Safeguard your business with
Cyber Essentials
Enhance your cyber defences with a Cyber Essentials certification and shield your business from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Why Become Cyber Essentials Certified?
Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates your commitment to cyber security, providing assurance to clients and stakeholders that you take data protection seriously. It helps safeguard your business from common cyber threats and enhances your reputation.
Start your journey
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government backed certification scheme that helps organisations protect against common cyber threats.
It outlines basic cybersecurity controls in five key areas: internet security, device and software security, access control, malware protection, and software updates.
Certification demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to cybersecurity and provides assurance to customers and partners.
Cyber Essentials Levels
Complete a straightforward self-assessment questionnaire to evaluate your current cybersecurity measures. This helps identify areas that need improvement to meet Cyber Essentials standards.
Level 1 Cyber Essentials
The Cyber Essentials certification is achieved through a self-assessment process. Organisations complete a structured questionnaire that covers key areas within the assessment scope, including employees, devices, and work locations.
The questionnaire also addresses the five essential cybersecurity controls:
- User Access Control: Managing permissions and access to systems.
- Secure Configuration: Ensuring devices and software are set up securely.
- Security Update Management: Keeping systems up to date with the latest patches.
- Firewalls and Routers: Protecting internet connections.
- Malware Protection: Defending against viruses and other malicious software.
A senior representative, such as a board member or equivalent, must formally approve the responses. These responses are then reviewed and evaluated by an independent certifying body.
Level 2 Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus builds on the foundation of Cyber Essentials, offering a higher level of assurance through a hands-on technical assessment. Unlike the self-assessment process in Level 1, Cyber Essentials Plus requires an independent certifying body to verify that the organisation’s cybersecurity controls are effectively implemented.
The assessment includes:
- Technical Audits: A detailed examination of devices, systems, and networks within the assessment scope.
- Vulnerability Scanning: Testing for common vulnerabilities, including checks for unpatched software or misconfigurations.
- Simulated Cyber Attacks: Evaluating the organisation’s defences against realistic attack scenarios, such as phishing or malware infiltration.
This rigorous testing process ensures that the five core controls (user access control, secure configuration, security update management, firewalls and routers, and malware protection) are functioning effectively.
Organisations completing Cyber Essentials Plus gain a higher level of confidence and credibility, demonstrating robust cybersecurity measures to clients, stakeholders, and suppliers.
Steps to Becoming Certified
common queries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed hemselves against a range of the most common cyber attacks.
It provides a clear statement of the basic controls your organisation should have in place to protect against online threats.
Why should my business get Cyber Essentials certified?
Getting Cyber Essentials certified demonstrates to your clients and partners that you take cyber security seriously.
It can also help you win new business, as many contracts require Cyber Essentials certification. Additionally, it provides peace of mind knowing that your defenses are up to standard.
How does Lighthouse IT assist with Cyber Essentials certification?
Lighthouse IT offers comprehensive support throughout the Cyber Essentials certification process.
Our team of experts will guide you through each step, from initial assessment to implementation of necessary controls, ensuring a smooth and successful certification journey.
What are the benefits of choosing Lighthouse IT for Cyber Essentials?
By choosing Lighthouse IT, you benefit from our extensive experience and local expertise. We provide personalised service tailored to your business needs, ensuring that you not only achieve certification but also enhance your overall cyber security posture.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity, providing assurance to clients and stakeholders that you take data protection seriously. It helps safeguard your business from common cyber threats and enhances your reputation.