The Cyber Essentials Journey: Building Blocks to a Safer, Smarter Business

In today’s digital landscape, even small businesses are on the frontline of cyber risk. From phishing emails to ransomware, the threats are real, but so are the steps you can take to defend against them. That’s why Cyber Essentials is more than a tick-box exercise. It’s a practical, recognised way to strengthen your organisation’s cyber defences and demonstrate that you take security seriously.

Cyber Essentials (CE) and Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) are often seen as the first rung on the cybersecurity ladder. But they’re more than just certificates. For many organisations, they mark the start of a journey, one that builds a stronger security culture, increases customer trust, and lays the groundwork for future growth.

Two Certifications, One Goal: Stronger Cyber Hygiene

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme designed to help organisations protect against the most common cyber threats. At its core, it’s about making sure the basics are covered: your devices are secured, your software is up to date, and the right people have the right access.

Cyber Essentials Plus builds on this foundation with a more rigorous process. It includes a hands-on technical audit, carried out by a qualified external assessor, to validate that the controls you’ve put in place actually work in practice.

Both certifications are designed to help you reduce risk, but they also show your stakeholders that you take cyber security seriously.

Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, What’s the Difference?

The key distinction between CE and CE+ lies in how your systems are assessed.

• Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment. You complete an online questionnaire, supported by evidence and reviewed by a certification body. It’s a cost-effective, straightforward way to demonstrate baseline cyber hygiene.
  
• Cyber Essentials Plus involves an independent technical audit. An assessor will test a sample of your devices and systems, checking things like antivirus software, secure configurations, patching, and resistance to phishing emails.

CE+ offers a higher level of assurance and is increasingly required for organisations working in regulated sectors or larger supply chains.

The Foundation of the Framework: Five Key Security Controls

Both CE and CE+ focus on five practical controls that help guard against the most common forms of attack:

1. Firewalls and routers – Ensuring internet connections are secure and protected.
2. Secure configuration – Removing unnecessary functions and using strong settings.
3. User access control – Making sure only authorised users have access to data and systems.
4. Malware protection – Using appropriate software to detect and block threats.
5. Patch management – Keeping all devices and software up to date with the latest security fixes.

These may seem like small steps, but together they create a strong first line of defence.

From Risk Reduction to Reputation Building

While certification brings compliance benefits, the real value is in what it enables. Cyber Essentials can help you:

• Lower your exposure to cyberattacks
  CE helps prevent the most likely cyber attacks – the ones that cause day-to-day damage. It offers tangible, measurable improvements to baseline security.
• Reassure customers, partners and regulators
  Certification shows clients, investors, and suppliers that you take cybersecurity seriously. It builds trust and demonstrates professionalism.
• Meet tender and supply chain requirements
  Many tenders, especially in government and regulated sectors, require CE or CE+. Certification gives you access to these opportunities and sets you apart from competitors.
• Ensure regulatory compliance
  CE aligns with wider frameworks like GDPR, ISO 27001, and the NIS Directive, and is often a stepping stone to full compliance.
• Offer cyber insurance advantages
  Some insurers offer lower premiums or enhanced cover to organisations that hold valid certification, viewing them as lower-risk clients.
• Boost internal awareness and resilience
  The certification process itself often prompts valuable conversations internally, leading to better cyber hygiene across teams and departments.

For SMEs in particular, CE and CE+ can level the playing field, offering a clear, achievable route to stronger security and competitive advantage.

From First Steps to Full Certification Support

At AJC, we support organisations at every stage of their CE journey, whether you’re just starting out or ready to move from CE to CE+.

Our specialists can help you:

• Scoping and Gap Analysis
  We help you define your current position and what needs to change to meet the standard.
• Support with Self-Assessment
  Our team guides you through the CE application and reviews your evidence before submission.
• Preparation for CE+
  We help you get audit-ready with practical, targeted recommendations and remediation support.
• Liaison with Certification Bodies
  We coordinate the testing process and manage communications to ensure a smooth experience.
• Beyond Certification
  For many, CE is just the first step. Our consultants can help embed best practices across your business or prepare you for more advanced standards like ISO 27001.

We’ll also work with you to ensure the process is proportionate and value-driven, helping you get the most from your investment in cyber security.

If you’d like to explore how CE or CE+ could benefit your organisation, or you’re looking for support with certification, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact us on 020 7101 4861 or email us at info@ajollyconsulting.co.uk if you think we can help.