Are you ready for Cyber Essentials?

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme, run by IASME, that certifies a business has five basic protections in place. Many public-sector contracts require it, a growing number of private clients ask for it, and some insurers look on it favourably.

The five areas it covers

1. Firewalls: your internet connection and devices block unwanted traffic.
2. Secure settings: default passwords changed, unused software and accounts removed.
3. User access control: people only have the access they need, and admin accounts are kept separate.
4. Malware protection: virus protection switched on, apps only from trusted places.
5. Security updates: automatic updates on, critical fixes installed within 14 days, and no unsupported devices.

How to apply

You answer an online self-assessment through IASME, the official certification body, and pay an assessment fee that depends on the size of your business. If your answers meet the requirements, you're certified for 12 months. Cyber Essentials Plus adds a hands-on technical audit.