Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme designed to help organisations protect against the most common cyber threats. To achieve accreditation, organisations must demonstrate compliance with security criteria across five critical areas:

1. Firewalls and Internet Gateways – Ensuring your network and devices are protected by robust, secure firewalls to prevent unauthorised access.
2. Secure Configuration – Configuring devices and software to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance security.
3. Access Control – Restricting access to systems and data to only authorised users with a clear need-to-know basis.
4. Malware Protection – Implementing effective measures, such as antivirus software or application whitelisting, to protect systems from malicious software.
5. Patch Management – Keeping software and systems up-to-date with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities.

What is Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials Plus builds on the core principles of Cyber Essentials but offers a higher level of assurance. The key difference is that Cyber Essentials Plus requires an independent, hands-on technical verification of your security controls to ensure they are functioning effectively. This in-depth assessment provides enhanced confidence to your customers, partners, and stakeholders that your organisation’s cybersecurity measures are robust and reliable.

Benefits of Cyber Essentials accreditation

1. Enhanced Security: Implementing the Cyber Essentials framework reduces the risk of a cyber-attack by addressing the most common vulnerabilities.
2. Customer Trust: Demonstrating your commitment to cybersecurity boosts your reputation & fosters greater confidence from customers & partners.
3. Increased Opportunities: Many contracts and tenders now require Cyber Essentials certification, creating new business opportunities.
4. Insurance Benefits: Many insurers recognise Cyber Essentials accreditation, potentially lowering premiums.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet requirements for data protection regulations, including GDPR.

How can HJS Technology help your business pass Cyber Essentials first time?

At HJS Technology, we specialise in streamlining the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation process, making it simple and stress-free. Leveraging our expertise, we help your organisation meet the required criteria efficiently while strengthening your cybersecurity framework for the future. You’ll benefit from a dedicated point of contact, available to guide you every step of the way, along with comprehensive advice and support.

Our services include:

1. One point of Contact: From start to finish, your dedicated point of contact will be available to offer support, guidance and advice.
2. Initial Assessment: Conducting a comprehensive review of your existing cybersecurity measures to identify gaps & areas for improvement.
3. Consultation and Planning: Developing a tailored action plan to address vulnerabilities & implement required security controls.
4. Implementation Support: Providing hands-on assistance to deploy the necessary measures effectively.
5. Pre-Assessment Checks: Running detailed pre-assessment evaluations to ensure readiness for the final certification process.
6. Accreditation Management: Overseeing the entire certification process, from application to successful completion, for both Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus.

Why Choose HJS Technology?

• Expert Knowledge: Our team of cybersecurity professionals has a deep understanding of the Cyber Essentials framework and current industry standards.
• Tailored Solutions: We offer customised support to meet the unique needs of your organisation.
• End-to-End Support: From consultation to certification, we guide you through every step.
• Proven Success: We have a strong track record of helping businesses achieve Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.

If you already have achieved Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essential Plus accreditation, there are significant and  important changes that are taking place in April 2025. 

As the cybersecurity landscape continually shifts, so too must the standards that are aimed at protecting businesses from new and growing threats.

Key Changes to Expect:

1. Zero Trust
2. Go passwordless
3. Greater importance placed on Cloud Security
4. Supply Chain Security Requirements
5. Additional security requirements for devices
6. Stricter controls over the use of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies
7. A firmer approach towards vulnerability management
8. A more general alignment with international industry standards

What should you do, to prepare?

Preparation for these changes will depend on how things are currently configured within your business but will involve an initial assessment followed by remediation steps where appropriate.

Contact us in good time for your renewal date so that we can help you through the process.

For more detailed information about the key changes, visit: all-change-for-cyber-essentials-from-april-2025

Protect your business from cyber threats and demonstrate your commitment to cybersecurity with Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.