Achieving SMB1001 Diamond Level: The Ultimate Cybersecurity Certification for SMB’s
In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cybersecurity threats are more sophisticated than ever. For organisations that aim to be at the forefront of security and governance, the SMB1001 Diamond level represents the pinnacle of cybersecurity standards for SMB’s. As the highest tier within the SMB1001 framework, Diamond certification ensures comprehensive protection and operational resilience. This article delves into the Diamond level requirements, the pathway to certification, and the value it offers to businesses.
What is SMB1001 Diamond Level?
The SMB1001 Diamond level is the top-tier certification in the SMB1001 framework, designed for organisations committed to achieving the highest standards of cybersecurity. Unlike the lower tiers, Diamond certification requires a rigorous external audit conducted by an accredited body to validate compliance. It is important to note that unless your internal staff are doing the work to bring the business to the Diamond level, any external firm brought in to get you ready for the audit must already hold a Diamond certification themselves – this means if you tech partner (MSP, MSSP, or TSP) holds the Gold level they need to bring in another firm to support them and you. By meeting these advanced requirements, organisations demonstrate their leadership in cybersecurity and risk management to customers, staff, and regulators.
Diamond Level Requirements
The Diamond certification involves a wide array of controls across five key categories:
Category 1: Technology Management
Your organisation must engage a technical support specialist or Managed Service Provider (MSP) with a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that guarantees an incident response time of no more than 8 working hours. Firewalls must be installed and securely configured on all organisational and personal devices used for business purposes. Anti-virus software must be installed and updated automatically on all devices. Automatic software updates and patches are mandatory for all systems, with critical updates applied within 14 days. Security certificates must secure all public-facing websites, and servers must adhere to a strict patching and maintenance routine. All public internet-facing resources must be regularly scanned for vulnerabilities. Additionally, important digital data must be encrypted at rest, application control must be implemented, and untrusted Microsoft Office macros must be disabled. The Diamond level also requires annual penetration, vulnerability, and social engineering testing conducted by an external provider.
Category 2: Access Management
All passwords must align with best practices for complexity and uniqueness, with routine changes enforced. Employees should not have administrative privileges unless necessary, and individual user accounts are mandatory. A password manager must be implemented to securely manage credentials. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required for all email accounts, business applications, and cloud services, as well as systems storing critical data and connections such as VPN and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Management of remote access cloud credentials must minimise privileges and ensure secure storage.
Category 3: Backup and Recovery
Your organisation must establish a comprehensive backup and recovery strategy for critical digital assets, with backups occurring at least weekly and a minimum retention history of six months. Annual testing of backup recovery processes is required. Additionally, maintaining a cyber liability insurance policy is mandatory to mitigate financial risks associated with cyber incidents.
Category 4: Policies, Processes, and Plans
Employees must sign confidentiality agreements, and your organisation must implement a policy to prevent invoice fraud. A visitor register is required to track physical access to restricted areas. A detailed cybersecurity policy must outline responsibilities and technical controls. An incident response plan must include templates, playbooks, and guidance for communicating with stakeholders and regulatory bodies like the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). Secure destruction methods must be used for physical documents and digital devices storing sensitive information. A digital asset register must be maintained and audited annually. Furthermore, organisations must establish a digital trust program with critical suppliers, requiring them to adhere to minimum cybersecurity standards. Police vetting must be conducted for employees and contractors with administrative privileges.
Category 5: Education and Training
Cybersecurity awareness training must be ongoing, addressing threats such as social engineering, phishing, and physical security. Employees should also be trained on responding to incidents. Annual incident response plan training exercises, such as simulated attacks performed by way of a tabletop exercise (stakeholders in a room role playing an attack and response techniques), are mandatory to ensure preparedness.
Achieving SMB1001 Diamond Level Compliance
Follow these steps to achieve Diamond certification:
- Understand the Requirements: Review the detailed controls outlined in the Diamond framework and assess your current practices.
- Conduct a Gap Analysis: Identify areas of non-compliance and prioritise improvements.
- Implement Advanced Controls: Work with an experienced technical specialist to deploy the required measures, such as MFA, encryption, and secure backup strategies.
- Develop and Update Policies: Ensure all necessary policies, such as those for incident response and supplier trust, are comprehensive and up to date.
- Engage an External Auditor: Arrange for a certified auditor to assess your compliance with the Diamond requirements.
- Test and Validate: Regularly test incident response plans, backup recovery processes, and security controls to maintain readiness.
The Benefits of SMB1001 Diamond Level Certification
- Unparalleled Security: Advanced controls provide robust protection against even the most sophisticated cyber threats.
- Increased Trust: Certification demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to protecting customer data and maintaining operational resilience.
- Regulatory Readiness: Diamond certification aligns with stringent legal and industry requirements, including data breach notification laws.
- Operational Excellence: Well-defined policies and rigorous training ensure your organisation is prepared to respond to incidents effectively.
- Competitive Advantage: Certification enhances your reputation and sets you apart as a leader in cybersecurity.
Secure Your Future with SMB1001 Diamond Certification
Achieving SMB1001 Diamond certification is a testament to your organisation’s dedication to excellence in cybersecurity. By meeting these rigorous standards, you will not only safeguard your business against cyber threats but also build trust with clients and stakeholders.
Begin your journey to Diamond certification today. Review your current practices, engage qualified professionals, and prepare for an external audit. For expert guidance, consult with Aegis Cyber Security who has the experience to tailor solutions to your organisation’s needs.
In an increasingly connected world, Diamond certification is not just about achieving compliance—it’s about securing your organisation’s long-term success