What is Cyber Essentials and how can certification protect my business?

Cyber Essentials sets the standard of professional cyber security for businesses. Backed by the UK government, the scheme was set up in 2014 to provide proactive protection for businesses of any size and sector, safeguarding your data and systems against emerging digital threats and sophisticated cybercrime. 

Over the last decade, Cyber Essentials has become the first port of call for professional cyber security protection, with government figures showing that companies with a Cyber Essentials certification are 92% less likely to make a claim on their insurance*. Forensic Control offers a range of Cyber Essentials options – Basic, Plus and Pro – to meet the needs of any business, as well as providing 12 months of Vulnerability Scanning absolutely free of charge, to make sure you stay protected and up to date as you grow your business. 

At its heart, Cyber Essentials protects your organisation in five fundamental areas, creating a baseline for effective professional security. 

1. Secure Configuration: Ensures that all devices and software used by the company are up to date and configured in a secure way that minimises vulnerabilities
2. Firewalls and Internet Gateways: Setting up firewalls that safeguard the company network from external threats and unauthorised access
3. Access Control Management: Access control ensures that only specific, designated users can access sensitive data, systems and information
4. Malware Protection: Safeguarding company systems against malicious software and viruses by employing the latest tools
5. Patch Management: Eliminating vulnerabilities in your company’s system by ensuring all software is kept up to date with the latest security patches.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES CYBER ESSENTIALS HAVE FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

In today’s digital-first world, the peace of mind that a Cyber Essentials certification can bring can’t be overstated. Businesses of all sizes, in all sectors, are at risk from cyberattacks – with government reports suggesting that more than 40% of UK companies have experienced a cyberattack in the past year. SMEs – small to medium sized enterprises – are even more at risk, suggesting that they are just as vulnerable to attack but often lack the resources and awareness to protect against criminals.

The impact of a breach can be catastrophic – with businesses facing an average cost of over £2.8 million, not to mention the damage that is done to their operations, customer trust, and reputation. 

For our customers, Cyber Essentials has significant benefits – namely it helps you to: 

• Get a clear picture of your security posture: Until you know exactly what devices are accessing your data and how they are configured, you can’t be sure that you’re in control of your data. Cyber Essentials gives you clear insight of where you stand – and what to act on.
• Reduce cyber security risks: Cyber Essentials is a simple and effective way to protect your sensitive data from the most prevalent cyber threats, in a way that doesn’t get in the way of business.
• Increase confidence: Show your clients and partners you are serious about cyber security and that your organisation can be trusted to handle their data.
• Demonstrate you take security seriously: Cyber Essentials certification shows your staff, clients and stakeholders that you’re serious about protecting their data. Furthermore, certification is a requirement when bidding for many contracts – especially for public bodies, such as the NHS and the Government – putting you top of the list for any opportunity.

WHY CHOOSE FORENSIC CONTROL FOR YOUR CERTIFICATION?

At Forensic Control, we believe Cyber Essentials is the most cost-effective and accessible way to safeguard companies against the realities of cyber security risks. With pricing bands dependent on the size of your organisation and the level of coverage that you require, there are many options to invest in your security. 

As of 2024-2025, more than 53,699 organisations in the UK alone have achieved Cyber Essentials certification. We help our customers from preparation to implementation, guiding you every step of the way so you can be assured of success. 

What’s more, our 12-month Vulnerability Scanning – offered to all Cyber Essentials customers – ensures your operating system, apps, browsers and more stay up to date and secure through regular scanning. This automated system will tell you if you need to update newer versions, install security patches or put other updates in place to stay protected.

As our founder, Jonathan Krause, says: “The first step to securing your data is knowing which vulnerabilities you face. Our regular vulnerability scanning service gives the visibility you need to stay ahead of cyber threats and maintain ongoing compliance.”

Get in touch with our expert team or take our free self assessment to get started on your Cyber Essentials journey.