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Secure File Transfer in Adherence to Cyber Essentials Standards

by Danielle Barbour updated July 30, 2022 Secure File Transfer

Reading Time: 10 minutes

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed cybersecurity certification in the United Kingdom that aims to help organizations implement fundamental cybersecurity controls. The framework provides guidance on protecting against common cyber threats and achieving a basic level of cybersecurity hygiene. By adhering to Cyber Essentials standards, businesses can reduce the risk of cyberattacks and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.

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In this blog post, we will delve into the advanced variant of the program, Cyber Essentials Plus, exploring its significance, key differentiators, and why organizations should consider pursuing this more rigorous certification for bolstering their file transfer systems.

Understanding Cyber Essentials Plus

Cyber Essentials Plus is an enhanced version of the Cyber Essentials certification. While both variants focus on implementing fundamental cybersecurity controls, Cyber Essentials Plus goes a step further by subjecting organizations to a more thorough and onerous testing process. The certification is awarded to businesses that demonstrate a higher level of cybersecurity maturity, making it an excellent choice for organizations seeking to enhance their security posture and safeguard sensitive data.

Differences Between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus

The Cyber Essentials certification requires organizations to complete a self-assessment questionnaire and conduct an internal review of their cybersecurity controls. This assessment helps businesses establish a strong foundation of cybersecurity best practices. Cyber Essentials Plus, by contrast, adds an additional layer of security by incorporating an independent assessment conducted by certified external auditors.

In Cyber Essentials Plus, auditors perform a comprehensive assessment of an organization’s systems and networks to verify that the implemented controls are effective in defending against common cyber threats. This evaluation includes vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and in-depth analysis of security configurations. The stringent testing process of Cyber Essentials Plus provides organizations with a higher level of assurance and validation of their cybersecurity measures.

Why Pursue Cyber Essentials Plus?

Robust Security Posture: Cyber Essentials Plus offers a more thorough evaluation, enabling organizations to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in their systems. By addressing these gaps, businesses can establish a stronger security posture, minimizing the risk of successful cyberattacks.
Enhanced Reputation: Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus certification demonstrates a commitment to cybersecurity best practices, instilling confidence in customers, partners, and stakeholders. It enhances an organization’s reputation and differentiates it from competitors by highlighting its dedication to protecting sensitive information.
Compliance Requirements: Certain sectors, such as government, healthcare, and finance, have specific regulatory obligations regarding cybersecurity. Cyber Essentials Plus certification can help organizations meet these compliance requirements and ensure they are well-prepared to address industry-specific security standards.
Supplier Eligibility: Many government contracts and procurement processes require suppliers to have Cyber Essentials Plus certification. By obtaining this certification, businesses increase their eligibility for lucrative contracts and partnerships, expanding their opportunities for growth.
Continuous Improvement: The rigorous testing process of Cyber Essentials Plus exposes vulnerabilities that may have gone unnoticed. Organizations can use these findings to enhance their security measures, implement necessary improvements, and continually evolve their cybersecurity practices.

Cyber Essentials Standards

Cyber Essentials Standards refer to a set of fundamental cybersecurity controls and best practices. These standards serve as a baseline for organizations to establish a strong foundation of cybersecurity hygiene that significantly reduces the risk of cyberattacks.

Cyber Essentials Standards cover five key areas of cybersecurity:

Boundary Firewalls and Internet Gateways: Organizations should have properly configured firewalls and internet gateways in place to control incoming and outgoing network traffic, preventing unauthorized access and protecting against external threats.
Secure Configuration: Systems and devices within the organization’s network should be securely configured with appropriate security measures, such as strong passwords, encryption, and secure network protocols, to mitigate the risk of exploitation by attackers.
User Access Control: Organizations should implement measures to control and manage user access to sensitive information, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access critical systems and data. This includes utilizing strong authentication methods and limiting user privileges based on their roles and responsibilities.
Malware Protection: Effective malware protection measures, such as antivirus software and regular malware scans, should be implemented to detect and mitigate the risk of malicious software infecting the organization’s systems and compromising data integrity.
Patch Management: Organizations should have a process in place to promptly apply security patches and updates to operating systems, software, and devices. This helps address known vulnerabilities and protect against attacks that exploit unpatched systems.

By adhering to these Cyber Essentials Standards, businesses can establish a basic level of cybersecurity hygiene, reduce the risk of cyberattacks, and demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive information. The Cyber Essentials scheme provides guidance and certification options, such as Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, to support organizations in implementing and validating these cybersecurity controls.

Difference Between Cyber Essentials Standards and Cyber Essentials Technical Controls

Cyber Essentials Standards refer to the overall set of cybersecurity requirements and best practices that organizations need to adhere to in order to achieve Cyber Essentials certification. These standards encompass five key areas of cybersecurity: boundary firewalls and internet gateways, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management. These standards outline the general principles and goals that organizations should strive to meet in order to establish a strong foundation of cybersecurity.

On the other hand, Cyber Essentials Technical Controls provide more specific and detailed guidance on the technical measures and configurations that organizations should implement to meet Cyber Essentials Standards. These controls dive deeper into the practical aspects of cybersecurity and provide specific recommendations for securing systems, networks, and devices.

The Cyber Essentials Technical Controls include specific requirements and recommendations for areas such as firewall configuration, password management, secure software installation, secure network configuration, and data backup. They offer practical steps and guidelines that organizations can follow to ensure they meet the cybersecurity standards set by the Cyber Essentials scheme.

In summary, Cyber Essentials Standards provide the overarching framework and goals for cybersecurity, while Cyber Essentials Technical Controls offer specific technical guidance on how to implement and achieve those standards. Both aspects are important for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture and achieve Cyber Essentials certification.

Cyber Essentials Plus Compliance Benefits

By adhering to Cyber Essentials standards, organizations can enjoy several benefits. First, it helps in identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities in an organization’s cybersecurity systems and processes. Secondly, it enhances the organization’s reputation and instills confidence in clients and stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity. Moreover, adhering to Cyber Essentials standards can also facilitate or streamline compliance with various industry and regional data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and others.

Importance of Secure File Transfer

File transfer is an integral part of day-to-day operations for many organizations. However, the insecure transmission of files can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and financial loss. Traditional methods of file transfer, such as email attachments or unencrypted File Transfer Protocol (FTP), pose significant security risks and can result in unauthorized access, data loss, or leakage, followed by compliance violations, penalties and fines, and loss of customer trust.

Secure file transfer protocols ensure that data remains confidential, protected from unauthorized access, and securely delivered to the intended recipients. By implementing secure file transfer practices, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with data leakage and maintain compliance with various data protection regulations.

Secure File Transfer for Cyber Essentials Plus Compliance

To implement secure file transfer in adherence to Cyber Essentials standards, organizations should follow this step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Assess Current File Transfer Methods

Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the existing file transfer methods used within the organization. What type of file transfer is used? What type of files are transferred and do the files contain sensitive content? Which departments utilize a file transfer solution? Who externally receives these files? It’s also imperative for organizations to identify the vulnerabilities and weaknesses present in the current systems, applications, and processes.

Step 2: Identify Vulnerabilities That May Compromise File Transfer

Once the assessment is complete, identify the specific vulnerabilities that could potentially compromise the security of file transfers. This may include weak authentication mechanisms, lack of encryption, or outdated software.

Step 3: Establish Secure Protocols

After identifying the vulnerabilities, the next step is to establish secure protocols for file transfer. This involves selecting appropriate technologies and methods that align with the Cyber Essentials standards. These protocols utilize encryption and secure authentication mechanisms to establish a secure channel between the sender and receiver, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the files in transit.

Step 4: Implement Strong Encryption and Authentication

Encryption is a critical component of secure file transfer. Implement strong encryption algorithms to protect the confidentiality of data during transit. Additionally, ensure that proper authentication mechanisms are in place to verify the identities of users and prevent unauthorized access.

Step 5: Conduct Regular Auditing and Monitoring

Maintaining a secure file transfer system requires ongoing monitoring and auditing. Regularly review audit logs and conduct security assessments to identify any anomalies or potential security breaches. This helps organizations detect and address any vulnerabilities or unauthorized activities promptly.

Step 6: Develop and Enforce Effective Access Controls to Protect Sensitive Files

Effective access controls play a vital role in secure file transfer. Only authorized personnel should have access to the files, and access rights should be regularly reviewed and updated. Implementing strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication, adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.

Step 7: Apply Patches to File Transfer Systems

Regularly update and patch file transfer software and systems to address any known vulnerabilities and ensure they remain current and secure.

Step 8: Implement Secure Configuration for File Transfer Servers

Implement secure configurations for file transfer servers, ensuring that default settings are changed and unnecessary services or ports are disabled.

Step 9: Protect Network Security

Protect the network infrastructure supporting file transfer operations through the use of firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and network segmentation.

Step 10: Build and Reinforce Employee Awareness on Best Practices

Educate employees on secure file transfer practices, such as avoiding untrusted networks, using strong passwords, and being cautious of phishing attempts. Regular training and awareness programs can significantly reduce the risk of human error leading to security breaches.

Choosing a Secure File Transfer Solution That Adheres to Cyber Essentials Standards

There are various options available for organizations looking for a secure file transfer solution that adheres to Cyber Essentials standards. Here are three popular choices:

Option 1: Managed File Transfer (MFT)

MFT systems offer a comprehensive and secure approach to file transfer. MFT is often used for sending large volumes of files (bulk files) like invoices, order forms, or account information between users or systems. They provide advanced features such as encryption, automation, and centralized control. MFT systems ensure secure file transfers while maintaining audit logs for compliance purposes.

Option 2: Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)

SFTP is a secure alternative to FTP. It uses Secure Shell (SSH) to encrypt data during transit, making it resistant to eavesdropping and unauthorized access. SFTP provides a reliable and secure method for transferring files over the internet.

Option 3: Virtual Data Room (VDR)

Virtual data rooms are cloud-based platforms designed for secure file sharing and collaboration. They offer advanced security features, such as encryption, access controls, and activity tracking. VDRs are particularly useful for organizations that need to share sensitive documents with external parties that are relevant to special projects with firm start and end dates.

Best Practices for Secure File Transfer

Organizations should follow these best practices to ensure the highest level of security when transferring files in adherence to Cyber Essentials standards:

Practice 1: Use Strong Passwords and Multi-factor Authentication

Implement strong password policies and enforce the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional verification, such as a fingerprint or a unique code, along with their passwords.

Practice 2: Implement End-to-End Encryption

One of the fundamental requirements for secure file transfer is the use of encryption. Encryption ensures that data is transformed into an unreadable format during transmission, rendering it useless to unauthorized individuals. Employing strong encryption algorithms such as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) helps protect the confidentiality and integrity of files. Utilizing end-to-end encryption to protect data throughout its entire journey ensures that even if intercepted, the data remains unreadable to unauthorized individuals.

Practice 3: Regularly Update Software and Patches

Keep file transfer software and systems up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This helps address any known vulnerabilities and reduces the risk of exploitation.

Practice 4: Train Staff on Best Practices

Cyber Essentials recognizes the importance of cybersecurity awareness among employees. Organizations are encouraged to provide training and awareness programs to their staff, enabling them to recognize and respond to common cyber threats effectively. Educating employees on best practices, such as identifying phishing attempts and avoiding risky online behavior, strengthens the human element of cybersecurity defenses.

Practice 5: Implement Firewalls

Firewalls act as a crucial line of defense against external threats. Cyber Essentials emphasizes the necessity of setting up and maintaining firewalls to protect networks from unauthorized access, malware, and other malicious activities. Organizations are encouraged to configure firewalls appropriately, ensuring that only necessary and approved network traffic is allowed, while blocking potentially harmful traffic.

Practice 6: Conduct Regular Backup and Disaster Recovery Processes

Implement regular data backups and establish a robust disaster recovery plan. In the event of a security breach or data loss, having backup copies ensures that essential files can be restored without significant disruptions.

The table below provides a summarized view of the best practices for secure file transfer in adherence to Cyber Essentials Plus.

Best Practices for Secure File Transfer

Practice	Description	Action Items
Practice 1: Use Strong Passwords and Multi-factor Authentication	Implement strong password policies and enforce the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security during file transfer.	• Require complex passwords with a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. • Enforce regular password changes. • Enable MFA for all user accounts.
Practice 2: Implement End-to-End Encryption	Utilize encryption, such as AES, to transform data into unreadable format during transmission. Employ end-to-end encryption to ensure data remains secure throughout its journey.	• Choose robust encryption algorithms like AES. • Use secure protocols (e.g., SFTP, FTPS) for file transfers. • Implement certificates for secure key exchange.
Practice 3: Regularly Update Software and Patches	Keep file transfer software and systems up to date with the latest security patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of exploitation.	• Implement automated patch management processes. • Regularly check for and install updates for file transfer software and underlying operating systems. • Monitor vulnerability alerts.
Practice 4: Train Staff on Best Practices	Provide cybersecurity training and awareness programs to educate employees on recognizing and responding to cyber threats effectively. Strengthen the human element of security.	• Conduct regular cybersecurity training sessions for employees. • Teach employees how to identify phishing emails and report suspicious activity. • Promote good online practices.
Practice 5: Implement Firewalls	Set up and maintain firewalls to protect networks from unauthorized access, malware, and other malicious activities. Configure firewalls appropriately to allow necessary traffic.	• Deploy robust firewalls at network entry points. • Configure firewalls to deny all unnecessary incoming traffic and only permit essential traffic. • Regularly monitor firewall logs.
Practice 6: Conduct Regular Backup and Disaster Recovery	Establish regular data backups and a robust disaster recovery plan to ensure essential files can be restored in the event of a security breach or data loss.	• Implement automated backup procedures for critical files. • Store backups securely, preferably offsite or in the cloud. • Regularly test the restoration process. • Document the recovery plan.

Meeting Cyber Essentials Plus Requirements With Kiteworks

Cyber Essentials Plus is required for organizations bidding for U.K. central government contracts. Both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are based on a set of controls that organizations must implement to mitigate vulnerabilities and prevent cybercriminal attention. Kiteworks is proud to meet these requirements by ensuring that customers who deploy a Kiteworks Private Content Network (PCN) comply with Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus while communicating sensitive content within the system. Here’s how:

Kiteworks adopts a defense-in-depth approach that includes comprehensive encryption for sensitive data at rest and in motion, an embedded and optimized network firewall and web application firewall (WAF), hardened virtual appliance, zero-trust communications between internal services and cluster nodes, and internal tripwires. Kiteworks also utilizes permissions and access controls to enforce security and compliance policies and configure simple connections to security infrastructure components such as multi-factor authentication (MFA).

In addition, Kiteworks provides digital rights management (DRM) capabilities, including view-only access and watermarking, to protect sensitive content and enforce compliance policies. It allows business owners to easily manage content, folders, invitations, and access controls. These measures ensure least-privilege access and authentication, restricting potential damage caused by a security breach and expediting audit processes.

To learn more about Kiteworks, secure file transfer, and adherence to Cyber Essentials standards, schedule a custom demo today.

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