CYBER SECURITY ACCREDITATIONS

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

Cyber Essentials Plus includes a physical verification of your security setup, offering greater assurance and compliance than the self-assessment required for Cyber Essentials.

Cyber Essentials: This certification is based on a self-assessment process verified by a trusted third party. It provides a solid foundation of security but relies on internal reporting.

Cyber Essentials Plus: A step up from the basic certification, Cyber Essentials Plus includes an on-site audit by the accrediting body. They physically verify your security setup, providing an even higher level of assurance that your systems are secure.

Regardless of which level you choose, The HBP Group ensures that your security measures are robust and in line with best practices.

Why do I need Cyber Essentials?

Many industries now require Cyber Essentials certification from their partners and suppliers. Beyond compliance, it provides crucial protection for your data and IT systems.

Is Cyber Essentials just a certification?

No. It’s a comprehensive security standard that ensures your business is protected against common cyber threats. The HBP Group goes beyond the paperwork—we implement lasting security measures that safeguard your business.

Do Cybersecurity Certifications Matter for Businesses?

1. Protecting Your Business from Cyber Threats
   Accreditations ensure your organisation implements security controls proven to mitigate common cyber attacks, like phishing or malware.

2. Ensuring Compliance with Standards and Regulations
   Certifications help meet legal or regulatory obligations related to data protection and IT security (e.g. GDPR, government contract requirements).

3. Building Trust with Clients and Partners
   Certifications demonstrate to stakeholders that you prioritise data security, boosting credibility and business relationships.

4. Competitive Advantage and Opportunities
   Certified companies often access new markets, clients, and contracts more easily than uncertified competitors.

What are some common cybersecurity certifications in the UK?

• Cyber Essentials: Basic but effective certification backed by the UK government, focused on 5 key technical controls.

• Cyber Essentials Plus: Builds on Cyber Essentials with an audited verification of security measures.

• ISO/IEC 27001: Internationally recognised standard for managing information security through a formal ISMS framework.

• PCI DSS: Required for organisations handling payment card information.

• SOC 2: Attestation for service providers managing customer data, especially in the cloud.

• ISO/IEC 27017/27018: Standards for cloud security and privacy.

What does a Cyber Essentials Certification cover?

Cyber Essentials is often the first certification businesses pursue. It covers five key areas: firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and patch management. Cyber Essentials Plus includes an audit for additional assurance. It’s suitable for SMEs and can be required for UK government contracts. Certification helps reduce insurance costs and build client trust.

Are cloud IT systems covered by Cyber Essentials?

Cloud environments require shared security responsibility between the provider and the business. Standards like ISO/IEC 27017 and the CSA STAR certification help businesses manage cloud risks effectively. Even general certifications like Cyber Essentials include cloud considerations.

Do you need to renew or update cyber security accreditations?

Cybersecurity accreditation is not a one-off. Most certifications need annual renewals (e.g. Cyber Essentials) or periodic audits (e.g. ISO 27001’s 3-year cycle). Maintenance involves patching, monitoring, policy updates, and staff training.

Which cyber security accreditation is best to start with?

Start with basic certifications like Cyber Essentials, then scale to ISO 27001 if needed. Consider your industry, data sensitivity, customer expectations, and available resources. Certifications should align with your strategic goals.

Do we need ISO 27001 if we already have Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials and ISO/IEC 27001 serve different purposes. While Cyber Essentials focuses on fundamental technical controls to protect against basic threats, ISO 27001 is an international standard that governs how a business manages information security as a whole.

If your organisation handles sensitive data, operates internationally, or serves enterprise clients, ISO 27001 may be necessary to meet client or regulatory expectations. Many businesses use Cyber Essentials as a first step and progress to ISO 27001 for a comprehensive, risk-based security program.

Choose ISO 27001 if you:

• Need global recognition of your information security practices.

• Want to embed a formal, continuous risk management process.

• Must meet strict compliance or tender requirements.

Are cybersecurity certifications mandatory for businesses?

Cybersecurity certifications are generally not legally mandatory, but they are often contractually or commercially required. For example:

• UK Government contracts involving sensitive data require Cyber Essentials.

• Payment processing companies must comply with PCI DSS.

• Some regulators and insurers may ask for evidence of standards like ISO 27001 or SOC 2.

In many sectors, clients demand certification from vendors as a condition of doing business. While not mandatory in law, certifications have become a de facto requirement in competitive procurement and due diligence processes.

How long does it take to become certified in cybersecurity?

The timeline depends on the certification:

• Cyber Essentials: Typically 2–4 weeks. Preparation involves reviewing and updating technical controls, completing a questionnaire, and submitting for assessment.

• Cyber Essentials Plus: Add 1–2 weeks for audit scheduling and remediation.

• ISO 27001: Usually takes 6–12 months. It requires establishing an Information Security Management System (ISMS), conducting risk assessments, and undergoing audits.

• SOC 2 / PCI DSS: Varies based on scope and readiness; typically 3–6 months.

The time to certification can be reduced by working with experienced consultants or IT partners.

How often do we need to renew or maintain our cybersecurity accreditations?

Cybersecurity certifications require regular renewal and ongoing maintenance:

• Cyber Essentials: Valid for 12 months. Annual renewal requires updated responses and continued compliance.

• Cyber Essentials Plus: Also requires annual re-audit.

• ISO/IEC 27001: Operates on a three-year certification cycle. You must undergo annual surveillance audits and a full re-certification audit every three years.

• SOC 2: Reports are typically issued annually and require continuous monitoring.

In addition to scheduled audits, businesses must maintain compliance throughout the year. This includes:

• Regular patching and updates

• Monitoring for new threats

• Policy reviews and training

• Remediation of vulnerabilities

Will having a cybersecurity certification completely prevent cyberattacks?

No certification can completely eliminate the risk of a cyberattack. However, certifications ensure you have robust, proven defenses in place, dramatically reducing your vulnerability.

Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, and similar standards guide you in deploying controls that:

• Block common attack vectors (e.g. malware, phishing, open ports)

• Detect suspicious activity

• Respond quickly to incidents

• Protect sensitive data

Even if an incident occurs, certified businesses typically:

• Detect it earlier

• Minimise the damage

• Recover faster

• Reduce reputational and financial impact

Certifications show due diligence and may even mitigate penalties in the event of a breach.

How can The HBP Group help us achieve and maintain certification?

The HBP Group offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach:

• Initial security assessments to identify gaps

• Remediation: We help implement necessary improvements

• Certification support: We work with accredited bodies and manage submissions

• Training and policy creation

• Ongoing monitoring and maintenance to keep you compliant year-round

Whether you're just starting with Cyber Essentials or aiming for ISO 27001, we provide tailored support for your business size, industry, and budget.