cyber essentials Certification Explained
As technology constantly advances, cyber criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and their methods evolve, making it difficult for businesses to keep up with the latest cyber security threats.
Cyber Essentials can help protect your business against 80% of the most common types of cyber threats. It also shows your clients & customers that your business is taking responsibility for cyber security.
Get started with your Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification with our help today.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a Government backed scheme which will help protect your organisation against the most common types of cyber attacks.
The vast majority of data breaches are caused by human error. Therefore, it is vital for companies to undertake Cyber Essentials to assist their employees understanding of how to avoid cyber risks.
Cyber Essentials will guide you through how to prevent the common types of cyber attacks and an overview of defences. The process involves completing an online self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) which will assess the security systems your business has in place.
What is Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus is a more hands-on technical verification that is carried out by an external auditor, either on-site or remotely, to assess your IT systems and controls. Businesses must have already successfully been accredited with the self-certified Cyber Essentials before proceeding with the Cyber Essentials Plus.
Cyber Essentials Plus is the highest level of certification, which involves an independent assessment of your firm’s cyber security measures. This includes vulnerability scans and penetration testing to identify any potential weakness in a business’s systems and networks.
Cyber Essentials Plus certification provides a greater level of assurance that your business’s systems and data are secure against cyber threats. It basically ensures businesses are not marking their own homework, by commissioning an independent approved auditor to guide you through Cyber Essentials Plus and formally confirm your completion.
What’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
The Cyber Essentials Scheme offers two different levels of certification, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. The clue is in the name really, Cyber Essentials Plus, offers an advanced level of accreditation. However, you do require the foundational level of Cyber Essentials before proceeding to become certified for Cyber Essentials Plus.
The core difference between the certifications is that Cyber Essentials is an online self-assessment that you will answer and provide evidence, whereas Cyber Essentials Plus is carried out by an external auditor who will carry out checks and tests to verify an advanced level of security.
Get Certified to Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus
We are fully trained and licensed to help guide and support you and your business in achieving Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials PLUS.
Call us on 0345 3620 247 or, alternatively fill in the form and we can call you back.
The Benefits of Cyber Essentials
Obtaining Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification provides a solid framework that helps businesses put essential security measures in place to protect against evolving cyber threats. By earning these certifications, SMEs show they’re serious about protecting sensitive data, which not only lowers the chances of cyber attacks but also boosts trust with clients and partners.
- Reassurance for your clients and partners that you are taking the necessary steps to avoid cyber attacks or data breaches
- Gain a clear idea of your company’s cyber security level
- Most government and local council contracts require a Cyber Essentials certification
- Protect your business from 80% of cyber attacks
- Often supports in a reduction of cyber insurance costs
Cyber Essentials Requirements
In order to become accredited of Cyber Essentials, businesses will need to address five core areas of cyber security including; firewalls, secure configuration, security updates, access management and malware protection.
You can learn more about the five technical elements of the Cyber Essentials accreditation on the official NCSC website here.
To achieve Cyber Essentials Plus, the cyber security protections you need to put in place are the same, but instead of a self-assessment a hands-on technical verification is carried out. This is often why a trusted IT partner will help businesses to ensure that they have everything in place and in working order.
Both Cyber Essentials certifications must be obtained every 12 months to ensure that a business’s cyber security measures remain up-to-date and effective against the latest cyber threats. The scheme is also updated annually to ensure that it remains relevant with how cyber criminals operate. This includes updates to the assessment criteria and the introduction of technical controls, as required.
Cyber Essentials Certification Cost
The cost for Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus is dependent on a few factors including; the level of support required, the size of your business, and levels of security already in place. Our IT and cyber security experts can provide advice and support to get your Cyber Essentials accreditation from just £499.
Latest Blogs News Articles Events
Top IT trends for SME’s in 2025
By leveraging advanced technology, SMEs can improve operational efficiency, gain a competitive advantage, and provide quality customer experiences despite the ongoing difficulties.
Cloud Phone System Alternatives
There are alternatives to cloud telephony, which are typically based on older technologies as many businesses haven’t made the switch to modern communication methods.
Best Cloud Phone Systems for Small Businesses
Effective communication is vital for UK small businesses in generating sales and maintaining open communication.
