CYBER SECURITY

CYBER ESSENTIALS

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed cybersecurity certification designed to help organisations protect themselves from common cyber threats. It provides a structured approach to strengthening security and demonstrating commitment to cybersecurity best practices.

KEY FEATURES:

✅ Protection Against Cyber Attacks – Helps safeguard organisations from common internet-based threats, reducing the risk of data breaches and system compromises.

✅ Five Key Technical Controls – Focuses on critical security measures:

Firewalls – Protects networks by filtering traffic and blocking malicious activity.
Secure Configuration – Ensures systems are set up securely to minimise vulnerabilities.
Security Updates – Requires timely updates and patching to prevent exploitation.
User Access Control – Limits system access to authorised personnel only.
Malware Protection – Defends against viruses, ransomware, and other malicious software.

✅ Minimum Security Standard – Recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as the recommended baseline for organisational cybersecurity.

✅ Verified Self-Assessment – Cyber Essentials Level One requires organisations to complete a self-assessment, independently verified by a certification body and signed off by a senior executive.

✅ Cost-Effective Security – A practical and affordable way for businesses of all sizes to strengthen their cyber defenses without extensive resources.

✅ Annual Certification – Organisations must renew their certification each year to remain compliant. Certification is assessed by an IASME Certification Body, ensuring continued adherence to the five security controls.

By achieving Cyber Essentials, organisations demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity, build trust with customers and partners, and reduce the risk of common cyber threats.

KEY BENEFITS OF CYBER ESSENTIALS

ENCHANCED CYBERSECURITY

Strengthens defences against common cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and ransomware, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.

GREATER BUSINESS RESILIENCE

Organisations with Cyber Essentials controls in place report 92% fewer cyber-related insurance claims, demonstrating a stronger security posture.

IMPROVED CYBER AWARENESS

88% of certified organisations say they have a better understanding of cybersecurity risks, enabling them to make more informed security decisions.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Many businesses now require Cyber Essentials certification within their supply chain. 69% of certified organisations believe it has enhanced their market position and business opportunities.

STRONGER CUSTOMER TRUST

Certification signals a commitment to protecting sensitive data, reassuring customers, stakeholders, and partners. 89% of organisations would recommend Cyber Essentials to similar businesses.

FREE CYBER INSURANCE

Eligible organisations receive up to £25,000 in indemnity coverage and expert support for incident management, helping mitigate financial risks.

(Terms and conditions apply).

REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE BENEFITS

Helps meet legal and regulatory cybersecurity requirements, supporting compliance with GDPR, NIS2, and other data protection standards.

SIMPLIFIED SECURITY FRAMEWORK

Provides a clear, structured approach to improving cybersecurity without requiring extensive resources, making it accessible for organisations of all sizes.

INCREASED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Many public sector contracts and private enterprises now require Cyber Essentials as part of their supplier criteria, opening doors to new partnerships.

By achieving Cyber Essentials certification, businesses can protect their operations, enhance trust, and gain a competitive advantage in today’s digital landscape.

CYBER ESSENTIALS PLUS

What is Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials Plus is an advanced certification designed to help businesses protect themselves against common cyber threats. It builds on the Cyber Essentials framework by adding an independent, hands-on assessment to verify that the required cybersecurity controls are properly implemented and effective.

While Cyber Essentials offers basic protection and self-assessment, Cyber Essentials Plus takes it a step further by ensuring that the five key technical controls (firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and security updates) are properly configured and functioning.

KEY FEATURES:

✅ Comprehensive Technical Audit – A thorough assessment of IT systems, including validation checks and hands-on testing, ensures that security controls are effectively implemented and working as intended.

✅ Five Essential Security Controls – Cyber Essentials Plus covers critical security areas:

Firewalls – Prevent unauthorised access to networks.
Secure Configuration – Ensures systems are hardened against threats.
User Access Control – Restricts access to sensitive data and systems.
Malware Protection – Guards against viruses, ransomware, and malicious software.
Security Updates – Keeps systems up to date to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

✅ Independent Testing & Verification – Conducted by an IASME-accredited certification body, providing an extra level of assurance that cybersecurity controls meet industry best practices.

✅ Annual Certification for Continuous Protection – Yearly renewal helps organisations stay ahead of emerging threats, identify potential security gaps, and maintain compliance with best practices.

✅ Regulatory & Compliance Support – Cyber Essentials Plus demonstrates a serious commitment to cybersecurity, helping organisations align with GDPR, NIS2, ISO 27001, and other regulatory frameworks.

✅ In-Depth Vulnerability Assessment – Critical and high-risk weaknesses in devices and networks are tested, identified, and addressed, reducing exposure to cyber threats and strengthening overall security posture.

✅ Stronger Business Resilience & Competitive Advantage – Certification helps organisations stand out in the marketplace, meeting supply chain requirements and improving trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

By achieving Cyber Essentials Plus, organisations gain a robust, independently verified cybersecurity framework, enhancing security, trust, and business opportunities.

KEY BENEFITS OF CYBER ESSENTIALS PLUS

INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION

Unlike Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus includes an independent assessment conducted by a certified professional to ensure all security measures are in place and effective.

HANDS-ON TESTING

The certification involves real-world testing of your systems to identify any vulnerabilities and ensure the technical controls are working correctly.

STRONGER PROTECTION

With this higher-level certification, businesses gain greater protection against a wider range of cyber threats, such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and more.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Cyber Essentials Plus helps organisations meet compliance requiements for regualtions like GDPR and NIS2 enhancing your security posture and redcing legal risks.

STRONGER CUSTOMER TRUST

Achieving this certification demonstrates a serious commitment to protecting sensitive information and can help build trust with customers, clients, and partners.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Many businesses and government contracts require Cyber Essentials Plus as part of their procurement process, giving you an edge in competitive bidding.

By achieving Cyber Essentials certification, businesses can protect their operations, enhance trust, and gain a competitive advantage in today’s digital landscape.