Cyber Essentials certification for your business

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help organisations, regardless of size or sector, protect themselves against common cyberattacks. Managed by the National Cyber Security Centre, it provides a baseline level of cybersecurity protection by focusing on five key controls. Certification demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to cybersecurity and can be a significant deterrent to cybercriminals.

Why it’s important:

• Reduced risk: It helps organizations reduce their vulnerability to common cyber threats and potential damages.
• Improved reputation: Certification can enhance an organization’s reputation and build trust with stakeholders.
• Compliance: It can help meet certain regulatory requirements and contractual obligations.
• Deterrent to criminals: By demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity, it can discourage cybercriminals from targeting an organization.
• Government Contracts: The government requires certain suppliers bidding for public contracts to have Cyber Essentials certification.

What it is:

• A certification scheme: Cyber Essentials is a program that helps organisations achieve a basic level of cybersecurity protection.
• Focuses on basic controls: It emphasises five core security controls: user access control, secure configuration, security update management, firewalls and routers, and malware protection.
• Independently verified: The certification process involves a self-assessment questionnaire, followed by verification by an independent assessor.
• Protects against common attacks: It helps protect against the vast majority of common, internet-based cyber attacks, which can cause significant disruption and financial loss.
• Demonstrates commitment: Achieving Cyber Essentials certification shows that an organization is taking the necessary steps to protect itself and its data

How we can help

Preparing for assessment can be a daunting experience and this is recognised by the assessing body, the National Cyber Security Centre. To address this, organisations can invite a Helper to join them in preparing for and carrying out the assessment.  We charge a flat fee of £450+VAT for the Cyber Essentials Helper service, paid at the end of the assessment.

For more information and assessment costs, please go to the IASME Cyber Essentials page