Cyber Security Month: Is your business Cyber Essentials certified?

cyber essentials   Did you know that October is Cyber Security month? This makes now the perfect time for your business to become cyber security compliant. If you are a supplier to the defence sector, it is vital to have a cyber security solution in place as it is now a standard part of the procurement process and central to MOD supplier selection.  

Cyber Security Model

The MOD and DCPP mandated that all MOD suppliers need to comply with the new Cyber Security Model in October 2017. This requires all bidding suppliers to hold a version of Cyber Essentials certification.  

What level of certification is required?

It is important that you select the correct Cyber Essentials solution for your business. Every supplier is different and that is why there is a range of certification options to choose from. One of the available Cyber Essentials suppliers, DCI, offers the following options:   Cyber Essentials
  • Suitable for suppliers handling MOD contracts where the risk is “Very Low”
  • Support and advice offered throughout the application process
  • Includes Cyber Essentials branding which your business can use to promote its certification
  • 12 months’ certification upon successful application
  • No additional costs for retests or Gap Analysis
  Cyber Essentials Fast Track
  • Get certified within 24 hours
  • Gain access to the online self-assessment questionnaire
  • Suitable for suppliers handling MOD contracts where the risk is “Very Low”
  • Support and advice offered throughout the application process
  • Includes Cyber Essentials branding which your business can use to promote its certification
  • 12 months’ certification upon successful application
  • No additional costs for retests or Gap Analysis
  Cyber Essentials Plus
  • Required for MOD contracts where the risk is “Low”, “Moderate” or “High”
  • Includes advanced assessments
  • On-site assessment and vulnerability test
  • Gain access to the online self-assessment questionnaire
  • Support and advice offered throughout the application process
  • Includes Cyber Essentials branding which your business can use to promote its certification
  • 12 months’ certification upon successful application
  Keep in mind that for all MOD contracts where the risk is classified as “Very Low”, “Low”, “Moderate” or “High” suppliers should either already have Cyber Essentials certification in place or be able to show they are working towards Cyber Essentials certification.

More information

For more information on Cyber Essentials, access the Procurement Policy Note 09/14: Cyber Essentials scheme certification or download the DCI Cyber Essentials Scheme Summary.