Bluegrass has recently been externally assessed and approved by QG Management Standards to assist organisations achieve the Cyber Essentials scheme certification.

QG Management Standards are one of only four organisations approved by the UK Government to manage the Cyber Essentials process.

Pete Last from Bluegrass is now a QG Accredited Cyber Essentials (ACE) Practitioner. He is accredited to deliver advice and consultancy under the Cyber Essentials scheme and help organisations implement the requirements of the scheme.

What is the Cyber Essentials scheme?

Launched late in 2014 Cyber Essentials is a government-backed, industry supported scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber attack.

The scheme sets out a baseline of required security measures which if implemented should prevent around 80% of cyber attacks.

Once organisations have implemented the measures and been independently assessed they are awarded certification. There are two levels of certification – the basic level, Cyber Essentials, and Cyber Essentials PLUS awarded following a more rigorous assessment.

You can view the government’s scheme overview here.

Why is the Cyber Essentials scheme important?

Cyber security is a growing concern for businesses and other organisations. Cyber Essentials helps businesses address these concerns and guide them on measures needed to mitigate against the risk of cyber attack.

The awarded certification provides an assurance mechanism for these businesses. It enables them to demonstrate to customers, investors, insurers and others that they have taken these essential precautions.

From 1 October 2014 all suppliers wishing to bid for government contracts which involve handling of sensitive and personal information and provision of certain technical products and services must be compliant with the new Cyber Essentials controls.

We predict that in the not too distant future insurance companies will insist on Cyber Essentials certification as a condition of business insurance.

How can Bluegrass help with the Cyber Essentials scheme?

If you would like to achieve Cyber Essentials certification for your business we can help you achieve it.

We will review your current technical controls and policies; identify the gaps; and then assist you to implement all necessary measures to meet the requirements of the scheme. We’ll guide and support you through the process to make it as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

For more information please contact Pete via email at cybersecurity@bluegrass-group.com or by phone on 01392 207194.