Cyber essentials plus certification is a step beyond the basic Cyber Essentials standard and provides independent verification of your defences. At a time when cyber threats are rising, certification offers reassurance to customers, regulators and staff that your organisation takes security seriously. In this guide, we’ll explain what the process involves, why it matters and how to get certified.
What Is Cyber Essentials Plus Certification?
Cyber Essentials PLUS certification includes the self-assessment of Cyber Essentials and adds an external audit by an accredited provider. This audit tests your systems through vulnerability scans and configuration reviews, ensuring that basic cyber defences are tested and confirmed effective.
Why Opt for Cyber Essentials Plus
- Enhanced Trust: Demonstrates security beyond self-declaration
- Customer Confidence: Often required by public and private sector clients
- Stronger Cyber Security: Identifies misconfigurations and weaknesses
- Regulatory Compliance: Supports GDPR and other legal obligations
- Competitive Edge: Certification gives you credibility when bidding
- Insurance Benefits: Often simplifies cyber liability approvals
What Cyber Essentials Plus Certification Involves
- Complete the Cyber Essentials self‑assessment questionnaire
- Undergo external vulnerability scans and checks
- Submit audit scope details before testing
- Receive configuration review results
- Pass audit testing to gain certification
- Recertify annually to maintain status
Preparing for Certification
- Implement recommendations from basic self-assessment
- Guarantee secure configuration of firewalls and user accounts
- Deploy up‑to‑date antivirus and apply patches promptly
- Limit admin access to essential staff only
- Ensure your email systems block malware and phishing
What Makes a Strong Certification
- Clear network segmentation and firewall rules
- Regular patch and antivirus updates
- Secure remote working practices
- Admin privileges that are properly restricted
- Documented backups and recovery procedures
- Staff awareness of cyber threats
Business Outcomes
- Reduced vulnerability to cyber attacks
- Written confirmation of your security controls
- Better alignment with client and regulator requirements
- Your place on supplier or procurement panels
- Less risk of claims due to data incidents
Ongoing Compliance
Cyber essentials plus certification is valid for 12 months. After that, you’ll need a fresh audit and vulnerability scan to renew. Treat certification as part of an ongoing commitment to security rather than a one‑off exercise.
Why Choose a Partner
BOOK A MEETING to talk with us about preparing for cyber essentials plus certification and making sure your systems are fully audit-ready.
Learn more about our support packages at VIEW CYBER ESSENTIALS CERTIFICATION PACKAGES.
Achieving cyber essentials plus certification shows you’re serious about defence. It offers peace of mind, boosts your reputation, and helps you meet procurement and regulatory expectations. With the right partner, certification is both manageable and worthwhile.
For help with implementation, audits or retesting, book a call at 0203 384 9832 or email enquiries@marshallinfotech.com
