Looking to bolster your business’s cyber security credibility? Achieving Cyber Essentials certification is the first step to protecting your organisation from cyber threats. 

Cyber Essentials certification is a government-backed scheme designed to help businesses of all sizes improve their cyber security practices. By achieving the certification, your business demonstrates its commitment to protecting data and reducing the risk of cyberattacks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving Cyber Essentials certification. 


1. Understand the Requirements 
The first step towards certification is understanding the requirements. Cyber Essentials focuses on key areas such as firewalls, secure configurations, user access control, malware protection, and patch management. Familiarising yourself with these requirements ensures you are prepared for the certification process. 


2. Conduct a Cyber Security Audit
Before applying for certification, conduct a thorough audit of your current cyber security measures. This audit will identify any areas that need improvement and guide your team in aligning with Cyber Essentials standards. 


3. Implement the Necessary Security Controls
Once gaps are identified, take steps to implement the necessary security controls. These controls will address vulnerabilities, protect your systems, and ensure compliance with Cyber Essentials criteria. 


4. Complete the Cyber Essentials Self-Assessment
The next step is completing a self-assessment questionnaire. This evaluation reviews your cyber security practices and verifies whether your organisation meets the required standards for Cyber Essentials certification. 


5. Schedule an External Audit
For the more advanced Cyber Essentials Plus certification, you’ll need to pass an external audit. This audit will assess the effectiveness of your cyber security measures and confirm your compliance with the highest standards of security. 


Achieving Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates your business’s commitment to cyber security best practices. By following these steps, you can secure your organisation, reduce the risk of attacks, and gain the trust of your clients

Ready to achieve a Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification? Contact us today to begin the certification process and strengthen your organisation’s cyber defences!