Cyber Essentials Certification & Cyber Essentials Plus for Milton Keynes

CYBER SECURITY CERTIFICATION FOR UK BUSINESSES

Cyber Essentials Certification & Cyber Essentials Plus

Prepare your business for Cyber Essentials certification with practical guidance on essential cyber security controls, certification requirements and technical readiness. Form IT Solutions can help you understand your options and plan the next steps.

Looking for Cyber Essentials Plus certification? Learn how the technical assessment differs and how to prepare your systems.

Prefer to speak to someone? Call 01582 572727.

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What Is Cyber Essentials Certification?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cyber security certification scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against common online threats. It focuses on five technical control areas intended to reduce the risk of common cyber attacks.

Businesses pursue Cyber Essentials certification to demonstrate that they have addressed essential cyber security measures. Certification can also be relevant when customers, suppliers or procurement processes require evidence of a recognised security baseline.

Cyber Essentials Plus certification builds on the same core protections but includes independent technical testing to check that relevant controls are working in practice. The appropriate route depends on your organisation’s requirements, scope and objectives.

Form IT Solutions can discuss your IT environment, readiness and preparation requirements, helping you understand the steps involved before proceeding through the applicable certification arrangements.

Cyber Essentials Information →
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Cyber Essentials Certification Options

Explore the certification routes available to your organisation and get advice on the preparation and assessment requirements.

Cyber Essentials certification logo

01. Cyber Essentials

Work towards Cyber Essentials certification by addressing the required baseline security controls and completing the applicable certification process.

  • Understand the five technical control areas
  • Prepare for the self-assessment process
  • Identify potential security gaps
  • Plan practical improvements

Call for Price · 01582 572727

INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL TESTING

Cyber Essentials Plus certification logo

02. Cyber Essentials Plus

Build on Cyber Essentials with independent technical testing of relevant systems and security controls to provide additional assurance.

  • Understand the technical assessment requirements
  • Review readiness and system coverage
  • Identify areas requiring remediation
  • Prepare for the applicable assessment

Call for Price · 01582 572727

03. Combined Certification Route

Plan for Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus together, with a clear understanding of the certification steps, readiness work and technical assessment.

  • Understand both certification stages
  • Plan preparation and remediation
  • Discuss the scope of your IT environment
  • Review intended timescales

Call for Price · 01582 572727

Pricing and delivery depend on the organisation, scope, readiness and applicable assessment arrangements. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

The Five Cyber Essentials Controls

Cyber Essentials certification focuses on five key technical control areas that help organisations reduce exposure to common cyber threats.

1. Firewalls

Control network traffic and restrict unwanted connections to devices and systems.

2. Secure Configuration

Reduce unnecessary exposure by configuring devices, software and accounts securely.

3. Security Update Management

Apply relevant updates to address known vulnerabilities in operating systems and software.

4. User Access Control

Limit access to authorised users and ensure permissions are appropriate for each role.

5. Malware Protection

Use suitable malware protection measures to help prevent malicious software from compromising devices.

The applicable technical requirements can change. Always check the current scheme requirements when preparing for certification.

Preparing for a Cyber Essentials Plus Assessment

Cyber Essentials Plus includes technical testing against the applicable scheme requirements. The precise checks depend on the current requirements and the agreed assessment scope.

Preparation may include reviewing device coverage, software updates, access controls, malware protection and secure configuration, then addressing identified gaps before the assessment.

Discuss Your Readiness →

Cyber Essentials readiness checklist

  • Identify devices and systems within scope
  • Review security updates and supported software
  • Check user accounts and access permissions
  • Review malware protection and security settings
  • Plan how identified issues will be resolved

FORM IT CYBER SECURITY SERVICES

Improve Your Business Cyber Security

Alongside Cyber Essentials certification, explore services that can help your organisation assess cyber risk, improve security controls and protect its people, systems and data.

START HERE · 2-MINUTE ASSESSMENT

How Cyber-Secure Is Your Business?

Answer 10 questions about your organisation’s cyber security controls and receive an indicative Cyber-Risk Score. Identify priority vulnerabilities and review recommended improvement actions.

Start Your Cyber-Risk Assessment →

2
MINUTES APPROXIMATELY
10 questions
Indicative risk score
Priority improvement actions

Explore Our Cyber Security Services

Find related services to help protect your users, devices, networks and business information.

01

Security Assessments & Audits

Understand where your business is exposed with structured security reviews, vulnerability assessments and practical recommendations.

Start With a Cyber-Risk Assessment →

02

Managed EDR & Threat Detection

Strengthen endpoint protection against ransomware, fileless attacks, zero-day threats and other sophisticated attacks.

Explore Managed EDR →

03

Identity, Email & Endpoint Security

Protect users and devices with stronger authentication, access controls, endpoint protection and email security.

Discuss Your Requirements →

04

Firewalls & Network Security

Improve network protection, visibility and secure access across offices, remote users, cloud services and hybrid environments.

Explore Network Security →

05

Cyber Essentials & Compliance

Improve your cyber security foundations and work towards Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification.

Explore Cyber Essentials →

06

Security Awareness & Training

Help your people recognise phishing, social engineering and other common threats through practical security awareness and simulated phishing.

Explore Security Awareness →

Not sure which cyber security service your business needs?

Speak to Form IT Solutions →

Or call 01582 572727

Cyber security and endpoint protection for businesses

Practical Cyber Security Guidance for Your Business

Preparing for Cyber Essentials certification is an opportunity to review the way your organisation protects its devices, accounts and business information. Identifying weaknesses early can help you prioritise improvements before proceeding through the certification process.

  • Understand your current IT and security environment.
  • Identify areas that may need attention before assessment.
  • Plan practical remediation steps and responsibilities.
  • Explore wider managed IT and cyber security services where needed.

Talk to Our Team →

The Cyber Essentials Certification Process

Understand your requirements, prepare your systems and plan the appropriate certification route.

01

Discuss Your Requirements

Talk through your organisation, certification objectives, IT systems and intended timescale.

02

Review Readiness

Understand the applicable Cyber Essentials requirements and identify areas that may need preparation.

03

Address Security Gaps

Prioritise necessary improvements to configurations, updates, access controls and protection.

04

Proceed to Assessment

Follow the applicable certification process and technical assessment arrangements for your chosen route.

Certification depends on meeting the relevant scheme requirements and the outcome of the applicable assessment. Confirm the assessment and certification arrangements when discussing your project.

Cyber Essentials Certification FAQs

What is Cyber Essentials certification?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme that helps organisations address common cyber security risks through five technical control areas. It provides a recognised baseline for improving protection against common online threats.

What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?

Both certification levels cover the same five technical control areas. Cyber Essentials Plus adds independent technical testing to check that the relevant controls are working in practice.

How much does Cyber Essentials certification cost?

Costs depend on the certification route, organisation size, scope and assessment arrangements. Contact Form IT Solutions on 01582 572727 to discuss your requirements and request a quote.

Does my business need Cyber Essentials before Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials Plus builds on Cyber Essentials. The applicable certification process and prerequisites should be confirmed against the current scheme requirements before you begin.

How long does Cyber Essentials certification take?

Timescales vary depending on your organisation’s readiness, the scope of the assessment, any required remediation and assessor availability. Discuss your intended deadline before planning the process.

Can small businesses apply for Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is relevant to organisations of different sizes. The scope and requirements should be considered in the context of your business and the IT infrastructure used to carry out its activities.

What is the Cyber-Risk Scorecard?

The Cyber-Risk Scorecard is a short assessment designed to provide an indicative view of your organisation’s cyber security risks and highlight potential areas for improvement. It is not a formal certification or a substitute for a technical security assessment.

Take the Cyber-Risk Scorecard →

Can Form IT Solutions help us prepare for certification?

Form IT Solutions can discuss your IT environment, preparation needs and potential improvements. Confirm the scope of any support and the applicable independent assessment arrangements when you enquire.

Start Your Cyber Essentials Certification Journey

Speak to Form IT Solutions about Cyber Essentials certification, Cyber Essentials Plus, your readiness and your cyber security requirements. We can help you understand the next steps and the options available to your business.

Call 01582 572727


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