With cyber threats continuing to evolve, it is no longer enough for businesses to rely on basic protective measures. A single vulnerability can compromise sensitive data, disrupt operations, and damage customer trust. That is why more and more organisations across the UK are turning to the Cyber Essentials Plus certification, a government-backed scheme designed to help businesses defend against the most common types of cyber attack.
What is Cyber Essentials Plus?
The Cyber Essentials scheme is made up of two levels: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification. While the basic level involves a self-assessment questionnaire to ensure core security controls are in place, Cyber Essentials Plus goes further by testing how effectively those controls are working.
To achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification, a qualified external assessor will carry out a thorough technical audit of your systems. This includes both internal and external vulnerability scans, assessments of devices and user behaviour, and a review of how third-party access is managed. It is a far more rigorous process, but it offers a higher level of assurance.
The Key Controls Covered
The Cyber Essentials framework includes five essential technical controls that actively prevent 80% of the most common cyber attacks.
- Firewalls and routers – These act as the first line of defence by controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic, ensuring only permitted connections are allowed.
- Secure configuration – Removing unnecessary software and accounts, setting secure passwords, and applying best practice settings to reduce potential entry points.
- User access control – Limiting who can access systems, particularly with administrator privileges, helps reduce the chance of internal and external breaches.
- Malware protection – Properly configured anti-virus or anti-malware tools can detect and stop malicious activity before it causes harm.
- Software updates – Applying patches and updates regularly helps close security gaps that attackers might exploit.
Why Cyber Essentials Plus is Worth It
For many organisations, Cyber Essentials is a great starting point. However, Cyber Essentials Plus certification provides added confidence both internally and externally. Here is why it is worth considering:
- Demonstrates robust cyber resilience
Unlike self-assessed certifications, the Plus version is externally verified. This shows that an independent assessor has verified your business has a high level of cyber security in place. - Gives you a competitive edge
Many public sector contracts, including those with the Government and Ministry of Defence, require Cyber Essentials Plus certification as a minimum. Having it shows your business meets these strict security standards, opening up new commercial opportunities. - Reassures customers and partners
Customers are becoming more aware of data protection. Displaying your Cyber Essentials Plus badge demonstrates your commitment to safeguarding their information and taking cyber threats seriously. - Reduces the risk of disruption
By covering the basics effectively and confirming that your controls work in practice, the certification helps reduce the likelihood of successful attacks and the associated downtime. - Supports insurance and compliance
Having a recognised certification like this in place can help when applying for cyber insurance or demonstrating compliance with data protection regulations.
What’s Involved in the Process?
Working with The Unite Group means you will be fully supported at each stage of the certification journey. Our expert team begins by defining the scope, whether it is your full business or just certain systems. From there, we will guide you through the Cyber Essentials assessment, and if required, prepare you for Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
Here is a breakdown of the typical process:
- Initial audit and review – We assess your current cyber security position, highlight gaps, and offer remedial support.
- Cyber Essentials certification – You will complete the self-assessment questionnaire, which we help review and submit.
- Technical audit – An external assessor will perform tests on your systems to check for vulnerabilities.
- Internal and external scans – This includes scanning your internet-facing systems and performing a vulnerability scan of in-scope devices and networks.
- Certification – Then, once you have met all the requirements, your Cyber Essentials Plus certification will be issued.
Why Choose The Unite Group?
At The Unite Group, we do not just help you tick boxes. We partner with you to strengthen your security foundations. Our team are qualified Cyber Essentials practitioners and can manage the entire process from start to finish. Including the technical audit for Cyber Essentials Plus.
We offer fixed-cost packages with no hidden fees so you can plan your budget with confidence. We also understand that every business is different. Which is why we tailor our support to suit your systems, staff and goals.
Final Thoughts
Cyber attacks are not just a threat to large enterprises. Cybercriminals increasingly target small and medium-sized businesses because they perceive them as less well protected. The good news is that with the right measures in place, you can defend your business against the vast majority of threats.
Investing in Cyber Essentials Plus certification shows your business is taking cyber security seriously, not just for your own benefit but for your clients, suppliers and partners too.
Contact us today.