How Long Does It Take To Get Cyber Essentials?
The Cyber Essential certification scheme is a UK government-backed scheme that has been developed to protect organisations against some common online threats. It ensures they can meet a set of basic Cyber Security requirements that protect them and their customers against the most common cyber threats.
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus Scheme
As with any certification scheme, it does take an investment in both time and money. There are several factors that will impact the certification timelines, including the chosen certification level and the efficiency of the certification process.
Read on to find out how long does it take to get Cyber Essentials and what are the factors that influence this timeline?
Equilibrium Security are one of the few Cyber Essentials Certification bodies within the Midlands. We have been working alongside IASME conducting Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus assessments since 2016.
How Long does it take to get Cyber Essentials?
The basic Cyber Essentials certificate is acquired through self-assessment. This process will typically take a few weeks. Organisations will need to complete the self-assessment questionnaire, address any gaps in their security, and then submit their application for review.
How long does it take to get Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus involves a more rigorous independent assessment, including remote security testing. This means it takes longer to complete, often weeks including the preparation time, rescans and remediation. However, the assessment itself usually takes between 1-2 days.
The timeline for achieving Cyber Essentials Plus will also depend on the availability of the assessment team and any remedial actions that are required to meet certification standards.
Factors impacting on the certification timeline
There are a number of factors that will influence the time required to obtain Cyber Essentials certification:
Assessment Type
- The basic certificate is self-certified which means it’s usually quicker to achieve than the assessed Cyber Essential Plus certificate. If you wish to achieve the latter, you will first need to obtain the basic certificate as the answers given during the self-assessment will guide the independent assessment process.
Organisational Readiness
- The existing security of organisations can differ considerably at the time they begin the certification process. If an organisation already has a strong cybersecurity posture and readiness, certification can be quicker.
Assessor Availability
- For Cyber Essential Plus, an independent assessor will be required. Remote assessments and reviews will need to be conducted and will need to be scheduled in line with an assessor’s availability.
What are the steps in the certification process?
The steps in the certification process include:
- Application – organisations will begin by applying for Cyber Essentials certification through a chosen certification body.
- Self-Assessment or Assisted Assessment – the self-assessment process is then conducted for the basic certificate. An independent assessment by a qualified assessor is conducted.
- Evaluation – the certification body will then review the assessment and evaluate whether or not the organisation has met the certification standards.
- Certification – if the criteria have been met the organisation will then receive Cyber Essential certification.
Can the certification process be expedited?
Organisations that already have in place robust security measures may find they can achieve certification more quickly than average but the process cannot be expedited.
Achieve Cyber Essential certification with Equilibrium Security
Equilibrium Security can help your organisation achieve Cyber Essentials certification in a timely and cost-effective manner.
As one of the few Cyber Essential certification bodies in the Midlands, we have been conducting Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus assessments since 2016.
Contact us to find out more about how we can help your organisation achieve Cyber Essentials certification.
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