Cyber Essentials - What is it?

Cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, protecting your data, systems, and customer information is more important than ever. But where do you start?

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a simple yet effective framework that helps businesses guard against cyberattacks. It focuses on five key security controls to reduce the risk of breaches:

Firewalls & Internet Security – Protecting your network from external threats.
Secure Configuration – Ensuring systems are set up securely and unnecessary features are disabled.
User Access Control – Restricting access to sensitive data and limiting administrator rights.
Malware Protection – Safeguarding against viruses, ransomware, and other malicious software.
Software Updates – Keeping all devices, apps, and systems updated to patch vulnerabilities.

By implementing these measures, businesses can significantly reduce their risk of cyber attacks.

Why is Cyber Essentials Important?

Cybercrime is a serious issue, and no business is too small to be targeted. Cyber Essentials helps businesses:

Strengthen their security and protect against common threats
Demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity to customers and partners
Meet requirements for government contracts and certain industries
Build trust and credibility by being listed as a Cyber Essentials-certified business

Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus

There are two levels of certification:

Cyber Essentials – A self-assessed certification that ensures your business meets the five key security controls.
Cyber Essentials Plus – A more advanced certification that includes an independent security assessment for additional assurance.

Do I Need Cyber Essentials?

If your business relies on digital systems, handles customer data, or wants to improve its cybersecurity, Cyber Essentials is a worthwhile investment. It’s particularly important for businesses looking to work with larger organisations or bid for government contracts.

At PCN, we help businesses navigate the Cyber Essentials certification process, making it simple and stress-free. If you’re ready to improve your cybersecurity, get in touch with our team.