The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales (WCRC) is fortunate to work alongside excellent cyber partners that help small businesses become Cyber Essentials accredited to further build effective defences against online threats.
We’re delighted to welcome Stable, a Cardiff-based IT consultancy and resourcing specialist, to our network! Here’s where you can learn more about the company, what Cyber Essentials is, the changing cyber landscape and Stable’s tips for boosting small business security.
Can you explain what Cyber Essentials is?
Cyber Essentials is a digital security baseline for organisations. It helps protect against common cyber-attacks by building a digital toolkit, whilst also painting a clear picture of an organisation’s security level. It’s a valuable step toward enhancing cyber resilience and it’s a practical step toward a safer digital environment for a business!
Why did you want to join the WCRC’s network of Cyber Essentials Partners?
Joining the WCRC as a Cyber Essentials Partner allows us a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best cyber security companies in Wales and give us the chance to share our knowledge with businesses who need it most. Working closely with the other partners will allow us to share best practice and continue to develop ourselves, and each other, to ensure we are at the forefront of tackling cybercrime across the country.
What would you say are the main benefits of Cyber Essentials accreditation for small businesses?
Cyber Essentials accreditation offers several key benefits for small businesses:
What three tips would you give a business with little knowledge of cyber security?
What do you see SMEs struggling with in terms of cyber security?
How does the level of Cyber Essentials awareness from 2001 when Stable launched compare to today?
Since 2001 the threat landscape has matured in some areas but has presented fundamental gaps in others, for example:
a. Macros in Word and Excel – remember those?
2. Brute force password attacks were commonplace due to the lack of MFA
3. In the early 2000s anti-virus tools were more an advisory than a default accepted norm among
businesses and consumers.
a. Would anyone these days dare have a device that does not have some minimal protection?
b. Policies were either advisory or based on analog methods
4. Since around 2005 the threat landscape has widened at a frantic pace; Always on devices – not just
trusty desktops and internet of things (IOT) etc. Not to mention the explosion of social media.
Understanding and awareness is improving largely due to media coverage and our increased dependence on digital tech in our daily lives, for example:
a. B2B – in some interactions CE awareness is now a recognised requirement as a passport
to conduct business
b. Though still a lot to do – an understanding of social engineering as an attack vector is evident
but much more assistance is required in this area not least because of the emergence of AI
What is Stable looking forward to the most about working with the WCRC?
An opportunity to be part of a close network of companies who share the same values and drive will be fantastic. In an ever-changing world, working together will allow us to ensure we remain joined up to protect businesses throughout Wales.
Finally, what is your favourite landmark or view in Wales?
So many to pick from! It’s the most beautiful country in the world! The entire drive up the west coast is incredible. From St Davids right up to the Llŷn Peninsula, there’s nowhere quite like it and the number of stunning views and photos opportunities is incredible.
Interested in becoming Cyber Essentials certified? The WCRC is here to help you get started, so do get in touch to receive further information.
We also offer affordable security awareness training for small organisations with 10 or less employees and run sessions for larger teams too, so please contact us for more details and to request a quote.
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