Cyber Essentials Overview
Who This Is For
Small to Medium Businesses
Achieve a recognised level of security without needing internal expertise.
Businesses working with larger organisations
Meet supplier and procurement security requirements.
Professional and regulated sectors
Support data protection and compliance obligations.
Organisations applying for government contracts
Certification is often required when handling sensitive data.
The five Cyber Essentials controls
Firewalls
Firewalls
Firewalls protect your systems from unauthorised access through properly configured network security.
Secure configuration
Secure configuration
Systems must be securely configured with unnecessary services disabled and default settings removed.
User access control
User access control
User access must be controlled to ensure staff only have access to the systems and data they need.
Malware protection
Malware protection
Devices must be protected against malware using appropriate antivirus and endpoint protection.
Security update management
Security update management
Systems and software must be kept up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
How we work
Discover
We start with a free, high‑level Teams meeting (or phone call) to understand your business and what you need.
Assess
If you proceed, we carry out a free initial assessment of each site and shared systems to establish a clear baseline.
Agree
We review our findings in plain English and agree priorities together, with no charge and no obligation.
Support
Once support is in place, we provide ongoing IT support with monthly assessments and annual reviews to keep your IT secure and aligned.
Check Your Cyber Essentials Readiness
If you’re unsure whether your business would pass Cyber Essentials, we can help.
Book a free consultation to review your current setup, identify any gaps, and guide you through the certification process.
What's Included
What's Included
Why Cyber Essentials matters
Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus
Why Choose d8a?
Free Assessments
Discover opportunities for improvement with no initial cost.
Efficient Workflows
We streamline IT processes to save you time and boost productivity.
Consistent Service
Expect reliable support and performance, every time.
Free Consultation
Get expert insights tailored to your business, on the house.
Well Organised
Our team operates with precision, keeping every project on track.
Years of Experience
Decades of expertise guide our every solution.
How our Cyber Essentials service works
Cyber Essentials as part of your wider security
Ready to Upgrade Your IT Infrastructure?
Book a Free Assessment today and discover how we can help your business thrive with the right technology.
What our customers say
Areas we cover
Providing expert IT support and infrastructure services across London and the South East.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK Government‑backed certification that helps businesses protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. It proves your organisation has essential security controls in place.
What’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials: Self‑assessment verified by an external auditor.
Cyber Essentials Plus: Includes hands‑on technical testing, device checks, and validation by a qualified assessor.
Both demonstrate strong security, but Plus offers deeper assurance.
3. Why does my business need Cyber Essentials?
Certification helps you:
- Reduce cyber‑attack risk
- Protect sensitive data
- Win more contracts
- Demonstrate compliance
- Build customer trust
Many government and private‑sector contracts require Cyber Essentials.
What does Cyber Essentials cover?
It focuses on five core security areas:
- Firewalls & internet gateways
- Secure configuration
- User access control
- Malware protection
- Patch management
These controls block the majority of common cyber threats.
How long does certification take?
Most businesses complete Cyber Essentials in 1–3 days, depending on readiness. Cyber Essentials Plus typically takes longer due to technical testing.
Can you help us prepare for certification?
Yes. We guide you through the entire process — from initial assessment to remediation and final submission — ensuring you pass with confidence.
What happens if we fail the assessment?
You’ll receive clear feedback on what needs fixing. We help you resolve issues quickly so you can resubmit and achieve certification.
Does Cyber Essentials make us fully secure?
It significantly improves your security posture, but it’s a baseline. For full protection, businesses often combine it with:
- Managed antivirus
- Backup & recovery
- Data security
- Staff training
- Advanced threat monitoring
Is Cyber Essentials required for government contracts?
Yes. Many public‑sector contracts require Cyber Essentials, and some require Cyber Essentials Plus.
How often do we need to renew?
Certification lasts 12 months. Annual renewal ensures your security controls stay up‑to‑date.
Do you provide ongoing support after certification?
Yes. We offer continuous monitoring, policy updates, and security improvements to keep your business compliant year‑round.
Can Cyber Essentials help with insurance?
Many cyber‑insurance providers offer discounts or require Cyber Essentials as part of their eligibility criteria.
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Ready to Upgrade Your IT Infrastructure?
Book a Free Assessment today and discover how we can help your business thrive with the right technology.