Cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses across the UK. With the increasing use of digital technology in business operations, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and widespread. To help businesses protect themselves from these threats, the UK government has launched a cybersecurity initiative called Cyber Essentials.
The Cyber Essentials scheme provides a set of technical requirements that businesses can implement to safeguard their IT systems, data, and networks. These requirements are designed to be simple and practical, providing businesses with a clear framework for implementing basic cybersecurity measures.
In April 2023, the Cyber Essentials technical requirements will be updated to ensure that businesses are protected from the latest cyber threats. The new requirements will include several updates and enhancements to the existing controls.
One of the main changes in the updated Cyber Essentials technical requirements is the introduction of a new control category focused on remote working. With the rise of remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses need to ensure that their remote workers are adequately protected. The new control category will cover areas such as secure remote access, secure communications, and secure devices.
Another key change in the updated Cyber Essentials technical requirements is the inclusion of controls to address supply chain risks. Supply chain attacks have become a significant threat in recent years, with cybercriminals targeting businesses through their third-party suppliers and vendors. The new controls will help businesses identify and manage supply chain risks, including assessing the cybersecurity practices of suppliers, managing access rights, and monitoring supplier activity.
The updated Cyber Essentials technical requirements will also include new controls to address emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent in business environments, and it is essential for businesses to understand and manage the associated risks. The new controls will cover areas such as device management, data protection, and vulnerability management.
In addition to these changes, the updated Cyber Essentials technical requirements will also include enhancements to the existing controls. For example, the control on user access management will be expanded to include multi-factor authentication and password policies. The control on patch management will be updated to include regular vulnerability scanning and prioritization of patches based on risk.
The updated Cyber Essentials technical requirements will provide businesses with a more comprehensive framework for managing cybersecurity risks. By addressing emerging threats, such as supply chain attacks and remote working, and enhancing the existing controls, businesses will be better equipped to protect themselves against cyber threats. The updated requirements will also help businesses to remain compliant with the latest data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
In conclusion, the updated Cyber Essentials technical requirements will help businesses to stay ahead of the evolving cyber threat landscape. By implementing these requirements, businesses can protect their IT systems, data, and networks from cyber threats, and maintain compliance with data protection regulations. The Cyber Essentials scheme is an important tool for businesses to use in their efforts to protect themselves from cyber threats, and the updated technical requirements will make it even more effective.
