Cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for large corporations.
In fact, 81% of cyber attacks in the UK now target small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and a recent study shows that 58% of small businesses have identified breaches or attacks in the last 12 months.
These statistics reveal a significant gap in preparedness, and highlight that there is no such thing as being too prepared when it could lead to damaging breaches, lost customer trust, and hefty fines.
Cyber Essentials Plus offers more than just a badge of compliance; it provides a framework to secure your organisation, build confidence with clients, and meet regulatory requirements.
In this guide, we’ll explore the importance, costs, and preparation needed for Cyber Essentials Plus, helping you understand how to protect your organisation.
What Is Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus is an advanced cybersecurity certification backed by the UK Government and developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
While the basic Cyber Essentials certification requires businesses to complete a self-assessment, Cyber Essentials Plus takes it further with technical audits and vulnerability scans.
Key features of Cyber Essentials Plus include:
- Technical Audits: Independent assessors test the systems outlined in your initial self-assessment.
- Vulnerability Scanning: Automated tools check for weaknesses across your IT infrastructure.
- Verification: A certified body confirms that your business meets higher standards of cybersecurity.
Cyber Essentials Plus ensures not just a checklist approach, but actionable steps that improve your business’s protection against modern threats.
Why Is Cyber Essentials Plus Important?
Cyber Essentials Plus isn’t just another certification, it shields your organisation in an era of rising cyber threats.
Here’s why it matters:
Strengthened Cybersecurity Posture
Most cyberattacks exploit common vulnerabilities, such as outdated software or weak passwords. Cyber Essentials Plus mitigates these risks by identifying and addressing such gaps in your systems.
Increased Trust & Credibility
Achieving certification demonstrates to customers, suppliers, and investors that you take cybersecurity seriously. Many clients now expect proof of cybersecurity processes before conducting business.
Compliance With Legal Standards
With laws like the UK GDPR requiring businesses to protect personal data, Cyber Essentials Plus helps ensure your organisations stay compliant, avoiding potential fines.
Mandatory For Specific Contracts
If you're bidding for government contracts involving IT services, data handling, or personal information, obtaining Cyber Essentials Plus is usually mandatory, and a number of larger corporations are heading in this direction too.
Cost Saving Potential
Data breaches cost UK businesses on average £1,205 across all businesses in 2024, however, this figure becomes greater as the size of a business increases, according to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey referenced above. Certification helps prevent breaches, making it a worthwhile investment.
What’s Involved In Cyber Essentials Plus Certification?
Getting Cyber Essentials Plus certified involves several key steps:
Step 1. Complete Cyber Essentials Self-Assessment
Start with the basic Cyber Essentials certification. This initial step involves reviewing your IT practices and completing a self-evaluation questionnaire. Cyber Essentials Plus has to be completed within 3 months of achieving Cyber Essentials accreditation.
Step 2. Prepare Your IT Systems
Ensure all your firewalls, software, and devices meet the security criteria outlined by Cyber Essentials. Fix vulnerabilities such as outdated software or unprotected devices. This is often best achieved through an experienced IT support partner if you don’t have a dedicated IT department.
Step 3. Undergo Technical Audit
For Cyber Essentials Plus, an external certifying body will conduct:
- Onsite or Remote Audits to inspect IT systems.
- Vulnerability Scans across devices such as laptops, servers, and firewalls to check for compliance.
Step 4. Address Outstanding Issues
If vulnerabilities are identified, these must be addressed before certification can be granted. The certifying body may offer guidance on resolving issues.
Step 5. Certification
Once all systems meet the requirements, you’ll receive the Cyber Essentials Plus certificate, valid for one year.
What Are The Benefits Of Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus offers practical benefits that can make a real difference for your business, these include:
Proactive Defence
Vulnerability scans help identify weaknesses before they can be exploited, strengthening your overall security posture.
Customer Confidence
Holding a Cyber Essentials Plus certification sets you apart as a trustworthy partner, reassuring clients that you value their data protection and take cyber security seriously.
Operational Efficiency
Stronger cybersecurity measures reduce the risk of disruptions and downtime, helping your business run efficiently and avoid costly setbacks.
How to Prepare for Cyber Essentials Plus Certification
Preparation is key.
Unless your organisation has a dedicated IT department with the skills and bandwidth to focus on the accreditation then it's often worth choosing a partner with the IT and cyber-security skills required to help you through the process.
Follow these steps to get your business Cyber Essentials Plus-ready:
1. Evaluate and Strengthen Your Current Security
Start by reviewing your existing security measures to pinpoint any potential weak spots.
- Secure Configurations: Verify that both hardware and software are set up with the most secure settings.
- Antivirus & Firewall: Make sure all devices have up-to-date antivirus tools and properly configured firewalls.
2. Train Employees on Cybersecurity
Employees are your first line of defense.
- Phishing Awareness: Teach staff how to detect and report suspicious emails or links.
- Password Hygiene: Avoid common passwords and encourage the use of strong, unique passwords and secure password managers.
- Safe Browsing Practices: Ensure employees understand safe internet habits, like avoiding untrusted websites.
3. Conduct a Pre-Assessment
Before investing in an official audit, perform a self-check of your systems.
- Internal Review: Use cybersecurity assessment tools or follow guidelines recommended by certification bodies.
- Identify Weaknesses: Look for unpatched vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, or any other potential entry points for attackers.
4. Address Identified Gaps
Once you know your vulnerabilities, take immediate steps to fix them.
- Apply Security Patches: Update operating systems, applications, and plugins.
- Close Open Ports: Disable services you don’t need and ensure all essential services are properly configured.
5. Create a Detailed Timeline
Plan out your journey to Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
- Self-Assessment Period: Allocate time for thorough checks and staff training.
- System Updates: Schedule patching, firewall rule adjustments, or any required system upgrades.
- Technical Audits: Include time for the formal assessment carried out by a certification body.
How Much Does Cyber Essentials Plus Cost?
Unlike Cyber Essentials that is fairly basic and is self-assessed, the Cyber Essentials Plus assessment is much more in-depth and has to be quoted individually.
You can submit your details via the form here, and you will be emailed quotes from three different Certification Bodies. Alternatively, you can get in touch with a Cyber Essentials specialist and they will be able to guide you through the process. The audits can be run remotely or in person.
Is Cyber Essentials Plus Worth It for SMEs?
Investing in Cyber Essentials Plus is about more than just protecting data, it’s about creating a strong foundation for growth and trust.
Although the process requires time and resources, the benefits, like enhanced security, improved reputation, and compliance, far outweigh the challenges.
By maintaining Cyber Essentials Plus, you’ll safeguard your business and reassure clients of your ongoing commitment to cybersecurity.
Get in touch with Cyber Essentials experts today to find out more.