News

A national Cyber Resilience campaign has been launched by The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) a to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their protection against cyber-attacks.

It comes as new figures show the scale of threat facing businesses. Significant cyber incidents cost an average of £195,000 and half of all small businesses have suffered a cyber breach or attack in the last 12 months.  

The severity of cyber risk facing the UK has grown significantly. SMEs form the backbone of the Scottish economy – yet many believe they won’t be targeted because of their size.

The CyberScotland Partnership is proud to support this campaign and encourages SMEs across Scotland to take meaningful, measurable steps to protect their organisations.

Cyber criminals can find your business anywhere

The reality is simple: no business is ‘too small’ to be a target.  1 in 2 small businesses in the UK suffered a cyber attack or breach last year.

The good news? Most cyber-attacks are basic in nature – the digital equivalent of a thief trying your front door to see if it’s unlocked.

Cyber Essentials helps ensure your door is locked shut.

It is the government-backed certification scheme that meets the UK’s minimum standard for cyber security, developed by experts at the NCSC and designed for organisations of any size and in any sector.

Why Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is highly effective and delivers real, practical benefits:

• Organisations with Cyber Essentials certification make 92% fewer cyber insurance claims
• Cyber Essentials certification is mandatory for many public and private sector contracts
• A growing number of organisations require suppliers to hold Cyber Essentials certification to bid for work
• It builds customer trust and demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to cyber security
• It provides peace of mind that you and your organisation are protected against the most common online threats

Supporting adoption of Cyber Essentials strengthens resilience not just for individual businesses and organisations, but across the Scottish economy.

What does Cyber Essentials involve?

Cyber Essentials focuses on 5 key protections designed to prevent the most common internet-based cyber security threats:

• Firewalls
• Secure configuration
• User access control
• Malware protection
• Security update management

Cyber Essentials gives businesses clear, practical steps to follow helping them show customers and suppliers they take cyber security seriously.  

Get started for free

SMEs can begin preparing today using a range of free support tools:

• Readiness Tool – Receive a tailored action plan to prepare for certification
• Download the assessment questions – Preview the requirements in advance
• Book a free 30-minute consultation with an NCSC-assured Cyber Advisor

Find out more at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/overview-partner

Support for SMEs in Scotland

CyberScotland Partnership is committed to supporting this campaign to help Scottish SMEs understand the threats they face and how they can take practical steps to improve resilience.

SMEs in Scotland may be able to access financial support to help cover the cost of Cyber Essentials certification and improve their cyber resilience. ScotlandIS has secured funding (via the Scottish Government) that can provide up to £1,000 towards Cyber Essentials accreditation, helping reduce the cost of certification.

In addition, publicly funded business support services, including Business Gateway, can help Scottish SMEs find and apply for regional and national grants and vouchers, provide impartial advice on cyber security investment, and signpost to relevant partners who can assist with certification preparation.

Third-sector organisations registered in Scotland may also be eligible for support from the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)’s funded cyber support initiatives, which can offer remote assistance with implementing Cyber Essentials controls as part of strengthening organisational resilience.