About Cyber Security
Understanding Cyber Security Threats
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever. As businesses increasingly depend on technology and the internet, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches continues to rise. These threats aren’t something any company—big or small—can afford to overlook.
Cybersecurity is about safeguarding your networks, devices, and data from unauthorised access, misuse, or damage. By understanding the risks, businesses can take proactive steps to protect themselves and face potential cyber threats with confidence. It’s all about staying secure in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
What is Cyber Security?
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity isn’t just important—it’s essential for every business. It’s not only about safeguarding sensitive information but also about implementing the right technologies, processes, and practices to stay ahead of potential threats. From firewalls and antivirus software to encryption and strong passwords, these are the building blocks of keeping your data secure.
However, cybersecurity isn’t just about having the right tools in place. Staying informed about new and evolving threats is just as crucial, along with regularly updating your security measures. By taking a proactive approach, businesses can protect not only their data but also their reputation in an increasingly connected world.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cybersecurity certification scheme that sets out a good baseline of cyber security suitable for all organisations in all sectors. The scheme addresses five key controls that, when implemented correctly, can prevent around 80% of cyber attacks.
Enhanced Cyber Security
Cyber Essentials helps organisations strengthen their defenses against a wide range of common cyber attacks, ensuring better protection for their data and systems.
Data Protection Alignment
The certification aligns with broader data protection regulations like GDPR, helping organisations to comply with legal obligations regarding data security and privacy.
Business Reputation
Achieving this certification demonstrates clients, partners, and stakeholders that your business takes cyber security seriously, enhancing your reputation and trustworthiness.
Certification Levels
differences between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials
The Foundational Level
Cyber Essentials is the entry-level certification designed to help organisations implement essential security controls to protect against common cyber threats. It focuses on five key areas:
Assessment Requirements:
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A self-assessment questionnaire is completed by the organisation.
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Answers are reviewed by an external certification body to ensure compliance.
Benefits:
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Affordable: Cost-effective option for smaller businesses or those new to cyber security.
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Baseline Protection: Provides robust defence against 80% of common cyber threats.
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Government Contracts: Meets the minimum requirement for some public sector contracts.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Advanced Assurance
Cyber Essentials Plus enhances Cyber Essentials with an independent technical audit, offering greater assurance and suitability for larger organisations or those managing sensitive data.
Assessment Requirements:
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A hands-on technical audit conducted by a certified assessor.
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Verification of controls, including vulnerability scans and simulated attacks.
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In-depth testing of devices, including workstations, servers, and mobile devices.
Benefits:
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Enhanced Assurance: Validates that security measures are effectively implemented and functioning.
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Increased Trust: Demonstrates a commitment to cyber security to clients, stakeholders, and regulators.
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Risk Reduction: Offers deeper insights into potential vulnerabilities, ensuring stronger protection.
Choosing the Right Certification
The choice between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on your organisation's size, the sensitivity of the data you handle, and your security needs. For businesses just starting their cyber security journey, Cyber Essentials offers a solid foundation. However, organisations seeking higher credibility or dealing with sensitive information may benefit from Cyber Essentials Plus.
By achieving either certification, your organisation demonstrates its commitment to protecting against cyber threats, building trust with clients and stakeholders while aligning with industry standards.
Want a 100% Guarantee to Pass Cyber Essentials on Your First Attempt? Get in Touch Today!
Achieving your certification
Achieve Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus on Your First Try
Cyber Essentials is a straightforward yet effective certification that protects your business from 80% of common cyber threats. Developed by the UK Government, it tackles the rising risk of cyberattacks, safeguards sensitive data, and is essential for government supply chains and many commercial contracts.
Achieving Cyber Essentials shows your commitment to robust cybersecurity. It’s an affordable way to enhance your defences and demonstrate your organisation's dedication to protecting critical systems.
For businesses in Southampton and surrounding areas, Cyber Essentials is not just beneficial—it’s crucial. It strengthens your security, ensures compliance with government requirements, and provides a competitive edge in securing contracts.
Certified Cyber Essentials Assessors Southampton
Your Path to Secure Certification
The choice between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus depends on your organisation's size, the sensitivity of the data you handle, and your specific security needs. For businesses starting their cybersecurity journey, Cyber Essentials provides a solid foundation. However, organisations requiring greater credibility or handling sensitive information may find Cyber Essentials Plus more suitable.
With IT Support Southampton, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance and expert support to achieve your certification seamlessly. Whether you choose Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, we’ll help ensure your organisation meets the required standards efficiently.
Achieving certification not only demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity but also builds trust with clients and stakeholders, aligning your business with recognised industry standards.
Steps to Achieve Cyber Essentials Certification
Did you know that over 80% of UK businesses are vulnerable to avoidable security risks? That’s why adopting the Cyber Essentials framework is so important. It provides businesses across all industries with a solid defence against common cyber threats.
Getting Cyber Essentials certified is easier than you might expect. The process focuses on five essential technical controls to help your business meet key security standards. As a local provider with extensive knowledge of Southampton and its surrounding areas, we’re here to guide you every step of the way and address the unique challenges your business may face. These controls include:
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Access control
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Firewalls and routers
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Malware protection
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Secure configuration
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Software updates
Cyber Essentials also helps protect against phishing attacks by introducing basic controls that raise awareness and enhance preparedness for cyber threats.
Contact Our Southampton Office to Get Certified Now
What our clients have to say
100% Managed Cyber Essentials Service: We Do It All for You!
Embrace the ease and assurance that comes with our done-for-you Cyber Essentials service. Let us handle the complexities of cybersecurity, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence. Start your journey to a safer, more secure digital future today.
Save Time
Leave the complex process to us and focus on what you do best – running your business.
Peace of Mind
Rest assured knowing your cyber Security is handled by our team of experts.
100% Pass rate
With our done-for-you service, we ensure you will pass your certification every time.
Why is Cyber Essentials Certification Crucial for Your Business?
Managing Cyber Security Risks
Assessing Your Cyber Security Risk
Managing cybersecurity risks is crucial to keeping your sensitive information secure and protecting your business from potential attacks. It starts with understanding the unique threats your business might face—evaluating how likely they are to happen and the impact they could have on your operations.
Once you’ve identified these risks, the next step is to take proactive measures to reduce or eliminate them. By staying ahead of cybersecurity challenges, you not only lower the chances of threats but also build a stronger, more secure foundation for your business and its data.
Understanding your cybersecurity risks begins with identifying the specific vulnerabilities and threats your business faces. This might include reviewing your current security measures to spot any weaknesses or carrying out penetration testing to simulate real-world cyberattacks and uncover hidden flaws in your systems.
By gaining a clear understanding of your business's unique risks, you can take proactive steps to address them and minimise potential threats. Regularly updating and refining your security protocols is essential for staying ahead of ever-evolving cyber risks and keeping your business safe.
Cyber Security Measures
Cyber Security Solutions
Safeguarding sensitive data and preventing cyberattacks starts with robust cybersecurity measures. This includes essentials like firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and strong passwords—all vital tools to keep your business protected.
By making these practices part of your daily operations, you can create a secure environment that defends your data against unauthorised access and other online threats. It’s about building layers of protection to keep your business and valuable information safe.
Cybersecurity is made up of a range of technologies and services designed to protect your business from cyber threats. This can include consultancy, specialised training for your team, and services like penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, all aimed at identifying and addressing potential risks.
By investing in a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, you’re not just protecting your data – you’re also building trust with your clients and partners. This strong foundation helps ensure the long-term success and security of your business.
FAQs
Questions about Cyber Essentials certification?
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Enhanced security – helps protect your organisation from the most common internet based cyber attacks such as phishing, malware, ransomware, password guessing and network attacks.
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Simple and cost effective – a simple process with a Cyber Essentials certification fee starting from £200.
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Gain and retain business – an increasing number of public, private and third sector contracts are mandating or actively encouraging Cyber Essentials from their suppliers.
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Aligns with GDPR – recognised by the Information Commissioner’s Office as a scheme that can provide security assurances that help protect personal data.
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Flexible scheme – regardless of sector or size, the scheme reviews basic, yet effective, technical controls an organisation has in place. The scheme also recognises that not all organisations have a dedicated IT department, or an in-depth knowledge of cyber security.
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Cyber Essentials mark an assessment within 48 hours of it being submitted, not including weekends or bank holidays. This can vary depending on how many assessments they have at one time. If you require your certification by a specific date, you must take this into consideration. Start your assessment in good time to allow enough time to, complete, submit, be marked, remediate, resubmit, and pass!
Yes, the standard protection provided by Apple devices does not meet the standards of Cyber Essentials and additional software should be installed to provide adequate protection.
The certificate will be part of a public register. You can display the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus badge on your website and/or in your email signatures.