An introduction to the three main cybersecurity standards

In 2024, more than one in five UK businesses had a data breach at least once a month. Over half of all UK businesses faced at least one breach that year.

The methods of data attacks can be complex. Hacking or insider breaches can harm a business. They can damage consumer trust, leak sensitive company information, and hurt the organisation's reputation, especially if consumer financial data is exposed and the business was being non-compliant with existing regulations.

The importance of safely managing business data has led to the creation of guidelines set out to protect the contents of your organisation online and maintain your business continuity. These guidelines, called 'security standards,' are frameworks that protect sensitive information. By following these rules, businesses can keep their data confidential, available, and integral.

Security standards aid companies in identifying outside threats, potential internal vulnerabilities, and other potential risks. Through following the procedure which is most suitable for your businesses' requirements, you can assure that your organisation will be committed to protecting its own, and its customers, security and information from cybersecurity incidents.

Data security standards are never set in stone, and different guidelines can benefit your businesses specific needs. At Igentics, we specialise in implementing and managing business security support, providing monitoring in real-time, vulnerability scanning, risk assessments, performance evaluation, and regular data backups to safeguard against external threats.

In the United Kingdom, there are 3 main security standards which are ideal for most businesses - ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, and PCI DSS. We have put together a summary of the basics, including how these policies work, how they help your business, and who they are best for.

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is a security standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). As an internationally recognised standard, it sets out the criteria for establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).

This standard helps organizations find and reduce security risks, as well as managing the security of important assets. These assets include financial information, intellectual property, employee data, and third-party information.

To better understand ISO 27001, it is worth noting that it is part of a larger network of standards - the ISO 27000 series. ISO 27001 is typically regarded as the most important framework in the series as it encompasses all details of cybersecurity.

Who Should Use ISO 27001?

Large Businesses
Organisations with complex IT systems or those that handle sensitive data, such as financial institutions, government agencies, healthcare providers, or tech companies.

Global Organisations
Organisations with global reach or operations, or that must comply with multiple national security regulations would benefit from the international standard recognition of ISO 27001.

Companies Seeking Compliance with other Security Regulations
As ISO 27001 certification is compatible with other security guidelines, it can help you achieve compliance with other UK regulations, such as the GDPR.

What are Cyber Essentials?

The Cyber Essentials scheme is a UK government backed protocol aimed at protecting online businesses from common threats. As a baseline in data protection, it sets out five criterias for companies to follow which will shield them from the most exploited security breaches. Although not a mandatory policy, it is generally regarded as best practice to utilise the standard.

Cyber Essentials five security controls are:

• Boundary firewalls and internet gateways
• Secure configuration
• Access control
• Malware protection
• Patch management

Although cyber essentials can work in conjunction with ISO 27001, it has a much smaller scope for protection, with focus on technical control, rather than policy.

Which Companies are Cyber Essentials for?

Small & Medium Sized Businesses
If your business is yet to implement any IT or cybersecurity measures, Cyber Essentials quick and easy self assessment and risk management process can help you safeguard your company from the most common types of online threats.

Companies in both Private & Public Sectors
As a government backed security standard, UK companies who demonstrate the commitment to safely handling their online data will have a better chance of working with larger, or even government organisations. It is also mandatory for any businesses looking to obtain a government contract to achieve a Cyber Essentials certification.

What is PCI DSS?

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of guidelines designed to protect payment card industry data from data breaches and theft. By ensuring cardholder details which are held within a business are maintained in a safe environment, the chances of encountering fraud are mitigated.

The standard also provides guidelines on network security, data encryption, access control, and system monitoring. PCI DSS compliance is mandatory for any organisation which processes debit or credit card transactions - if not by law, then by the payment card industry.

Companies who fail to enshrine PCI DSS regulation may face fines if their security compliance level isn't met.

Which Businesses Need PCI DSS?

Any Organisation that Processes or Stores Payment Data
Whether your business is online, or even solely brick and mortar, if you process or store payments, PCI DSS compliance will give your business the necessary guidance to keep your customers money and identities safe.

Service Providers & Vendors
If your company provides services to merchants, point of sale providers, cloud services, or payment gateways, you must also comply with PCI DSS requirements to ensure the solutions you provide are secure.

A Word from Igentics

“There is no one size fits all solution to cybersecurity. At Igentics, we have helped our clients achieve each of the three main standards. The process is never straightforward - but we can help, especially cutting through the complex jargon and tech speak.

Don't get caught out by the cyber criminals, we can help you implement process and procedures to ensure you meet the most appropriate standard for your business.”

David Donnan, Managing Director

Choose a Security Standard Which Works for Your Business

Although sufficient business security may seem like a challenging prospect - it certainly doesn't have to be. At Igentics, we have the knowledge and the expertise to support you through the process of securing your company's online data. Get in touch and start protecting your business and customers today.