Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001: Reviewing Security Accreditations
Ensuring cybersecurity is important for organisations, with certifications serving as proof of commitment and means to strengthen intelligence. Among the prominent certifications considered are Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001.
Although both certifications aim to enhance an organisation’s cybersecurity position, they differ significantly in scope, benefits, and accreditation processes. Here, we will show you the differences in order to help make an informed decision about the most suitable certification for your organisation’s needs.
Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials, backed by the UK government, supports organisations in safeguarding against common cyber attacks. It prioritises five fundamental technical controls: secure configuration, boundary firewalls, internet gateways, access control, administrative privilege management, patch management, and malware protection.
Key Features of Cyber Essentials:
Simplicity: Representing a base-level security accreditation, Cyber Essentials is accessible to businesses, even those with limited IT expertise.
Focus on Basic Cyber Hygiene: Emphasising basic cyber hygiene practices to counter prevalent internet-based threats.
Two Levels of Certification: Cyber Essentials offers two certification levels – Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, with the Essentials Plus entailing a more rigorous assessment.
ISO 27001
ISO 27001, an international standard for information security management, offers a comprehensive approach to managing information security risks. It encompasses requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Key Features of ISO 27001
Comprehensive Scope: Covering a wide array of information security aspects, including legal, physical, and technical controls.
Risk-Based Approach: Focused on identifying and managing organization-specific information security risks.
Continuous Improvement: Encouraging ongoing evaluation and enhancement of the ISMS.
Scope and Depth Comparison
While Cyber Essentials targets foundational cybersecurity measures, primarily securing IT infrastructure against common cyber threats, ISO 27001 offers a holistic approach covering not only IT security but also employee training, physical security, and policy management.
Benefits and Reasons for Certification
Cyber Essentials enhances protection against common threats, serving as a market differentiator, showcasing commitment to cybersecurity, and providing a competitive advantage, especially for SMEs. Accreditation with Cyber Essentials can also facilitate access to UK Government contracts. Conversely, ISO 27001, as a globally recognised certification, enhances organisational credibility on a global scale, addresses risk management comprehensively, and ensures business continuity against information security threats.
Accreditation Processes
For Cyber Essentials, the basic accreditation involves a self-assessment followed by verification by an external certifying body. Cyber Essentials Plus entails external testing of cyber defences by an accredited partner. On the other hand, ISO 27001 requires a comprehensive audit by an accredited certification body, evaluating the ISMS against standard requirements, necessitating significant preparation, including ISMS development, risk assessment, and control implementation.
Choosing Between Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001
The decision depends on various factors, including organisational size, data sensitivity, and specific security needs. For businesses seeking a practical and cost-effective starting point in cybersecurity, Cyber Essentials offers an ideal solution. In contrast, organisations desiring a globally recognised standard encompassing all aspects of information security management may find ISO 27001 more suitable.
In summary, Cyber Essentials lays the foundational security measures to securing the basic structure of a building against common threats, while ISO 27001 constructs a robust framework, ensuring comprehensive security and resilience across all areas. The choice hinges on the desired depth and comprehensiveness of the cybersecurity infrastructure.
Sota is ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials accredited, and has extensive experience helping clients to guide, achieve and maintain the requirements of both. If you want to guide your business to become a beacon of best industry practice, speak to our experts here.