With over 7.7 million cyber crimes reported in the past year alone, the need for robust, recognised security standards has never been greater. Every business is a target and that’s where the Cyber Essentials framework comes in.

In this blog, we’ll explain what Cyber Essentials is, why it matters, how to qualify, and why Cyber Essentials Plus is the gold standard.

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed certification scheme developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It provides a clear set of baseline security controls that all organisations should implement to protect against the most common cyber threats.

The scheme is designed to:

• Prevent attacks such as phishing, malware, and ransomware
• Improve your organisation’s security posture
• Demonstrate your commitment to cyber hygiene to clients, partners, and regulators

There are two levels of certification:

• Cyber Essentials: A self-assessment with external verification
• Cyber Essentials Plus: A more rigorous certification involving independent technical testing

Why Cyber Essentials is important

Cyber Essentials is more than a compliance checkbox—it’s a strategic investment. Here’s why:

1. Protects Against Common Threats

Most cyber attacks are basic in nature—akin to a burglar trying your front door. Cyber Essentials ensures that your digital “doors and windows” are locked.

2. Builds Trust with Clients and Partners

Certification signals to stakeholders that you take cyber security seriously. It’s increasingly a requirement in supply chains, especially in government and regulated sectors.

3. Supports Insurance and Compliance

Many cyber insurance providers now require Cyber Essentials certification. It also supports compliance with frameworks like GDPR and ISO 27001.

4. Reduces Risk and Downtime

Organisations with Cyber Essentials controls in place report 92% fewer cyber insurance claims compared with those that do not.

What do you need to do to qualify

To achieve Cyber Essentials certification, your business must implement and maintain five key technical controls:

1. Firewalls – Secure your internet connection
2. Secure Configuration – Protect devices and software
3. User Access Control – Manage user privileges
4. Malware Protection – Defend against viruses and malicious software
5. Security Update Management – Keep devices and applications up to date

Your MSP can provide a consultancy service that helps you assess your current environment, close any gaps, and prepare for certification with confidence.

How to begin your Cyber Essentials journey

Getting started with Cyber Essentials doesn’t have to be daunting. The first step is to conduct a gap analysis—a review of your current IT environment against the five Cyber Essentials control areas. This helps identify where your organisation already meets the standard and where improvements are needed. From there, you’ll need to document your policies, configure your systems accordingly, and ensure all users follow secure practices.

To begin the formal certification process, you’ll need to register with the IASME Consortium, the official Cyber Essentials delivery partner appointed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

IASME manages the certification process and provides access to a nationwide network of assessors. As your MSP, we work closely with IASME to guide you through readiness assessments, remediation, and submission—ensuring your path to certification is smooth and successful.

Why Cyber Essentials Plus is even better

While the standard Cyber Essentials certification is a strong start, Cyber Essentials Plus offers a higher level of assurance. Here’s why it’s worth the investment:

• Independent Testing: Your systems are tested by a qualified assessor, not just self-reported.
• Real-World Validation: Simulated attacks are used to test your defences in practice.
• Greater Credibility: Especially valuable when bidding for contracts or working with security-conscious clients.
• Stronger Risk Mitigation: Helps uncover vulnerabilities that may be missed in a self-assessment.

Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus can be tricky to navigate. That is why entrustIT offer a comprehensive cyber security readiness assessment and CE/CE+ consultancy to assist you on your journey to certification.

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