Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for every organization operating in today’s digital world. Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme in the UK that helps businesses protect against common cyber threats. But beyond the basic level, there’s an advanced certification called Cyber Essentials Plus. This version offers a higher level of assurance and includes an independent technical audit of your systems. In this article, we’ll explore what Cyber Essentials Plus is, how it differs from the basic certification, and what steps you need to take to achieve it.
What Is Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus is the advanced tier of the Cyber Essentials scheme. While the basic Cyber Essentials certification involves a self-assessment questionnaire, Cyber Essentials Plus requires a hands-on, independent technical audit by a certified body. This audit verifies that the five key security controls — firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and patch management — are not only in place but are functioning effectively in a real-world environment. With Cyber Essentials Plus, you get external validation that your cybersecurity defenses are working as intended.
Key Differences Between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
The most significant difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus lies in the level of scrutiny. The basic Cyber Essentials certification is self-verified, meaning organizations assess their own systems against the standard criteria. In contrast, Cyber Essentials Plus includes vulnerability tests, simulated attacks, and on-site or remote technical assessments conducted by trained professionals. This added verification provides stakeholders, clients, and partners with higher confidence in your cyber resilience. Cyber Essentials Plus also better supports organizations seeking more rigorous compliance frameworks or dealing with sensitive data.
Why Choose Cyber Essentials Plus?
Organizations that handle personal, financial, or highly sensitive data benefit most from Cyber Essentials Plus. This certification can be a deciding factor when bidding for government contracts or working with larger corporations that require strong security assurances. Beyond the business advantages, Cyber Essentials Plus also offers peace of mind by ensuring your cybersecurity measures have been independently tested. The rigorous evaluation confirms that your protections are robust against real-world threats, not just theoretically sufficient.
Steps to Achieve Cyber Essentials Plus
To achieve Cyber Essentials Plus, your organization must first obtain the basic Cyber Essentials certification. Once that’s in place, the process for Cyber Essentials Plus typically follows these steps:
- Choose a Certification Body: Select an accredited certification body authorized to deliver Cyber Essentials Plus assessments.
- Prepare Your Systems: Ensure all five Cyber Essentials controls are fully implemented and documented. Address any weaknesses identified during your basic certification.
- Technical Audit: The certification body will conduct a thorough assessment, including vulnerability scans, configuration checks, and tests on devices such as laptops, desktops, and mobile phones.
- Remediation (if needed): If any issues are found, you will typically have a short window to correct them before reassessment.
- Certification Awarded: Once you pass the audit, you’ll receive your Cyber Essentials Plus certificate, usually valid for 12 months.
Tips for a Successful Audit
Preparation is key when working toward Cyber Essentials Plus. Regularly update all systems, enforce strong password policies, limit user access to only what’s necessary, and ensure antivirus and firewall protections are current. Conduct internal audits or pre-assessments to catch potential issues before the official evaluation. Collaborate closely with your IT team or managed service provider to align your systems with Cyber Essentials requirements.
Conclusion
Cyber Essentials Plus is a powerful certification that demonstrates your organization’s commitment to cybersecurity at the highest practical level. It builds on the foundation of Cyber Essentials by including a rigorous, independent audit of your systems, providing deeper assurance to stakeholders, regulators, and clients. By achieving Cyber Essentials Plus, you not only strengthen your defenses against cyber threats but also gain a competitive advantage in today’s security-conscious business environment. Whether you’re aiming to win contracts, protect sensitive data, or build a trusted brand, Cyber Essentials Plus proves that your organization takes cybersecurity seriously.
