Cyber Essentials Made Simple | Business Guide

What Is Cyber Essentials and Why Should Your Business Get Certified?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme that helps businesses protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. It’s designed to be accessible for organisations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.

If you’re not sure whether your business needs it, or if you’re confused about what’s involved, this guide breaks it all down in plain English.

What Does Cyber Essentials Cover?

The scheme focuses on five key security controls:

• Firewalls: Making sure your internet connection is secured with a properly configured firewall.

• Secure Configuration: Ensuring devices and software are set up securely, with unnecessary features disabled.

• Access Control: Managing who has access to your data and systems, and making sure permissions are appropriate.

• Malware Protection: Using anti-malware software and keeping it up to date.

• Patch Management: Keeping software and devices updated with the latest security patches.

These are the fundamentals of good cyber security. They won’t protect you against every possible threat, but they cover the basics that stop the vast majority of common attacks.

Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus

There are two levels of certification:

Cyber Essentials (Basic):

• Self-assessment questionnaire

• Reviewed by an accredited certification body

• Lower cost and quicker to complete

• Good starting point for most businesses

Cyber Essentials Plus:

• Everything in the basic version, plus a hands-on technical audit

• An assessor tests your systems directly

• Provides a higher level of assurance

• Required for some government contracts

Who Needs Cyber Essentials?

Technically, no one is legally required to have Cyber Essentials. However, it’s becoming increasingly important for:

• Government suppliers: If you bid for government contracts involving the handling of sensitive information, Cyber Essentials certification is often mandatory.

• Insurance requirements: Some cyber insurance providers offer better terms or require Cyber Essentials as a condition of cover.

• Supply chain trust: Larger organisations increasingly expect their suppliers to hold Cyber Essentials certification.

• Customer confidence: Displaying the Cyber Essentials badge shows your customers you take security seriously.

How Much Does It Cost?

Cyber Essentials Basic is relatively affordable, typically around £300–£500 for the assessment, depending on the certification body. Cyber Essentials Plus costs more due to the hands-on testing, usually ranging from £1,500 to £3,000+, depending on the size and complexity of your organisation.

How Long Does It Take?

For a well-prepared business, Cyber Essentials Basic can be completed in a few days. Cyber Essentials Plus typically takes a bit longer due to the scheduling and completion of the technical audit.

How Flotek Can Help

At Flotek, we help businesses prepare for and achieve Cyber Essentials certification. Our team can:

• Assess your current security posture against the Cyber Essentials requirements

• Help you close any gaps before the assessment

• Guide you through the self-assessment questionnaire

• Support you through the Cyber Essentials Plus technical audit

If you’re thinking about getting certified, or if you’re not sure where you stand, get in touch with our team and we’ll help you get started.

Further reading: Latest Trends In Cyber Security | Cyber Security Breach Statistics

Discover how Flotek can help with our cyber security services. Get in touch today.