In an increasingly connected world, cyber threats have become a constant challenge for businesses. For organisations of all sizes, maintaining robust cybersecurity practices is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity.
That’s where Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus come into play. These government-backed certification schemes are designed to help businesses protect themselves against the most common cyber threats.
But what exactly are Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus? How much do they cost? And why should your business consider investing in these certifications?
Let’s dive into the details.
What’s Included in Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment certification that helps protect your business from common cyber threats by focusing on five critical areas:
- Firewalls
Ensures your internet connection is secure by controlling network traffic to and from your devices. - Secure Configuration
Involves setting up your systems securely to minimize vulnerabilities and protect against unauthorized access. - User Access Control
Limits access to your data and services, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information. - Malware Protection
Requires the implementation of anti-virus and anti-malware software to defend against malicious attacks. - Patch Management
Ensures that your software and systems are regularly updated with the latest security patches to close any known vulnerabilities.
What is included in Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus is a more advanced certification that includes everything in Cyber Essentials but with an important distinction: it involves a hands-on technical verification. While Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment, Cyber Essentials Plus requires an independent assessment to ensure that your cybersecurity measures are not only in place but are working effectively.
What Cyber Essentials Plus Covers:
- Internal Vulnerability Tests: Your internal network is tested for vulnerabilities.
- Workstation Security: Verification that your computers are secure against malware and unauthorized access.
- External Vulnerability Testing: Ensuring that your network and systems are not susceptible to external attacks.
This certification is often more desirable for larger organizations or those handling sensitive data, as it provides a higher level of assurance.
The Cost of Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
The cost of these certifications can vary depending on the size of your business and the level of certification you choose.
Cyber Essentials Cost:
- Small Businesses (up to 50 employees): The cost typically starts at around £300-£500 for basic certification.
- Medium to Large Businesses: Costs can increase depending on the complexity of your IT infrastructure but generally range between £500-£1,000.
Cyber Essentials Plus Cost:
- Small Businesses: Certification costs usually start at £1,500-£2,000 due to the hands-on testing and external verification.
- Medium to Large Businesses: Costs can go up to £2,000-£5,000 or more, depending on the number of locations and the complexity of the IT systems.
These costs are relatively modest compared to the potential financial losses from a cyber attack, making them a wise investment for most businesses.
Get Cyber Essentials Certified with Creative Networks
At Creative Networks, we make it simple and affordable for your business to achieve Cyber Essentials certification. We understand that every business has unique needs, which is why we offer flexible and comprehensive packages starting at just £45 per month.
What We Offer:
- Affordable Certification Plans: Our Cyber Essentials certification starts from just £45 per month, providing an accessible way for businesses of all sizes to improve their cybersecurity posture.
- Expert Guidance: Our team of cybersecurity experts will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you understand each step and are fully prepared for certification.
- Comprehensive Support: From the initial assessment to the final certification, we offer complete support to ensure your business meets all the necessary requirements.
Why Your Business Should Invest in Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
- Protecting Your Business:
Cyber attacks can lead to significant financial losses, data breaches, and damage to your reputation. Both certifications help safeguard your business against these risks by ensuring you have the necessary protections in place. - Gaining Trust:
Having Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification demonstrates to customers, partners, and stakeholders that you take cybersecurity seriously. It’s a powerful way to build trust and credibility. - Compliance and Regulatory Requirements:
In certain industries, having Cyber Essentials certification may be required to bid on contracts, especially with government agencies. It can also help your business stay compliant with GDPR and other data protection regulations. - Competitive Advantage:
In today’s market, cybersecurity is a critical concern for most businesses. Having a recognized certification can set you apart from competitors who don’t have it, potentially leading to more business opportunities. - Peace of Mind:
Finally, knowing that your business is protected against the most common cyber threats allows you to focus on what you do best—running your business.
Investing in Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus is a proactive step every business should consider. With the rise in cyber threats, these certifications provide a practical, cost-effective way to enhance your cybersecurity posture, build trust with clients, and gain a competitive edge.
Contact Creative Networks Today
Whether you’re a small business looking to establish basic protections or a larger enterprise seeking a more comprehensive security assessment, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus offer the tools and assurances you need to safeguard your digital assets.
Ready to get certified? With Creative Networks, you can start your Cyber Essentials certification journey for as low as £45 per month. Contact us today to learn more about how you can achieve Cyber Essentials certification and protect your business from cyber threats.
