SwitchboardFREE Is Now Cyber Essentials Plus Certified!

At SwitchboardFREE we don’t usually like to blow our own trumpet, but this was news we just couldn’t hold in a moment longer! We’re now Cyber Essentials Plus Certified.

Of course, you’re probably wondering what this has to do with you. Why should you care that we’ve got another certificate on the wall and someone has brought in a cake? Well, take a seat and we’ll tell you!

Cyber Essentials Plus – because data security is a BIG deal

Cybersecurity is super important, especially for businesses. Imagine your company’s sensitive information floating around cyberspace like shiny diamonds, just waiting for magpie cybercriminals to snatch them up. It’s scary to think how exposed people’s data is. That’s why it’s crucial in today’s tech-driven world to have solid protection.

If you like facts and figures, we found some for you.

• In the past year, 39% of UK businesses reported cyber-attacks or security breaches
• Small to medium-sized businesses make up 81% of the cyber-attacks & data breaches reported
• UK consumers lost £479 million in 2020
• There are an estimated 4.55 cyber-attacks against Businesses in the UK, every minute
• On average a data breach costs businesses in the UK, £2.93 million 

Worrying, only 15% of UK businesses have a management plan in place when it comes to cybersecurity. This suggests that here at SwitchboardFREE we’re of a minority. It’s clear that most businesses are not prepared for the threat of cybercrime.

What is Cyber Essentials Plus?

It’s a scheme developed by the UK government and certification is like the gold standard for cybersecurity. A business has to prove without a shadow of a doubt that they have all the necessary measures in place to defend itself against common cyber threats.

The process of proof involves rigorous evaluation of systems and processes, including both internal and external vulnerability scans. And although it was hard work (and so it should be), we felt we had a responsibility to you and all our customers to create a digital fortress for your data.

What that means for you & all our customers

As a customer, this certification is like a security blanket. It lets you breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that your sensitive information is protected. It also proves to you that we’re doing more than the bare minimum for our customers. At SwitchboardFREE we’re now exceeding the industry standards. We do this because we respect your data and want to reassure you that we are handling it with utmost care.

SwitchboardFREE’s commitment to compliance

In conclusion, we’re thrilled to announce our Cyber Essentials Plus certification simply because of the added layer of security it brings to our services for you. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a small business owner or a growing company, you can trust SwitchboardFREE to keep your data safe and secure. And let’s face it, in a world where cybercrime never ceases, you can never be too careful.

Of course, you don’t have to take our word for it! If you’re not yet a SwitchboardFREE customer, take a look at our website to see how we can help you manage your business more effectively and keep your data protected from cybercriminals.