Cyber Essentials

Why do I need Cyber Essentials?

Achieving Cyber Essentials certification is an excellent way to show new customers and partners that you take cybersecurity seriously, while potentially reducing your cyber risk by up to 98.5%. The Self Certification process helps address many vulnerabilities within your IT systems.

For the highest level of certification, Cyber Essentials Plus offers a more thorough assessment. This includes a hands-on technical audit of your IT systems, validating the controls based on the information provided in the Cyber Essentials certification. Unlike Self Certification, Cyber Essentials Plus involves a detailed verification process to ensure robust security measures are in place.

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Address Many Potential Vulnerabilities

A ‘Buffer Zone’ is established between your IT network and external incoming traffic.

Protect against vulnerabilities by ensuring your devices and applications are always up to date.

Manage access to administrator accounts to control who can access your data and services.

Protect against viruses and other malware by using correctly configured anti-malware software and only trusted applications.

Enhance security by selecting the most secure settings for your devices and software. Change passwords regularly, and remove any unused accounts and software.

Benefits

Retain customers – Cyber Essentials reassures your clients that you take their security seriously.
GDPR compliance – Demonstrate that your business is taking steps towards GDPR compliance.
Software updates – Safeguard against vulnerabilities by keeping all your devices and applications up to date.
A quick & painless process – Cyber Essentials doesn’t have to be complicated—we simplify the entire process.
Give your IT systems a health check – Identify and address vulnerabilities to protect your business from the growing threat of cybercrime.
Exclusive access to new business – Gain entry to UK Government supply chains and an expanding range of commercial contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cyber Essentials and how does it reduce risk for the business?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification designed to help organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber attacks. It focuses on five core security controls, such as access control, secure configuration and malware protection, which are responsible for the majority of basic breaches.

By meeting these standards and keeping them in place after certification, you can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, ransomware and other everyday cyber threats, while also demonstrating to customers and partners that you take security seriously.

How long does the Cyber Essentials certification last for and how often do we need to renew it?

A Cyber Essentials certification is valid for 12 months. Both Cyber Essentials Basic and Cyber Essentials Plus must be renewed annually to remain compliant. If you’re looking to go further, Cyber Essentials Basic must be achieved first, as it’s a prerequisite for progressing to Cyber Essentials Plus (must be completed within the following 3 months). Keeping the certification up to date helps ensure your security controls stay effective as threats and business environments change.

Can Cyber Essentials help us win or retain contracts with larger organisations or the public sector?

Yes! Cyber Essentials is widely recognised and often expected by larger organisations and the public sector. It shows you take cyber security seriously, removes a common barrier during procurement, and can speed up tenders by reducing security questionnaires. For existing customers, it also provides reassurance that core security controls are in place and maintained.

What changes might we need to make to our existing IT systems or security policies to comply?

Most changes relate to ageing or unsupported tech. This may include upgrading devices that don’t support modern operating systems like Windows 11, replacing mobiles that can no longer receive Android or iOS updates, and retiring end‑of‑life networking equipment. These can’t meet Cyber Essentials requirements because they no longer receive security patches. Aside from dealing with end‑of‑life kit, most organisations won’t need significant changes to their existing security policies, especially where Cyber Essentials‑level controls are already part of day‑to‑day IT support.