Introduction:
Cybersecurity is a critical responsibility for individual businesses. To help protect against the rising threat of cyberattacks, the UK Government has introduced Cyber Essentials, a scheme supported by the industry. By achieving Cyber Essentials certification and implementing at least one of its five controls, businesses can safeguard themselves from approximately 80% of attacks
The goal of Cyber Essentials is to promote best practices in data security, creating a safer business environment in the UK. It provides clear guidance and security controls to defend against cyber threats. Upon completion of the certification process, businesses receive a certificate showcasing their proactive approach to cybersecurity.
The Difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
There are two levels of certification: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.
- Cyber Essentials: This self-assessment option is designed to be simple and user-friendly. It educates businesses about common cyber-attacks, risk identification, and prevention. The five areas covered are Firewalls, Secure Configuration, User Access Control, Malware Protection, and Patch Management. After passing the assessment, businesses receive a Cyber Essentials certificate, offering peace of mind to both them and their customers.
- Cyber Essentials Plus: The material and requirements are the same as Cyber Essentials, but the key difference is the requirement for an independent on-site security vulnerability assessment. This thorough assessment enhances network defences and is highly regarded by other businesses. It is especially beneficial for companies with remote workers or shared assets with third parties.
Cyber Essentials Plus is suitable for all businesses but those who have remote workers or share assets with third parties benefit the most from it.
Discover how upgrading from FTTC to Fibre Ethernet helped improved Stressline's buiness operations
Understanding Ethernet and FTTC
Ethernet is a dedicated, uncontended broadband service that guarantees high bandwidth, synchronous speeds, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). It provides a secure connection for businesses across one or multiple sites. On the other hand, FTTC (Fiber to the Cabinet) offers broadband service but may be contended, meaning bandwidth is shared with others, potentially impacting reliability during peak times.
Key Differences: Contended vs. Un-contended and Synchronous vs. Asynchronous
With Ethernet, you get an uncontended connection, ensuring stable speeds even during peak hours, while FTTC tends to be contended. Additionally, Ethernet offers synchronous speeds, meaning equal bandwidth for uploads and downloads, while FTTC often provides asynchronous speeds with higher download bandwidth than upload bandwidth.
Advantages of Ethernet
Ethernet's SLAs typically guarantee faster response times in case of faults, compared to FTTC. It is recommended for businesses heavily reliant on cloud-based applications, using SIP Trunks and Hosted Phone Systems, transferring large files, or located in areas with poor connectivity.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Connectivity
Ethernet is the ideal choice for businesses requiring high speed, performance, and reliability. While FTTC may be more cost-effective, Ethernet's dedicated, uncontended connection offers the stability businesses need. Consider your specific business needs and invest accordingly in suitable connectivity to protect your business from cyber threats and ensure uninterrupted operations.