Jisc which offers UK universities digital infrastructure, has added to its cyber security services by offering Cyber Essentials certification. As Jisc says, that will become a funding requirement for further education and is required for some UK Government contracts.
Tracy Matthews, cyber security assessment manager at Jisc, says: “We have been asked for this service for some time and we have listened to the needs of our members, and are proud to announce that we are now an IASME approved Cyber Essentials certification body.”
The service allows organisations to get advice to improve security, show that protections are in place via certification and website logo, and stay up to date with annual renewals. Cyber Essentials assessment includes five key controls:
Firewalls and internet gateways
Secure configuration
Patching
Access Control
Malware protection
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) has announced that Cyber Essentials is a funding requirement for FE colleges for the 2020/21 year. FE colleges will be expected to meet the requirements for Cyber Essentials, with progression to the more detailed Cyber Essentials Plus from the 2021/22 funding year.
Cyber Essentials is also a requirement for any business that wants to bid for central government contracts that involve handling sensitive and personal information or the provision of certain technical products and services.
Tracy Matthews adds: “We have spent time investing in Cyber Essentials, so that we can offer our support and provide our members with a service that can benefit them in taking the first steps in protecting their organisation, achieve certification, and bid for government contracts that require Cyber Essentials certification. Members will also have reassurance that their defences are protected against many of the most common cyber-attacks.
“We’re pleased to be able to offer it as part of our professional services, especially at a time when many organisations are particularly focused on cyber security.”
Jisc’s IT security services are designed to defend the Janet Network.
Picture by Mark Rowe: Aston University.
