What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification that shows your business has basic protections in place against the most common cyber attacks. It covers firewalls, secure settings, user access, malware protection and software updates.
What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment questionnaire checked by a certification body. Cyber Essentials Plus covers the same controls but adds hands-on technical testing of your systems by an assessor, giving greater assurance.
Why should my business get Cyber Essentials?
It reduces your risk of attack, reassures customers and is required for many public sector and supply chain contracts. Some insurers also look favourably on businesses that are certified.
How long does Cyber Essentials take?
If your systems are already in good shape, the assessment can be completed within a few weeks. Businesses that need changes first, such as updating old devices or tightening settings, will need extra time to prepare.
How much does Cyber Essentials cost?
The certification fee depends on the size of your organisation and is set by the accreditation body. You may also need to budget for IT work to meet the requirements, which is why a readiness check beforehand is useful.
Do I need Cyber Essentials for government contracts?
Many central government contracts that handle personal or sensitive information require Cyber Essentials, and more large companies now ask suppliers for it too. Check tender documents carefully, as some ask for Cyber Essentials Plus.
What happens if we fail Cyber Essentials?
You are normally given feedback on what needs fixing. An IT provider can help you correct the issues, such as unsupported software or weak settings, so you can reapply and pass.
How often do we need to renew Cyber Essentials?
Certification lasts for 12 months, so you need to renew every year. The requirements are updated from time to time, so your systems should be reviewed before each renewal.
Do old computers stop us passing Cyber Essentials?
Devices running software that no longer receives security updates, such as old versions of Windows, will usually cause a fail. They need to be upgraded, replaced or removed from the parts of your business in scope.
Can an IT support company help us get Cyber Essentials?
Yes. An IT provider can check your systems against the requirements, fix any gaps and help you complete the assessment, making the process much quicker and less stressful.
Need reliable IT support in Birmingham?
Speak to Philip Base at PCX IT Support – practical advice and support explained in plain English.