Technology is fundamental for businesses to operate, however, it creates both opportunities and risks. Cyber security is how organisations reduce the risk of a cyber-attack. Businesses can protect their digital devices and processes in a range of ways.
This voucher scheme aims to support businesses to improve their knowledge, understanding and strategy towards handling cyber security and protecting valuable information for the company.
An award of up to £1,000 is available to businesses in West Lothian to help them to achieve the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) endorsed Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certificate. A breakdown of both can be found here.
Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is a Government-backed certification scheme that has been created to help guide businesses is protecting themselves from, and preventing, basic cyber-attacks. To gain your certification, you must complete a self assessment questionnaire to demonstrate that your business has suitable cyber security measures in place. Your responses will then be independently reviewed and verified against the Cyber Essentials baseline standards. If successful, your business will receive a certificate and badge that can be displayed on your website.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus offers a higher level of reassurance that your business has strong cyber security measures in place. The requirements to achieve your certification are the same as Cyber Essentials, but an additional layer of verification must be carried out, with a physical test of your network and computers carried out by independent professionals. If successful, your business will receive an enhanced certificate and badge that can be displayed on your website.
Having your Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification is highly valuable - it not only provides internal reassurance, it also shows clients that they can trust that your business has appropriate cyber security measures in place. It can also help you win business, as it is increasingly becoming a requirement within organisations that they will only work with certified businesses.
We would encourage businesses to use the Cyber Essentials readiness toolkit. Your responses to the questions in the toolkit help create a personal action plan to help you move towards meeting the Cyber Essentials requirements. The action plan includes links to specific guidance on how to meet the requirements.
Due to budgetary restraints we can no longer accept applications from professional service businesses.
To register interest and find out more please email - invest@westlothian.gov.uk
Please note that any projects funded must be completed by the 1st of March 2025.
Funding Success Story - S.M.I.L.E Counselling
Livingston-based social enterprise S.M.I.L.E Counselling have boosted their digital capabilities to win new business, thanks to support from West Lothian Council’s Economic Development Service.
