If you’ve heard of Cyber Essentials, you probably know it’s some kind of government backed certificate for businesses. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly… do you need it?
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What Is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme that helps businesses protect themselves from common online threats — things like phishing, malware, and unauthorised access. It’s a simple, practical way to show that you take cybersecurity seriously.
There are two levels of certification:
- Cyber Essentials – A self-assessed version that covers the basics
- Cyber Essentials Plus – A more thorough check that includes an independent technical audit
Why Should You Bother?
Here’s the reality: most cyber attacks are not highly sophisticated. They’re basic, automated, and aimed at whoever’s easiest to exploit. Cyber Essentials helps you avoid being low-hanging fruit.
It’s also worth considering if:
- You work with government or public sector contracts (it’s often required)
- You handle client data or sensitive information
- You want to build trust with clients or suppliers
Even for small businesses, it’s a strong signal that you’ve got your act together when it comes to IT security.
What Does It Cover?
The certification looks at five key areas:
- Firewalls & internet gateways
- Secure settings
- Access controls
- Malware protection
- Patch management (keeping your systems up to date)
It’s not just about ticking boxes — it’s about making sure your business isn’t wide open to threats you could easily avoid.
Our Take
At SOTS, we help businesses of all sizes get Cyber Essentials certified — and most of the time, it’s not as complicated as people think. We guide you through the process, sort out any problem areas, and make sure you’re set up properly going forward.
Not Sure If It’s Right for You?
That’s totally fair — it’s not a one size fits all thing. If you’re curious but not sure whether you need it, we’re happy to have a quick chat and point you in the right direction.
Get in touch for honest advice, no hard sell.
