Introduction
In today’s business world, proving that you take cybersecurity seriously is crucial. That’s where Cyber Essentials (CE) and Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) come in. These certifications are increasingly mandated, particularly for companies working with the public sector or handling sensitive information. Although they don’t guarantee complete protection from cyber-attacks, they show that you’ve taken the necessary steps to defend your business.
This article explores why obtaining both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus provides a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, strengthening your business defences, building trust, and meeting regulatory demands.
Understanding Cyber Essentials (CE)
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed self-assessment certification scheme designed to protect organisations against the most common cyber-attacks.
This certification shows that your business takes cybersecurity seriously, which helps build trust with customers and partners and sets you apart as a secure company.
While CE doesn’t make your business impregnable, it is cost-effective and straightforward. Making it accessible to small businesses and providing peace of mind that you’ve covered the basics.
However, Cyber Essentials alone may not be enough. For example, self-assessment can cause you to overlook critical weaknesses and create the misconception that your business is protected against more advanced threats.
Why Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+)
While CE is based on a self-assessment, CE+ takes it a step further by including a hands-on review by a cybersecurity expert, testing your systems to ensure they go beyond the basics.
CE+ covers additional areas, such as securing remote workers, managing personal devices, protecting your network’s perimeter, and ensuring your business is ready for more advanced threats.
CE+ checks both internal and external systems, ensuring that security controls are implemented and functioning effectively. This external validation is particularly critical for businesses that handle sensitive data or operate in regulated industries, where proving robust defences is essential.
Many government contracts require CE+, so having it is a big advantage if you’re looking to work on public sector projects.
Earning CE+ gets your business listed on the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) website, increasing your visibility and credibility and proving your commitment to cybersecurity.
The Benefits of Combining CE and CE+
A layered security framework combining CE and CE+ offers several powerful benefits for businesses looking to strengthen their cybersecurity. For example, CE lays the foundation, while CE+ adds a more detailed, expert-led review to strengthen that protection. Together, they help your business prepare for a range of cyber threats.
Both certifications show customers, suppliers, and partners that your business is fully committed to cybersecurity and ready to handle potential incidents.
By investing in Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, you’re protecting your business from attacks and positioning it as a trusted, secure partner in an increasingly security-focused market.
Conclusion
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus are powerful tools for businesses aiming to build cyber confidence. While Cyber Essentials establishes a foundation, Cyber Essentials Plus offers enhanced protection through independent audits. Together, they create a robust cybersecurity framework that helps businesses navigate today’s complex threat landscape, builds trust, and meets regulatory requirements.
Call to Action: Why not book our free cybersecurity workshop, where we’ll discuss CE, CE+, and how to improve your Microsoft 365 security posture?