What Is Cyber Essentials? | Neuways | Blog – Technologist

Cybercriminals (hackers) have become so advanced in their methods that for businesses today, cyber security isn’t a luxury; it is a necessity. It is also important to focus on your Cyber Security all year round, not just during Cyber Security Awareness Month. Fortunately, there is now plenty of assistance out there for businesses of all sizes thanks to the introduction of Cyber Essentials.

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed initiative that offers a straightforward, affordable path for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to protect themselves from common cyber threats. At Neuways, we know that securing your business is paramount, and with 50% of UK businesses falling victim to cybercrime in 2024 alone, Cyber Essentials is a critical first step.

Why Cyber Essentials Matters for SMEs

No business is immune to cyber threats, regardless of size. The increasing complexity of supply chains and growing reliance on technology means that even small companies are vulnerable. Cyber Essentials offers an accessible and cost-effective way to safeguard your business, providing up to 98.5% protection from the most common threats.

Cyber Essentials certification is more than a choice for some organisations—it’s a requirement. Businesses looking to secure contracts with the UK government or the Ministry of Defence (MOD) must obtain this certification.

With cyber attacks on the rise, trust from suppliers and potential prospects is critical. PwC reports that 85% of consumers wish they could trust more companies with their data. In the B2B sector, cyber security will drive significant business decisions, with the global market projected to reach $185.70bn (£139.87bn) in 2024. Cyber Essentials certification conveys that your business takes security seriously.

Why don’t all businesses have this certification?

Despite its benefits, only 31% of UK businesses have conducted a cyber risk assessment in 2024. Why the hesitation?

• “It won’t happen to me”: Many businesses underestimate their risk, thinking they’re too small to be targeted.
• Budget concerns: Some SMEs believe cyber security is costly and doesn’t deliver sufficient value.
• Complacency: Some believe their existing processes don’t need improvement, failing to realise that cyber-attacks can affect any organisation.

However, the average cyber-attack cost for UK businesses is constantly rising—proving that cyber security is an investment, not an expense.

What Does Cyber Essentials Cover?

The Cyber Essentials certification covers five essential areas to secure your IT infrastructure. These include:

1. Firewalls: Defending your network boundaries by blocking unauthorised access.
2. Secure Configuration: Minimising vulnerabilities by ensuring systems are correctly configured.
3. User Access Control: Managing admin rights and limiting user access to sensitive data.
4. Malware Protection: Defending against viruses, ransomware, and other malicious software.
5. Patch Management: Keeping software updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

How Neuways Can Help You Achieve Cyber Essentials

At Neuways, we simplify the process of obtaining Cyber Essentials certification. By guiding you through the self-assessment questionnaire and ensuring your business implements these critical controls, we help you gain certification for your business. The certification process is designed to be straightforward and accessible, allowing businesses to complete it in around two weeks on average.

Get your business certified

Cyber Essentials is the foundation of any effective cyber security strategy, and by obtaining it, your business will be protected against over 98% of the most common threats. Ready to safeguard your business and build trust with your partners and clients? Get Cyber Essentials certified with Neuways today.

For more insights on cyber security certifications, check out our dedicated Cyber Essentials page.