Language of Cyber Essentials

In today's digital age, the line between understanding cybersecurity and being engulfed by its jargon is thin. For business owners and professionals stepping into the realm of cyber protection, especially concerning the UK's Cyber Essentials scheme, the language used can seem like a foreign dialect. It's crucial, therefore, to bridge this gap with simple explanations that demystify the terms and concepts of cybersecurity, making them accessible to everyone.

If you're running a business and find yourself scratching your head over the tech speak your cybersecurity staff throws around, don't sweat it. It doesn't mean they're out of your league intelligence-wise; it's more like they don’t know how to keep it simple.

So, my advice? Don't shy away from bombarding them with questions. Ask them to break things down into plain English for you. Seriously, making your business secure doesn’t need to be wrapped in complex jargon. Keeping things straightforward is key.

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The Simplicity Behind Cybersecurity Terms

Let’s decode some of these in relation to Cyber Essentials, to help you understand what’s being protected and how.

Software: This term covers almost everything that runs on your devices, from the operating system (like Windows or macOS) to applications (such as Microsoft Office), and even the underlying code that helps your firewall protect your network.

Firmware: is like the built-in instincts of your electronic devices. It's a special kind of software that's programmed directly into the hardware—think of it as the basic instructions your device needs to wake up and start doing its job. Unlike regular software that you can update or uninstall easily, firmware runs at a more fundamental level, telling your device how to behave from the moment you turn it on. It’s like the reflexes your body has before you even have to think about it.

Devices: Think of devices as the electronic tools you use daily. This includes your computers, smartphones, servers, and even your network equipment.

Applicant: In the context of Cyber Essentials, this could be your business seeking certification or the individual within your organisation spearheading the certification effort.

Corporate VPN: A secure tunnel that connects your remote work to the office network, ensuring that the data travelling between them is encrypted and safe from prying eyes. VPN stands for virtual private network. Imagine the VPN as your castle’s drawbridge. It's not just any old plank of wood you’re letting down; it's a high-tech, retractable bridge with lasers and alarms, overseen by the castle’s tech wizard (that's your IT department, by the way). Every time you, the valiant remote worker, need to cross over from the wilds of the internet, the bridge checks you’re not a sneaky goblin in disguise. That’s your VPN ensuring you’re who you say you are, probably with a secret handshake or a magic word (a.k.a. passwords and multi-factor authentication).

Organisational Data & Service: These are the digital assets your business owns or uses. Data can be anything from emails to financial records, while services include the software applications your business operates, like cloud storage or your email system.

Sub-set and Servers: A sub-set might be a department within your company isolated by security measures like a firewall. Servers are powerful computers that manage network resources and services.

BYOD: stands for "Bring Your Own Device," and it's like having a "bring your own dish" party but for the workplace. Everyone brings their own smartphone, laptop, or tablet to work instead of using devices supplied by the office. It’s cool because you get to use the tech you're comfortable with and love. But just like a potluck where someone could bring a dish that doesn't mix well with others (think allergies or dietary preferences), there are risks. In the BYOD world, these risks are about security—making sure no one's device is like an open gate for cyber baddies to sneak into the company's digital backyard.

Cloud services: Imagine keeping all your favourite toys in a magic cloud instead of your room, so you can play with them anytime, anywhere—this is what cloud services are like for your digital stuff. Instead of saving files, photos, or software directly on your computer or phone, you put them on servers out in the internet, aka "the cloud." This way, you can access your things from any device with an internet connection, just like pulling toys out of thin air, whether you're at home, at a café, or halfway around the world. It's like having an invisible backpack that follows you everywhere, holding all your stuff.

Applying the Basics: No Jargon Necessary

Implementing cybersecurity doesn’t require you to learn a new language. The essence of Cyber Essentials is about applying straightforward, effective measures:

Use Firewalls: These are your first line of defence, acting as a barrier that controls the traffic between your internal network and the outside world. What’s a firewall btw? Imagine your computer or your entire network is like a private club. A firewall is like the bouncer at the door. It checks who's trying to get in and out and decides whether or not they’re cool based on rules set by the club owner (that's you or your IT team). If someone shows up and they're not on the list or they're known troublemakers, the firewall bouncer says, “Nope, you're not getting in.” This helps keep your digital space safe from unwanted guests and cyber mischief.

Ensure Secure Configuration: This means setting up your devices and software in a way that maximises security, like changing default passwords and disabling unnecessary features.

Stay Updated: Regularly updating your devices and software to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Control Access: Making sure only those who need access to certain data or systems have it, and using strong passwords or multi-factor authentication to keep things secure.

Protect Against Malware: Using antivirus software or other technologies to prevent, detect, and remove malicious software. Malware is like those pesky bugs that sneak into your house and cause chaos. Instead of bugs, though, malware is bad software that creeps into your computer or device. It can do a bunch of annoying stuff like steal your personal info, mess up your files, or make your device super slow. It's like a digital version of a burglar, vandal, or a virus all rolled into one, trying to sneak in through any crack it can find. So, keeping your digital doors locked tight with security software is pretty essential to keep these digital critters out.

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Demystifying the Process

For small businesses or those without a dedicated IT department, navigating Cyber Essentials might seem daunting. However, the scheme is designed to be accessible, with a focus on basic but critical controls that significantly enhance your cyber resilience. Even without in-house expertise, external support is available to guide you through the certification process, ensuring you can implement these essential security measures effectively.

Remember, asking questions and seeking clarity from your cybersecurity consultant isn’t just encouraged; it’s a step towards stronger security. By insisting on simplicity, you're not undermining your consultant's expertise but ensuring that cybersecurity measures are understandable, manageable, and most importantly, applicable to your business.

Understanding the language of Cyber Essentials is the first step towards a more secure business environment. By demystifying the jargon, you empower yourself and your team to take proactive steps in protecting your digital assets. Remember, effective cybersecurity is not about complex terminologies but about implementing straightforward, robust controls that safeguard your business from cyber threats.

At Meta Defence Labs Ltd , we're not just good at Cyber Essentials – we like to think we're the best! :)

We invite you to reach out and discover how we can elevate your cyber security to royal heights. Get in touch and let's chat about how we can make your digital realm as secure as a fortress!

[email protected] 0203 222 40460