The growing prevalence of cyber threats poses a significant risk to businesses of all sizes. For large organisations, the security of the supply chain is critical, yet many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within your supplier network may lack the resources or expertise to adequately protect themselves. By encouraging your SME suppliers to work with a Cyber Advisor, through both free and funded consultations, you can help them strengthen their cyber security and achieve Cyber Essentials (CE) certification. Supporting your suppliers in this way not only protects your organisation but also creates stronger partnerships and reduces risks to your entire supply chain. Here’s why using a Cyber Advisor benefits both your business and your suppliers:
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is the UK Government’s minimum baseline standard for cyber security for organisations of all sizes. The annually renewable certification is aligned to five technical controls designed to prevent the most common internet-based cyber security threats.
What is a Cyber Advisor?
A Cyber Advisor is a cyber security expert who works for an organisation assured by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). These professionals have specific expertise in helping smaller organisations implement Cyber Essentials-aligned security measures, ensuring good cyber hygiene regardless of certification goals.
Cyber Advisors are not just technical experts; they are also skilled at working with smaller organisations and translating complex cyber security concepts into clear, practical guidance.
How can a Cyber Advisor help your SME suppliers?
Cyber Advisors are equipped to assist SMEs improve their cyber security and protect their business. Here’s how they can support your partners and suppliers:
Tailored cyber security support
Cyber Advisors understand that every business is different. They provide customised advice and solutions that align with the size, structure, and specific needs of each SME, ensuring that their guidance is practical and relevant.
Guidance on Cyber Essentials certification
Cyber Advisors can review an organisation’s IT and identify which changes are needed to meet the Cyber Essentials requirements. They are able to explain why the five controls are important and help SMEs implement them on their systems.
Free and funded consultations
SMEs can access a free 30-minute consultation with a Cyber Advisor to receive practical recommendations and answers to their questions about Cyber Essentials. This involves a simple process of applying via the IASME website.
If you have any critical suppliers whose security is particularly important to you, you could consider sponsoring an additional paid consultation, beyond the free 30 minutes, as part of a support package.
Cost-effective solutions
Cyber Advisors are committed to providing proportionate and affordable advice. What’s more, they follow a strict code of conduct to ensure they provide only relevant and cost-effective guidance without selling unnecessary services.
Why strengthening your SME partners’ cyber security matters
In today’s interconnected world, your supply chain is only as secure as its weakest link. Supporting the cyber security of your SME partners and suppliers is essential for protecting your supply chain. If a supplier or contractor falls victim to a cyber-attack, it could expose your organisation to significant risks, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, or phishing scams.
By setting clear minimum security requirements for your suppliers, you can efficiently enhance supply chain assurance while minimising cyber risk. You can encourage suppliers to adopt Cyber Essentials certification by funding tailored support from a Cyber Advisor.
Support your suppliers
To raise awareness and incentivise Cyber Essentials to your partners and suppliers, consider leveraging the tailored support and resources available through IASME’s Cyber Advisor supply chain package. By working with a Cyber Advisor, you can provide your small and medium-sized suppliers with expert guidance to help them achieve Cyber Essentials certification. There are options to fund extended Cyber Advisor support or to sponsor a comprehensive Cyber Essentials package with hands-on technical assistance. Additionally, you can incentivise adoption through a voucher scheme, allowing suppliers to offset the cost of certification.
For more information on how to get started or to explore the available packages, please contact IASME at [email protected]
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