Cyber Essentials Made Simple: A Practical Guide for UK Businesses
- GK
- Jan 21
- 4 min read
Cyber attacks no longer target just large enterprises. In fact, UK SMEs are one of the most common targets because attackers know many lack basic security controls.
This is exactly why Cyber Essentials exists.
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification designed to help organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats — and to prove it to customers, partners, and regulators.
7.7M cyber crimes were experienced by businesses over the past year. That’s around half of all businesses in the UK. Don’t be next.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
What Cyber Essentials is
Why it matters
What’s actually assessed
And provide a practical Cyber Essentials checklist you can use today
What Is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials (CE) is a baseline cybersecurity certification supported by the UK government and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
It focuses on five core security control areas that protect against the majority of common cyber attacks:
Firewalls and internet gateways
Secure configuration
User access control
Malware protection
Patch management
There are two levels:
Cyber Essentials – self-assessment verified by an accredited body
Cyber Essentials Plus – includes hands-on technical testing
Certification is valid for 12 months and often required for:
Government contracts
Supply chain assurance
Customer security requirements
Why Cyber Essentials Matters
Cyber Essentials isn’t just about compliance.
Done properly, it helps organisations:
Reduce the risk of ransomware and malware
Improve basic cyber hygiene
Demonstrate security maturity to customers
Create a foundation for ISO 27001 or advanced security controls
What Cyber Essentials Actually Assesses
A common misconception is that Cyber Essentials is just a questionnaire. In reality, it examines how well your organisation protects itself across people, process, and technology.
✅ Cyber Essentials Practical Checklist
Use this as a readiness check before certification.
This free tool will help you look at your organisation’s cyber security. The Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool can help you gauge your current level of cyber security in relation to where you need to be to achieve Cyber Essentials certification.
1️⃣ Scope & Asset Inventory
You cannot secure what you don’t know exists.
All devices accessing company data are identified
Cloud services (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, etc.) are included
Users (employees, contractors, admins) are documented
Networks and remote access methods are defined
Scope is clearly documented
2️⃣ Firewalls & Internet Gateways
Prevent unauthorised access from the internet.
Firewall enabled on network boundary
Default passwords changed
Firewall firmware kept up to date
Admin access restricted
Unused ports and services disabled
Cloud environments protected with conditional access or equivalent controls
3️⃣ Secure Configuration
Remove unnecessary risk from default system settings.
Default accounts removed or secured
Unnecessary software removed
Auto-run features disabled
Devices lock automatically after inactivity
Admin privileges:
Limited to those who need them
Separate admin accounts used where possible
4️⃣ User Access Control
Ensure the right users have the right access.
Every user has a unique account
Strong password policy enforced
MFA enabled for:
Admin accounts
Cloud services
Remote access
Leavers’ access removed promptly
Access follows the principle of least privilege
5️⃣ Malware Protection
Defend against malicious software.
Anti-malware installed on all devices
Real-time protection enabled
Malware definitions kept up to date
Email filtering in place
Users cannot disable protection
6️⃣ Patch Management
Keep systems protected against known vulnerabilities.
Operating systems are supported and not end-of-life
Automatic updates enabled
Critical security patches applied within 14 days
Third-party software kept up to date
Unsupported systems are removed or isolated
7️⃣ Mobile & Remote Working
Secure modern working practices.
Devices encrypted (BitLocker, FileVault, etc.)
Screen lock enabled
MFA enforced for remote access
VPN or secure access in use
BYOD policies defined and enforced
8️⃣ Logging & Monitoring (Basic Requirements)
Admin and login activity logged
Cloud audit logs enabled
Logs retained for investigation
9️⃣ Policies & Evidence
Cyber Essentials requires evidence, not assumptions.
Password policy
Patch management policy
Acceptable use policy
Joiner/leaver process
Incident response process
Evidence available (screenshots, configs, policies)
🔟 Final Validation Before Submission
Scope reviewed
Answers validated
Evidence gathered
Exceptions documented
Senior approval obtained
Common Reasons Companies Fail Cyber Essentials
No MFA on admin accounts
Unsupported operating systems
Poor asset inventory
Shared admin credentials
Cloud services excluded from scope
“Yes” answers without evidence
Cyber Essentials: A Starting Point, Not the Finish Line
Cyber Essentials is not a silver bullet, but it does stop the majority of common attacks.
When done properly, it:
Improves security posture
Reduces incident likelihood
Builds trust with customers
Creates a foundation for Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO 27001, and threat detection
Need Help With Cyber Essentials?
Many organisations fail not because they’re insecure — but because they don’t know how to evidence their controls.
👉 If you’d like help preparing for Cyber Essentials, get in touch.
Assistance via qualified assessors:
Our “Cyber Essentials Ready” package is aimed at companies who are starting out on their Cyber Essentials journey and require support, advice and guidance on achieving the first level of certification. Our team of qualified assessors will take you through all the steps required to achieve certification, that includes all the support required to complete the Cyber Essentials questionnaire. The CSA team will advise on the evidence that is required and then check that all required documentation is in place to gain the initial certification.
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