Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme that aims to help organisations of any size and sector protect themselves against common online threats. It consists of two levels of certification: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. The scheme covers five key technical controls that can prevent the most common types of cyber attacks.
What is Cyber Essentials?
A UK Government-backed scheme covering five technical controls that stop the majority of common online attacks.
Cyber Essentials helps organisations of any size and sector protect themselves against the most common online threats. There are two levels — Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus — and both are built on the same five key technical controls.
Getting certified protects you from around 80% of common cyber attacks, shows customers and suppliers that you take security seriously, and can open up new business. Some Government contracts now require it before you can bid.
We provide three different offerings you help you with your Cyber Essentials assessments. These are:
Self-Led
Certify at your own pace — you get the assessment portal to do it yourself. You can always upgrade if you feel you need more help.
Start self-ledMentored
We work alongside you — reviewing your evidence and answering any specific question you may have.
Get mentoredManaged
Complete a review of answers and evidence, guiding you through each control to certification, and providing templates as necessary.
Talk to usThe five controls
These five basics do most of the heavy lifting. We help you meet each one.
Firewalls
Secure your internet connection. A firewall sits between your network and the internet, filtering out malicious traffic and blocking unauthorised access.
Secure configuration
Choose the most secure settings for your devices and software, so you are not leaving default gaps open for attackers.
User access control
Control who can reach what. Give people only the access they need to do their job — and no more.
Malware protection
Protect against viruses and other malware with software that catches threats before they can cause harm.
Security update management
Keep devices and software up to date, so known vulnerabilities are patched before they can be exploited.
Why it’s worth having
Most attacks are opportunistic — automated scans and phishing emails looking for an easy way in, like a burglar trying doors. Cyber Essentials closes the common gaps, and brings some real advantages with it.
- Protection against around 80% of common cyber attacks
- Free cyber insurance up to £25,000 for eligible UK organisations
- A stronger chance of winning new business
- Able to work with the UK Government and Ministry of Defence
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the things people ask us most.