Cybersecurity certification and what it means for you

The cybersecurity certification scheme is developed by Singapore’s Cybersecurity Agency (CSA) to recognize organizations that are practicing good cybersecurity hygiene. The marks allow organizations to demonstrate their cybersecurity practices visibly to their customers, partners, vendors, suppliers, and other stakeholders on their cybersecurity posture. 

Benefits of attaining cybersecurity certification:

• Assure your customers, partners, vendors, suppliers, and other stakeholders you have implemented policies and controls to protect their information 
• Build trust with new entities that are looking to work with you
• Visible indicator through CSA’s Logo to display your cybersecurity posture on your website and other collateral
• Competitive differentiator to attract new partners
• Discounted cyber insurance rates from QBE Insurance (Singapore) Pte Ltd
• Grants from CSA, IMDA, & NCSS to offset some of the certification costs for eligible organisations

Cybersecurity Marks Explained

The CSA provides two cybersecurity marks that distinguish different levels of cybersecurity measures an organisation has implemented. 

Cyber Essentials Mark

•  Less digitalised operations
•  Starting cybersecurity practices
•  Implemented basic measures to protect against common cyber-attacks (see infographic below*)

If you are just starting to digitalise or have digitalised your operations and are concerned about your risk profile, the Cyber Essentials Mark is probably right for your organisation. To get there, here are basic measures you need to implement to ensure you are cyber secure. 

Cyber Trust Mark

•  Highly digitalised operations
•  Higher cybersecurity risk profile
•  Implemented comprehensive measures in line with cybersecurity risk profile

If you have implemented more extensive cyber controls in addition to the basic controls described above, the Cyber Trust Mark may be more appropriate for your organisation. The CSA designates 5 cybersecurity preparedness tiers ascribed to an organisation’s preparedness.

The Cyber Trust mark certification consists of twenty-two (22) cybersecurity preparedness domains, each focused on a specific cybersecurity theme. A series of cybersecurity preparedness statements are developed for each domain and organised into five (5) cybersecurity preparedness tiers. These statements articulate the cybersecurity measures that organisations should consider and put in place, where relevant, to mitigate their inherent risk(s). 

Why you must consider certification

At the most basic level, protecting your data and your customers’ data is your moral obligation. Not providing the appropriate protection exposes the data to cyber-attacks and reduces the confidence in Singapore organizations from a business perspective. More importantly, if your organisation is involved in any cybersecurity incidents, this could lead to financial losses, tarnish your reputation, and affect your customers’ trust in your business. 

The good news is that achieving cybersecurity certification is not a huge mountain to climb, even if you don’t have the funding or experienced resources. Thanks to ESG and other grants, the funding barrier is removed. As for resources, RAYN Secure has the appropriate resources and expertise to help you achieve your certification.

Click here to setup a call with our team.