impact of cyber-attacks, you can ensure that your business is as safe as possible from these threats. And when it comes down to it, there’s no reason why SMEs shouldn’t be just as prepared as larger companies – after all, they face similar risks and need just as much protection!

     Are you an SME looking to achieve a Cyber Essentials certification?

    Why not arrange a free consultation with our team today where we can discuss in depth the Cyber Essentials process. As well as which certification would be needed to support your business. Use the booking system below to select a time that is convenient for you.

  • How much do you really know about Cyber Essentials? Take our Cyber Essentials Quiz

    How much do you really know about Cyber Essentials? Take our Cyber Essentials Quiz

    cyber essentials quiz

    Test your knowledge with our Cyber Essentials Quiz. If you’ve been following our blogs for a while you should be pretty clued up on Cyber Essentials by now! If you’re not sure you know quite enough about Cyber Essentials just yet, click here to go to our Cyber Essentials archive. To brush up on your knowledge first.

    Once you’ve completed our Cyber Essentials quiz, test your knowledge using the answers at the bottom of the page.

    Ready?

    Cyber Essentials Quiz

    This quiz consists of 15 questions that cover the basics of the Cyber Essentials scheme.

    Question 1

    Finish the sentence – Cyber Essentials is a …

    1. Government-backed scheme
    2. an Anti-Virus software
    3. service from Microsoft

    Question 2

    Finish the sentence – Cyber Essentials offers protection from…

    1. hard drive failure
    2. Cyber Threats
    3. broadband failure

    Question 3

    Who is Cyber Essentials developed and operated by?

    1. NCSC
    2. NCCC
    3. UK Government

    Question 4

    Finish the sentence – Cyber Essentials is for

    1. Large Organisations
    2. One-man bands
    3. Organisations of all sizes

    Question 5

    True or False? – Cyber Essentials & the Cyber Essentials Plus certification both use the same self-assessment questionnaire?

    1. True
    2. False

    Question 6

    How long is a Cyber Essentials certification valid for?

    1. 6 months
    2. 12 months
    3. 3 years

    Question 7

    True or False? – Malware Protection is one of the 5 key areas Cyber Essentials covers and assesses?

    1. True
    2. False

    Question 8

    Fill in the blank – Having a Cyber Essentials certification offers you protection from around ___% of the most basic cybercrimes.

    1. 50%
    2. 75%
    3. 80%

    Question 9

    True or False? – To bid for contracts working with either the Government or the Ministry of Defence, organisations must hold a Cyber Essentials certification?

    1. True
    2. False

    Question 10

    True or False? – The Unite Group has qualified Cyber Essentials assessors in-house?

    1. True
    2. False

    Question 11

    In 2021, what percentage of businesses identified a cyber-attack on their business?

    1. 26%
    2. 39%
    3. 44%

    Question 12

    In 2021, what was the average cost of a cyber-attack on a small business?

    1. £1500
    2. £4200
    3. £3500

    Question 13

    How many questions are in the Cyber Essentials self-assessment questionnaire in total?

    1. 100
    2. 50
    3. 70

    Question 14

    True or False? – The Unite Group can assist you and your business throughout the entire Cyber Essentials certification process.

    1. True
    2. False

    Question 15

    True or False? – With cyber threats & attacks on the rise, there has never been a more important time to consider achieving a Cyber Essentials certification.

    1. True
    2. False

    The Answers

    How do you think you did? Let’s check the answers.

    1. A                2. B        3. A        4. C       5. A                        6. B                        7. A                       8. C                       9. A               10. A                     11. B                      12. B                     13. C                      14. A                     15. A

    So, did you know as much as you thought after taking our Cyber Essentials quiz?

    If you scored high, well done! Now you’re an expert in the basics of Cyber Essentials it’s time to start thinking about achieving a certification. Here at The Unite Group, we can assist and guide you throughout the process to ensure your organisation meets the necessary criteria.

    If you scored lower than you expected then we are here to help! Not only do we have an archive of blogs. But we also have qualified Cyber Essentials assessors in-house to assist you and your business. Why not arrange a call today to chat with our team and learn more about the Cyber Essentials scheme.

  • What are the 5 Cyber Essentials?

    What are the 5 Cyber Essentials?

    5 cyber essentials

    In this blog, we cover the 5 cyber essentials elements. The Cyber Essentials certification assessment covers all 5 of these areas. Certification can only be achieved if all 5 areas are in place within a business.

    Cyber Essentials

    As covered in previous blogs, Cyber Essentials is a Government backed scheme. Which aims to protect your business against 80% of the most common cyber threats & attacks. Here at The Unite Group, we are a Cyber Essentials awarding body. With in-house Cyber Essentials qualified assessors. Therefore we can provide support throughout the process. As well as complete the final assessment.

    The 5 Cyber Essentials

    The Cyber Essentials scheme can be broken down into 5 sections. Below we cover each and explain its importance. As well as its relevance in protecting you against cyber-attacks.

    Secure Configuration

    This involves ensuring all your devices are using the most secure settings and software. We all know it can be easy to forget to remove software or users you no longer use. However, this is extremely important! These simple changes can protect you again potential cyber-attacks. Such changes include simply changing your passwords regularly. As well as ensuring you only have the software you use on your devices. These measures are quick to do and efficient at protecting your data from being compromised.

    Software Updates

    Likewise, software updates are also a very effective way to protect your data. Therefore, the Cyber Essentials scheme ensures all devices carry out updates to ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest software. Software updates not only include new features. But also security patches that protect you against the newest cyber-attacks and vulnerabilities. Cyber Essentials cannot be achieved if all devices are not kept up to date on the latest updates.

    Access Control

    As part of the Cyber Essentials assessment, it covers who has access to your files. Within busy businesses, this is something than can be overlooked. However, it is very important! Are you sure only those who need access to your files can? Do all your staff really need access to the files they currently can?  We recommend having managed access to an administrator account. This, therefore, means you can protect who has access to your data and services.

    Firewalls & Routers

    Furthermore, Firewalls & Routers also make up one of the Cyber Essentials. Firewalls are designed to protect businesses from users who are not authorised from gaining access. Therefore by having a firewall in place, you create a so-called ‘buffer zone between your IT network and any other external links. Having these measures in place allows you to analyse incoming traffic. Meaning you are in complete control of who has access to your account. This massively protects your business from hackers.

    Malware Protection

    Malware protection is the final key part of the Cyber Essentials scheme. Using properly configured anti-malware software will protect you from viruses and other malware risks. Anti-malware software will only allow trusted applications to run which reduces the risk of unsafe applications running in the background without you knowing.

    With cyber-attacks on the rise, you can’t afford to not protect your business from cybercrimes!

     Are you ready to take the first steps in achieving a Cyber Essentials Certification and protecting your business?

    Why not arrange a free consultation with our team today where we can discuss in depth the Cyber Essentials process. As well as which certification would be needed to support your business. Use the booking system below to select a time that is convenient for you.

    Alternatively, contact us today by giving us a call or dropping us an email.