IntaForensics are pleased to announce that they are supporting the new Funded Cyber Essentials Programme. This initiative was launched by The National Cyber Security Centre – a part of GCHQ, to offer some small organisations in high-risk sectors practical support at no cost to help put baseline cyber security controls in place.

As part of the new programme, eligible organisations will receive free support from a Cyber Essentials assessor to help implement the technical controls. This will be followed by hands-on verification that the measures are in place, with a view to the organisation achieving Cyber Essentials Plus.

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification scheme which helps organisations of all sizes guard against online threats and demonstrate a commitment to cyber security to customers, service users and stakeholders. More than 31,000 Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certificates were issued in 2022.

The Funded Cyber Essentials Programme

This programme offers some small organisations in high-risk sectors free practical support to help put cyber security controls in place.

• New Funded Cyber Essentials Programme helps small organisations at risk of cyber attack bolster their online defences
• GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre offer charities and legal aid firms free support to put protections in place
• Eligible organisations urged to register to help secure sensitive data and protect vulnerable people they support

Small charities and legal aid firms are being offered free cyber security assistance from the nation’s leading experts to help them protect the vulnerable people they support.

The information held by these organisations can be highly sensitive – for example, data about domestic abuse survivors could be exposed if not properly protected, leaving them vulnerable to their abusers – so strong cyber security is vital.

The NCSC’s initiative, funded by government and delivered by IASME, will see eligible organisations receive 20 hours of expert support to help implement the five technical measures needed to gain Cyber Essentials certification – firewalls, secure settings, access controls, malware and software updates.

Sarah Lyons, NCSC Deputy Director for Economy and Society Resilience:

“Charities and legal aid firms do incredible work supporting vulnerable people when they need it most, and that’s why it is vital they take steps to protect sensitive data.

“The new Funded Cyber Essentials Programme is a great opportunity for small organisations to gain free assistance with putting key cyber security protections in place.

“I strongly encourage organisations to register so they can boost their cyber resilience and help reduce the chances of falling victim to a potentially damaging cyber attack.”

Damian Walton, Managing Director at IntaForensics:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for small charities and legal aid firms to take advantage of free professional cyber security advice and support.”

“Here at IntaForensics, as a leading provider of cyber security and digital forensic servcies to both private and public sector organisations, our specialists will advise and support you to improve your cyber security defences.  By achieving certification to Cyber Essentials, you are demonstrating a proactive response to cyber security to your clients, staff and supply chain.  Take advantage of this offer now!”

Who can apply?

The focus of the programme is to support sectors which are at relatively greater risk of cyber attack because of the sensitive information they handle and because organisations typically have a lower level of cyber maturity.

Eligible organisations with a Cyber Essentials Certificate expiring before April 2023 can access the scheme, however CE+ renewals do not qualify.

Get in touch with our Cyber Security Experts

More information about the funded programme and eligibility criteria can be found on the NCSC website.

Eligible organisations can register their interest via the IASME website or contact IntaForensics directly at sales@intaforensics.com or call our team at: 0247 77 17780.