Cyber attacks are a risk for businesses of every size. From compromised accounts and phishing emails to malware, insecure devices and unpatched software, many successful attacks take advantage of relatively straightforward weaknesses.
Cyber Essentials Certification gives businesses a recognised framework for improving their cyber security and demonstrating that appropriate technical controls are in place.
Academy Networks provides practical Cyber Essentials consultancy to help organisations to prepare for certification. We can review your current setup and help resolve issues before your assessment is submitted.
Whether you are working towards your first Cyber Essentials Certificate or preparing for Cyber Essentials Plus, we can help make the process more manageable.
Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed cybersecurity scheme overseen by the National Cyber Security Centre. It is designed to help organisations protect themselves against common online threats by putting a defined set of technical controls in place.
The scheme gives businesses a practical security standard to work towards. It can also provide reassurance to customers, suppliers and other organisations that you take cyber security seriously.
For some businesses, certification may also be required when bidding for certain public sector contracts or working with customers and supply chains that expect recognised cybersecurity standards.
There are two levels within the Cyber Essentials scheme: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.
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Standard Cyber Essentials Certification is based on a self-assessment questionnaire covering the way your organisation manages its IT systems and security.
The assessment looks at five key technical controls: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection and security update management. These controls are intended to reduce the risk posed by many of the most common cyber threats businesses face.
Your organisation will need to define the scope of the assessment and provide information about areas such as devices, operating systems, user accounts, software, remote access and internet-facing services. Security vulnerabilities need to be addressed in line with the scheme requirements.
The process can appear simple on paper, but problems often arise when businesses discover gaps shortly before submitting their assessment.
This is where preparation and effective cyber security advice can make a significant difference.
Cyber Essentials Plus is based on the same technical controls as the standard scheme but provides a higher level of assurance.
Instead of relying only on a self-assessment, the security controls are independently tested as part of the certification process. This may involve an on-site or remote audit to verify that the measures described in your assessment are working effectively in practice.
Cyber Essentials Plus can be particularly valuable for organisations working with larger customers and regulated sectors where stronger verification of security standards is expected.
Academy Networks can help you prepare for Cyber Essentials Plus by reviewing your environment in advance, identifying potential vu
Our Cyber Essentials consultancy is designed to help you understand where your organisation currently stands and what needs to change before certification.
Academy Networks can review your IT environment against the Cyber Essentials requirements and identify areas that could affect the outcome of your assessment. This can include the setup of your network, user accounts, administrator privileges, Microsoft 365 environment, devices, software, remote working arrangements and existing security controls. Operating systems must be supported and security patches applied within 14 days.
Where weaknesses are identified, we can provide practical support to help resolve them. Rather than simply telling you that something does not meet the standard, we can help make the technical changes needed to improve your security posture and prepare your organisation for assessment.
For businesses that already use Academy Networks for managed IT or cyber security support, this can also be incorporated into the wider management of your infrastructure.
A Cyber Essentials Certificate demonstrates that your organisation has taken practical steps to protect itself against common cyber attacks.
For customers and suppliers, it can provide additional confidence in the way you manage cyber security. For your own business, the certification process can highlight weaknesses that may otherwise have remained unnoticed.
It can also support tender requirements, strengthen supply chain relationships and provide a useful foundation for wider security and compliance initiatives.
Certification lasts for 12 months, so Cyber Essentials should not be viewed as a one-off exercise. Maintaining secure systems remains important throughout the year and ahead of renewal.
The time needed to achieve Cyber Essentials Certification depends on your organisation’s existing cyber security measures and how much preparation is required. Businesses with suitable controls already in place may complete the process relatively quickly, while others may need additional time to address security gaps. Academy Networks can help assess your current systems, identify improvements and prepare your business for certification.
The cost of Cyber Essentials Certification depends on the size of your organisation and whether you require standard Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus. Additional consultancy costs may apply if your IT systems need reviewing or updating before assessment. Academy Networks provides practical Cyber Essentials support to help businesses understand the requirements, prepare their systems and work towards certification.
If your business does not meet the Cyber Essentials requirements, you will receive feedback identifying areas that need improvement. Common issues include outdated software, inadequate access controls, missing security updates and incorrectly configured devices. Academy Networks can help identify and resolve these weaknesses, improving your organisation’s cyber security and preparing you for reassessment.
Academy Networks supports businesses across Berkshire, Surrey and the wider South East with cyber security, Microsoft 365 and ongoing IT support.
Our approach to Cyber Essentials Certification is practical. We help you understand the requirements, prepare your systems and address the technical issues that could prevent a successful assessment.
If you are considering certification, already working through the assessment or need support before renewal, speak to Academy Networks about Cyber Essentials consultancy and the steps required to achieve your Cyber Essentials Certificate. We can provide effective cybersecurity advice and help you meet all assessment requirements.
Get in touch with our experts to discuss the range of services we provide in London, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire.
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