What is Cyber Essentials? Why does my business need it?
With cyber threats increasing in both sophistication and danger, organisations of all sizes must prioritise securing their IT infrastructure. One effective way to ensure a basic level of cybersecurity is through the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications. As your digital technology partner, Shoothill is pleased to announce that we now offer these certifications. In this article, we’re going to cover why your business needs this Cyber Essentials certification and how to make the grade.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme designed to help organisations and businesses protect themselves from the most common types of cyber attacks. It certifies that a business has the necessary security measures in place to be secure from the vast majority of cyberattacks.
These measures include, firewalls and internet gateways, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection and patch management.
The standard Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates to customers and business partners that your business takes cybersecurity seriously. It is a cost-effective way to provide a baseline level of protection from bad actors. It’s also a requirement for many public sector contracts in the UK. If you don’t yet meet the standard, we’ll work with your business to get you there allowing your customers to have faith in your security.
Why consider Cyber Essentials Plus?
While Cyber Essentials is an excellent starting point, Cyber Essentials Plus is a more comprehensive assessment. Unlike the self-assessment approach of the basic certification, Cyber Essentials Plus requires an independent technical audit to confirm that your security measures are effective.
For businesses that handle sensitive data or operate in highly regulated industries, Cyber Essentials Plus is often a requirement. It enhances your reputation and ensures compliance with data protection standards like GDPR. Holding the higher-level certification demonstrates to clients and stakeholders that your organisation goes beyond the minimum required to ensure robust cybersecurity.
The business benefits of Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber attacks can have devastating financial consequences for businesses. By reaching the stand set by these certifications, you significantly reduce the risk of breaches and the associated costs of recovery
Many public sector and private contracts now require businesses to have at least Cyber Essentials certification. By acquiring Cyber Essentials Plus, you position yourself more favourably in competitive tenders and bids.
Data breaches regularly make headlines, clients are increasingly aware of the risks associated with data security. Being certified reassures them that their information is in safe hands.
Shoothill’s IT Services team can help
At Shoothill, we understand the complexities of cybersecurity and the importance of safeguarding your business from digital threats. Our new IT services team is now fully equipped to guide you through the process of obtaining Cyber Essentials certification, including the more advanced Cyber Essentials Plus.
We work closely with our clients to tailor cybersecurity solutions that meet their specific needs, ensuring that both the certification process and ongoing cybersecurity management are handled seamlessly.
Mike Davis, Shoothill’s Head of IT Services said:,
“Having strong cybersecurity measures in place is essential for any business. With our new IT services team, we are delighted to offer Cyber Essentials Plus, which ensures our clients are well protected against emerging threats. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about peace of mind.”
Get started with Shoothill today
Now is the time to take proactive steps to secure your business. At Shoothill, we are committed to being more than just your digital and tech partner—we are here to ensure your cybersecurity is up to standard. Our new IT services team is ready to help your business achieve Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification, providing expert guidance every step of the way.
To learn more about how we can help secure your business or to start the Cyber Essentials certification process, get in touch with our team today.
☎ 01743 636300