In today’s digital world, the threat of cyber attacks is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. From small startups to large corporations, every organisation is vulnerable to cyber threats such as hacking, malware, and phishing. To combat these risks, the UK government has introduced the Cyber Essentials scheme, which provides a baseline of security measures to protect organisations against the most common cyber threats. In this blog, we will introduce you to the Cyber Essentials program, explain its benefits, and provide tips on how your organisation can become certified. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your existing security measures, this guide will help you understand the importance of Cyber Essentials and take the necessary steps to secure your online presence.
Do we need Cyber Essentials?
Whether a business needs Cyber Essentials certification depends on several factors, including the size and type of organisation, the nature of its operations, and the types of data it handles. However, in general, having Cyber Essentials certification can be beneficial for all businesses as it helps to improve their overall security posture and protects them against common cyber threats.
If a business handles sensitive data, such as personal information, financial information, or confidential business information, it may be particularly important to obtain Cyber Essentials certification. In addition, for businesses that are subject to regulations such as GDPR, Cyber Essentials can help meet compliance requirements by demonstrating that appropriate security measures are in place.
Ultimately, obtaining Cyber Essentials certification is an investment in the security of an organisation and its ability to protect sensitive information and assets from cyber threats.

What are the benefits?
Being Cyber Essentials certified provides several benefits for organisations:
- Improved security: The certification process helps organisations identify and address security vulnerabilities, providing a stronger defence against cyber threats.
- Enhanced reputation: A Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates to customers, suppliers, and partners that an organisation takes cyber security seriously and is committed to protecting sensitive data.
- Competitive advantage: With a growing number of businesses looking to secure their online presence, obtaining Cyber Essentials certification can give organisations a competitive edge in their industry.
- Compliance: For organisations subject to regulations such as GDPR, Cyber Essentials can help meet compliance requirements by demonstrating that appropriate security measures are in place.
- Access to government contracts: The UK government requires certain suppliers to have Cyber Essentials certification, so obtaining the certification can provide organisations with access to new business opportunities.
How long does Cyber Essentials take to prepare for?
The time it takes to complete the Cyber Essentials program depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the organisation, the resources available for the certification process, and the state of the organisation’s current security posture.
On average, it typically takes 4-6 weeks for an organisation to prepare for and complete the Cyber Essentials certification process. This time frame includes the time required to review and update policies and procedures, implement the recommended security controls, and undergo the assessment process.
It’s important to note that while the certification process can take some time, the benefits of improved security, enhanced reputation, and access to new business opportunities make it well worth the investment.

How long is the self assessment?
The self-assessment portion of the Cyber Essentials certification process is designed to be quick and straightforward, typically taking several hours to complete. The self-assessment questionnaire covers five key technical security controls: firewalls, secure configuration, access control, patch management, and malware protection.
Organisations are required to complete the self-assessment questionnaire and provide detailed responses to each question, demonstrating how they have implemented the recommended security controls. The responses are then reviewed by an external certification body, which verifies the accuracy of the answers and confirms that the organisation has met the Cyber Essentials standards.
It’s important to allocate sufficient time and resources to thoroughly complete the self-assessment questionnaire and ensure that the responses are accurate and complete. This will help to ensure a successful certification outcome and provide the maximum benefits of improved security, enhanced reputation, and access to new business opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cyber Essentials is a critical program for organisations of all sizes looking to secure their online presence and protect against common cyber threats. By providing a set of basic technical and procedural controls, Cyber Essentials helps organisations enhance their security posture, improve their reputation, gain a competitive advantage, meet compliance requirements, and access new business opportunities.