In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever, with the widespread use of technology in all aspects of our lives, including education. It is crucial that schools take the necessary steps to protect their data and systems from cyber threats. This is where the Cyber Essentials accreditation comes in.
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme designed to help organisations, including schools, protect themselves from common cyber threats. It provides a set of basic technical controls that organisations can implement to help safeguard their systems and data from attack. The scheme is suitable for all organisations, regardless of their size or sector, and is particularly important for those in education.
From the perspective of schools, achieving the accreditation is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps to ensure that the school’s systems and data is secure. By implementing the basic technical controls required by the scheme, schools can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to cyber attacks such as phishing, malware, and hacking.
Secondly, Cyber Essentials accreditation is becoming increasingly important for schools that wish to work with other organisations. Many suppliers, particularly those in the IT sector, are now requiring their customers to have Cyber Essentials certification before they will work with them. This means that if a school wants to work with a supplier that requires Cyber Essentials, they must first achieve the accreditation.
In addition to being important for schools, Cyber Essentials accreditation is also crucial for suppliers who support the education sector. By achieving Cyber Essentials, suppliers can demonstrate that they take cybersecurity seriously and are committed to protecting their customers’ data and systems from attack. This can help to build trust with schools and other education providers, and may give suppliers a competitive edge over those who do not have Cyber Essentials certification.
It is worth noting that this is not a one-time achievement – organisations must renew their accreditation annually to ensure that their systems and data remain secure. This means that schools and suppliers must remain vigilant and continue to implement the necessary controls to protect against emerging cyber threats.
In conclusion, Cyber Essentials accreditation is crucial for both schools and suppliers in the education sector. Achieving the accreditation helps schools ensure that their systems and data are secure, while also meeting the requirements of suppliers who require the certification. Suppliers, meanwhile, can demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity and gain a competitive edge in the education market. With cyber threats becoming more prevalent and sophisticated, Cyber Essentials is an essential tool for protecting the education sector from attack.
