What is Cyber Essentials?

Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve at an alarming pace and organizations of all sizes face increasingly sophisticated attacks, with smaller businesses often becoming targets due to perceived vulnerabilities in their security posture. The Cyber Essentials scheme provides a clear framework for implementing fundamental security controls that can protect your organization against the most common cyber threats. This guide explores what Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus entail, their benefits, and how achieving certification can strengthen your security in a meaningful way.

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification scheme launched in 2014 as part of the UK's National Cyber Security Strategy. Developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in collaboration with industry partners, the scheme was designed to establish a baseline of cybersecurity for organizations and to provide a foundation upon which more comprehensive security measures could be built.

The scheme emerged in response to the growing number of cyber attacks targeting UK businesses. By creating a standardised approach to basic security controls, the government aims to help organizations protect against the most common cyber threats while demonstrating their commitment to cybersecurity to clients, partners, and stakeholders.

Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus

Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment questionnaire covering the five essential security controls (detailed below). The questionnaire is reviewed by one of our qualified assessors, who verifies that your organization has properly implemented the required security controls outlined by the NCSC. This level is appropriate for organizations looking to establish fundamental security measures and demonstrate a basic commitment to cybersecurity.

Cyber Essentials Plus builds upon the foundation established by Cyber Essentials. It includes all the requirements of the basic certification but adds verification. A qualified assessor conducts hands-on technical verification testing to ensure that the stated controls are effectively implemented. This includes a vulnerability scan and tests that simulate basic hacking techniques to validate that your defenses work as expected.

The Plus certification provides a higher level of assurance because it involves actual testing of your systems rather than just a review of your self-assessment. This makes it particularly valuable for organizations handling sensitive data or working with clients who demand higher security standards such at the MOD or financial institutions.

The Five Essential Security Controls

Both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus focus on five fundamental technical controls:

What Are the Benefits?

Achieving Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications prevents approximately 80% of common cyber threats. By implementing these fundamental measures, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure with relatively modest investment but becoming certified also offers numerous advantages beyond improved security:

How We Can Help

Navigating the Cyber Essentials process can be challenging, particularly for organizations with limited security resources. Our dedicated team of expert assessors provide comprehensive support throughout your certification journey to ensure you have a clear path for achieving certification.

  • We’ll assess your current security posture, identify any gaps and provide clear guidance on the steps you can take to resolve them
  • Provide remediation guidance and support your team during implementation
  • Post-certification support to maintain compliance and discuss any changes before your renewal

Our experienced consultants have guided hundreds of organizations through successful Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications. We understand the practical challenges involved and can help you achieve certification efficiently while minimizing disruption to your operations.

Whether you're motivated by government contract requirements, supply chain pressures, or simply the desire to strengthen your security posture, Cyber Essentials demonstrates your commitment to protecting your organization and its data. The structured approach to security provided by the scheme not only reduces your vulnerability to common attacks but establishes a foundation for more comprehensive security measures as your organization grows.

Taking the first step toward certification may seem daunting, but with appropriate guidance and preparation, the process can be straightforward and immensely valuable. Speak to one of our experts today to discuss how we can support your Cyber Essentials journey and help build a security foundation to protect your organization's future.