Cyber Essentials Plus vs Cyber Essentials
Cyber attacks are an ever-present risk for businesses of all sizes. As the threat grows, more organisations are turning to the Cyber Essentials scheme, a government-backed certification designed to help protect against common cyber threats.
But with two levels of certification, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, many businesses wonder: what’s the difference and which one should you choose?
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a foundational certification that focuses on key security measures every business should have in place. It covers five essential areas:
- Firewalls and internet gateways
- Secure configuration of devices and software
- Access control to sensitive data and systems
- Malware protection
- Regular patch management
To gain certification, businesses complete a self-assessment questionnaire, which is then reviewed by an external body. The process is relatively straightforward and provides a solid baseline for any organisation’s cyber security posture.
What is Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus builds on the same principles but includes a crucial difference: instead of relying solely on a self-assessment, an independent auditor conducts a hands-on technical verification.
This means a qualified assessor will test your systems to ensure the necessary controls are not just claimed but actually implemented effectively. They’ll assess:
- How well your devices are protected against malware
- Whether your patching processes are up to date
- How secure your configuration and user access policies are
- Whether your defences can fend off common cyber attacks, including phishing attempts
The Plus certification offers a much higher level of assurance , both to your business and to clients who need to know you take security seriously.
Which Certification Should Your Business Choose?
If you’re a small to medium-sized business or you’re looking for a cost-effective way to improve your cyber security and meet basic contract requirements, then Cyber Essentials is a great starting point. It’s also suitable if you’re beginning to formalise your IT security strategy.
However, if your business deals with sensitive data, operates in highly regulated industries or needs to meet the requirements of larger contracts, government tenders or supply chain security demands, then Cyber Essentials Plus is the better option. The added verification provides peace of mind that your protections are not just in place but working as intended.
The Importance of IT Maintenance in Achieving Compliance
Regardless of the level you choose, maintaining compliance with Cyber Essentials is not a one-off task, it requires ongoing IT maintenance and support. From keeping software updated to managing access controls and monitoring threats, having a dedicated IT partner ensures that your certification remains valid and your business stays protected.
Get Expert Help with Cyber Essentials
At NetVector, we help businesses of all sizes prepare for and maintain Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification. Our IT support services ensure your systems are compliant, secure and resilient giving you the confidence to grow your business with fewer risks.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you achieve Cyber Essentials and safeguard your business against cyber threats.
