Why Choose HBP Group for Cyber Essentials?

The HBP Group is an accredited Cyber Essentials business. We have over 30 years of experience helping SMEs in the UK with their cyber security and IT needs. We provide free consultancy to businesses. We help them look at their current situation. We also advise on what work is needed to make sure their IT network meets the Cyber Essentials requirements.

Cyber Essentials Accreditation

Q: What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed accreditation that helps businesses protect themselves from common cyber threats. It sets a baseline of security controls — like strong password policies, firewalls, and malware protection — and proves that your organisation takes cyber security seriously.

Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus Accreditation for UK Businesses

Show your commitment to data protection and compliance with Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation. Backed by the UK Government and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

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Get practical advice from our specialists and discuss your current security posture, costs and next steps toward certification.

Cyber Essentials: What Is It?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cyber security certification scheme designed to help organisations defend against the most common online threats. Developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and managed by the IASME Consortium, it provides a practical, cost-effective framework for improving cyber resilience.

At its core, Cyber Essentials focuses on protecting against around 80% of the most frequent cyberattacks, including phishing, malware, and hacking attempts that exploit basic system weaknesses.

What You Need To Get Certified: The 5 Key Technical Controls

To become certified, organisations must demonstrate that they’ve implemented five essential technical controls across their IT infrastructure.

Together, these controls form the foundation of effective cyber hygiene — protecting organisations from the majority of low-level but potentially damaging attacks.

1. Firewalls: Securely configure and manage network boundaries to block unauthorised access.
2. Secure Configuration: Remove unnecessary software, disable unused accounts, and ensure systems are set up safely.
3. User Access Control: Restrict user privileges so only authorised individuals can access sensitive systems and data.
4. Security Update Management: Keep all devices, software, and applications up to date with the latest patches and updates.
5. Malware Protection: Use reputable anti-malware solutions and threat detection tools to prevent malicious software attacks.

Assessment

Your organisation completes a thorough, online self-assessment questionnaire which covers the five key security controls — firewalls, secure configuration, access control, update management, and malware protection.

Verification

A licensed IASME assessor reviews your submission to confirm compliance. For Cyber Essentials Plus, this stage includes an independent technical audit to validate that your controls are working effectively in practice.

Certification & Renewal

Once approved, you’ll receive your official Cyber Essentials certification, valid for 12 months. Annual renewal ensures your defences remain up to date and your business continues to meet the scheme’s security standards.

The Two Levels of Cyber Essentials Certification

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Cyber Essentials (CE)

Cyber Essentials is the entry-level certification designed to help organisations of all sizes protect against the most common cyber threats. It’s a self-assessment process that verifies you’ve implemented five essential security controls: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, security update management, and malware protection.

Who it’s for:

Ideal for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) looking to demonstrate good cyber hygiene and strengthen baseline defences without undergoing a full technical audit.

Key benefits:

Cost-effective and straightforward to achieve.
Demonstrates a proactive commitment to cyber security.
Often the minimum requirement for UK government contracts or public-sector supply chains.

Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+)

Cyber Essentials Plus builds upon the standard certification but includes an independent, hands-on technical audit by a qualified assessor. This provides a higher level of assurance that your systems and controls are properly configured and working as intended in real-world scenarios.

How it works:

You must first achieve Cyber Essentials certification (either at the same time or prior to the Plus assessment).
A technical auditor conducts internal and external vulnerability scans, device checks, and penetration testing.
The audit verifies that all five Cyber Essentials controls are actively implemented and effective.

Who it’s for:
Best suited for larger organisations, those handling sensitive data, or businesses operating in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure.

Key benefits:

Provides independent verification of your security controls.
Enhances trust with customers, investors, and partners.
Offers stronger protection against real-world attacks.
Helps meet stricter tender and compliance requirements.

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Why Cyber Essentials Matters

Achieving Cyber Essentials demonstrates that your business takes cyber security seriously. It provides reassurance to customers, partners, and regulators that you’ve taken measurable steps to secure your systems and data. It’s also:

Often a requirement for bidding on UK government contracts and working within certain supply chains.
Cost-effective, making it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses seeking to strengthen their security posture.
Practical and achievable, focusing on real-world risks rather than complex technical frameworks.
Protective, helping prevent the majority of everyday cyberattacks before they can cause damage.

In addition, eligible UK organisations certified under Cyber Essentials can benefit from free cyber insurance, offering added peace of mind in the event of a breach.

Cyber Security Services

Looking For Managed Cyber Security Support?

Strengthen your cyber defences beyond certification. Explore our Managed Cyber Security Services to discover how we can continuously monitor, protect and support your business against evolving threats.

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✅ 97% First-Time Fix Rate

Most IT issues are resolved on the very first call, reducing staff frustration and keeping your business productive without repeated interruptions.

✅ 15-Min Critical Response Time

When serious issues hit, our support team responds in as little as 15 minutes, minimising downtime and protecting your operations when it matters most.

✅ Microsoft-Certified Experts

Our accredited specialists are trusted to deliver secure, compliant and future-ready IT solutions that scale with your business.

✅ People-First Approach

We explain everything in plain English and work alongside your team, combining proactive service with a partnership built on trust.

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.

What do Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) Audits Involve?

Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) goes beyond self-assessment. It includes a hands-on audit conducted by an independent, third-party assessor who runs vulnerability scans, inspects your network, and tests key systems. These checks ensure that your security measures are not just claimed—they're proven to be working in real-world conditions.

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.

Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus can also reduce your cyber insurance premiums and lower the risk of costly downtime. With stronger cyber hygiene, your business becomes more resilient—able to maintain operations during a cyber incident and recover faster if something does go wrong. It’s a smart investment in both security and business continuity.

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.

The Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation is real threat protection, not just a checkbox. CE+ isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about proving your business can withstand real-world attacks. The assessment includes tests against common threats like phishing, malware, and unauthorised access, using readily available hacking tools. It validates that your defences actively protect your business, not just exist on paper.

Cyber Essentials Plus Is More Than a Certificate—It’s Assurance

Cyber Essentials Plus provides independent assurance that your cyber security controls are effective. It signals to clients, partners, and regulators that your business takes security seriously. In today’s digital landscape, CE+ doesn’t just show compliance—it shows that you’re actively protecting your reputation and data.

Do Cybersecurity Certifications Matter for Businesses?

In short, yes. Here's why:

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

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).

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

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.

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 Cyber Security 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 Cyber Security?

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 Cyber Security 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 Cyber Security 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.

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What is Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus?

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