How do you ensure secure configuration for Cyber Essentials compliance?

Do not index

How Do You Ensure Secure Configuration for Cyber Essentials Compliance

Achieving Cyber Essentials compliance is a crucial step for any businesses looking get a foothold in the complex world of cyber security, and help improve their businesses’ defences. One of the key areas of focus within this standard is secure configuration. This article will guide you through the essential steps to ensure your systems are securely configured, helping you meet the requirements of Cyber Essentials.

Understanding Secure Configuration

Secure configuration refers to the process of setting up your IT systems in a way that minimises vulnerabilities and protects against unauthorised access. This process involves adjusting various settings on devices and software to enhance security, ensuring that only the most necessary features are enabled, and that outdated, unused, or unsupported services are disabled.

Why is Secure Configuration Important?

Cyber Essentials places secure configuration as one of its five key areas of improvement, as it helps protect your organisation from many common cyber threats. Misconfigured systems that have incorrect settings, or still have outdated software installed are easy prey for cyber attackers, as these machines and software will have vulnerabilities that can be exploited to gain access to sensitive information.

Steps to Achieve Secure Configuration

1. Assess Your Current Configuration

Before making any changes, it’s essential to understand your current setup and where improvements could be made. Conduct an audit of your devices and software to identify any potential vulnerabilities or misconfigurations, and establish what steps you will take to remedy these issues.

2. Implement Strong Password Policies

Ensure that all accounts use strong, complex passwords that cannot be guessed or brute-forced easily. Implement policies that require regular password changes and encourage or mandate the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your systems, and gives you some breathing room in the case of employee negligence or an attempted attack.

3. Disable Unused Services and Features

Review the services and features running on your devices. Disable any that are not necessary for your business operations, or limit access to them if removal is unsuccessful. This reduces your overall attack surface, and limits potential entry points for cybercriminals.

4. Regularly Update Software and Systems

Keeping your software up to date is critical for maintaining secure configurations. Regularly apply patches and updates to fix known vulnerabilities.Also maintain a constant watch on vendor/provider websites to check for new updates or releases. In cases where software or systems are no longer supported, they should be removed from devices immediately, as they are common attack targets.

5. Document Your Configuration Changes

Maintain clear documentation of all configuration changes made to your systems. This not only helps in any future audits, but also provides a reference point for future configurations or troubleshooting.

6. Monitor Your Systems Continuously

Continuous monitoring is essential for maintaining secure configurations over time. Utilise compliance software like OneClickComply to automate monitoring processes, ensuring that any deviations from your secure configurations are quickly identified and addressed.

Utilising OneClickComply for Secure Configuration

OneClickComply offers tools that simplify the process of achieving and maintaining secure configurations for Cyber Essentials compliance. With features such as automated control implementation and continuous monitoring, businesses can ensure they remain compliant without having to manually check and remediate every detected issue.

Conclusion

Securing configuration is a vital component of achieving Cyber Essentials compliance. By following the steps outlined above, businesses can significantly reduce their risk of cyber threats while demonstrating their commitment to cyber security best practices. Furthermore, employing tools like OneClickComply can further streamline this process, making compliance more manageable and effective.