Cyber Essentials Plus Assessment

The Cyber Essentials Plus certification helps to ensure your organisation has protection against cyber threats by providing a framework focusing on the safeguarding of digital assets. This latest article of our 6 part mini guide will delve into the various stages of the Cyber Essentials Plus assessment process, from engaging a certification body to maintaining certification.

If you’ve not reviewed parts 1-4 of our Cyber Essentials Guide, however, we’d recommend reading those as well, starting with Understanding Cyber Essentials Certification.

Cyber Essentials Plus Assessment

Engaging a Certification Body

Selecting the right certification body is the cornerstone of a successful Cyber Essentials Plus assessment. It’s imperative to choose an accredited body with a track record of competence and integrity. These bodies are recognised by official authorities for their expertise in cybersecurity assessments and this ensures that they have the necessary skills to evaluate your organisation’s security measures effectively; at Secarma we are fully certified to provide Cyber Essentials Plus and a variety of other services.  

Coordinating Assessment Dates and Logistics

Once a certification body has been selected, the next step is to coordinate assessment dates and logistics. This involves setting a mutually convenient time for the assessment to take place. It is essential to ensure that key personnel, such as IT administrators and relevant department heads, are available during this period. Adequate preparations must be made to provide assessors with necessary access and resources which will allow them to evaluate your security controls. For more information on what to expect during your assessment, you can review the Cyber Essentials Plus Illustrative Test Specification.

Providing Evidence of Compliance

Evidencing compliance is a crucial aspect of the assessment process that involves presenting documentation, reports, and other forms of evidence to demonstrate the implementation and effectiveness of your security controls. This could include policies, logs, configurations, and records of security incidents and responses. Thorough documentation is essential in validating the strength of your cybersecurity measures.

Collaborating with Assessors and Addressing Queries

Open communication and collaboration with assessors are pivotal throughout the assessment. Assessors may have queries or require additional information about specific security controls, and it is important to address these queries promptly and comprehensively. This collaborative approach ensures a thorough and accurate evaluation of your organization’s security posture.

Assessment Outcome

Receiving Assessment Results and Feedback

Following the assessment, the certification body will provide you with the results of their evaluation. This includes a detailed report outlining areas of compliance and any identified vulnerabilities or weaknesses. This feedback is invaluable in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your current security measures.

Addressing Identified Areas for Improvement

Upon receiving the assessment results, it is essential to promptly address any identified areas for improvement. This may involve implementing additional security measures, refining existing controls, or reevaluating certain processes. Timely action demonstrates a commitment to enhancing your organization’s cybersecurity posture.

Regularly Reviewing and Updating Security Controls

Maintaining Cyber Essentials Plus certification is a yearly effort, so it is imperative to regularly review and update security controls to adapt to evolving threats and technologies. This includes staying up to date with emerging cybersecurity trends and incorporating best practices into your organisation’s security framework.

Engaging in the Cyber Essentials Plus assessment process is a strategic move towards fortifying your organisation’s cybersecurity defences. Prioritizing cybersecurity not only safeguards your digital assets but also reinforces trust and confidence among your stakeholders. Contact us today to find out more.