Cyber Essentials: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Certification

A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Cyber Essentials Accreditation

Cyber threats are a growing concern for SMEs, and achieving Cyber Essentials certification is a practical way to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. This government-backed scheme helps businesses protect against common cyberattacks while demonstrating their commitment to data security. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving Cyber Essentials certification and ensuring compliance.

Step 1: Understand the Cyber Essentials Scheme

Cyber Essentials is designed to help businesses defend against the most common cyber threats. There are two levels of certification:

• Cyber Essentials – A self-assessment that helps you implement basic cybersecurity measures.

• Cyber Essentials Plus – Includes an independent technical assessment for added assurance.
  

Step 2: Assess Your Current Cybersecurity Measures

Before starting the certification process, conduct an internal review of your existing security measures. Identify gaps in:

• Firewalls and internet gateways

• Secure configuration of devices and software

• User access control

• Malware protection

• Patch management and software updates

  
  

Step 3: Implement Essential Security Controls

To achieve Cyber Essentials certification, your business must apply the following key security controls:

1. Use a Secure Firewall

A firewall acts as a barrier between your business network and external threats. Ensure it is properly configured to allow only necessary traffic.

2. Secure Configuration of Devices and Software

• Remove unnecessary software and services.

• Change default passwords to strong, unique ones.

• Disable unused accounts and services.

3. Control User Access

• Implement the principle of least privilege (users should only have access to what they need).

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.

4. Protect Against Malware

• Install and maintain up-to-date anti-virus and anti-malware software.

• Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorised programs from running.

5. Keep Software and Systems Updated

• Apply security updates as soon as they are released.

• Enable automatic updates where possible.

• Replace unsupported software and operating systems.

Step 4: Complete the Cyber Essentials Assessment

The Cyber Essentials assessment consists of a questionnaire that covers the security measures above. It must be completed and submitted to a certification body for review. CJAZ Consulting can assist with this process to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Step 5: Consider Cyber Essentials Plus

For added assurance, Cyber Essentials Plus includes an external vulnerability scan and an independent assessment of your security controls. If your business handles sensitive data or works with government contracts, this may be a valuable option.

Step 6: Maintain Compliance and Stay Cyber Secure

Certification is valid for one year, so it’s essential to:

• Regularly review and update your security measures.

• Train staff on cybersecurity best practices.

• Monitor systems for potential vulnerabilities.

How CJAZ Consulting Can Help

Navigating Cyber Essentials certification can be complex, but CJAZ Consulting makes the process straightforward. Our experts guide you through the assessment, help implement security controls, and ensure you meet all compliance requirements. Contact us today to get started on securing your business.