Funded Cyber Essentials Certification for Charities and Legal Aid Services
January 30, 2023
The rate of cybercrime continues to increase, and every organisation is a target, no matter the size. But some sectors are more at risk than others. Cyber criminals often target Charities and Not-For-Profit organisations as they don’t expect them to have robust systems or strong enough cyber security measures in place.
One in eight charities experienced cybercrime last year. No matter how small your organisation is, you’re still at risk of cyber threats and need to ensure you implement adequate security measures.
That’s where Cyber Essentials comes in.
What is Cyber Essentials Certification?
Cyber Essentials is a Government backed scheme that aims to help protect organisations of all sizes from the most common types of cyber-attacks.
Many organisations, especially smaller and newly established ones, have limited controls developed or implemented to help secure and protect their information systems and data. Using Cyber Essentials as the first step on a journey towards better information security is a great starting point.
There are two levels of Cyber Essentials Certification – Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.
Find out more about Cyber Essentials Certification >>
What is the Funded Cyber Essentials Scheme?
The NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) has launched a Funded Cyber Essentials Programme to provide vulnerable organisations with help to implement baseline security controls.
This scheme entitles eligible organisations to up to 20 hours of remote support with a Cyber Essentials Assessor. This time is spent identifying and implementing improvements that are right for the size, needs and budget of your organisation, and in supporting you in implementing the 5 Cyber Essentials technical controls.
If your organisation has already achieved Cyber Essentials Certification, these support hours can be used to help you achieve Cyber Essentials Plus Certification.
This funded scheme is running until 31 March 2023.
Who’s eligible for the funded scheme?
The funded scheme is open to:
- Micro or small charities (1 to 49 employees excluding volunteers) that process personal data, as defined under GDPR.
- Micro or small businesses (1 to 49 employees) that offer legal aid services.
How does the process work?
3B Data Security will propose your organisation to IASME (the body that administers the Cyber Essentials scheme on behalf of the National Cyber Security Centre), who would then approve your application and send you a funding letter, which just needs to be returned.
The 20 hours of remote support will be spread across threedays, where one of 3B Data Security’s Technical Cyber Security Experts will help your organisation complete and submit the Cyber Essentials Assessment. For those organisations working towards Cyber Essentials Plus, 3B Data Security will assist and advise you in implementing the Cyber Essentials controls and conduct the relevant CE+ testing.
How can you get started?
If you’re interested in taking advantage of this fully funded support, get in touch with us today.
At 3B Data Security, we have a team of expert Cyber Essential Assessors, who with their set of skills and experience, can work to get you certified in no time.