April 15, 2025
in
Cyber Security
News by Apex Computing
In today's digital age, cyber security is more critical than ever. For businesses in Greater Manchester, achieving Cyber Essentials accreditation can be a game-changer. But what exactly is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, and why should your business consider these certifications? Let's dive in!
Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification that helps businesses protect themselves from the most common types of cyber attacks. It focuses on five key areas of cyber security: firewalls, secure configurations, access control, malware protection, and software patching. The basic Cyber Essentials certification involves a self-assessment questionnaire, which is reviewed by an external Certification Body.
On the other hand, Cyber Essentials Plus includes all the requirements of Cyber Essentials but adds an extra layer of assurance. It involves a technical audit of your IT systems to verify that the necessary controls are in place. This audit is conducted by an external Certification Body, providing a higher level of security assurance.
"For companies looking to either start out on their cyber security journey, or for companies wanting to demonstrate what they already have in place, the Cyber Essentials certifications are a great starting point. The Cyber Essentials framework is in line with cyber security best practices, helping to protect you and your company against some of the most common attack vectors seen in incidents.
Here at Apex, we have developed a Security Audit framework that focuses primarily on the Cyber Essentials framework, but also checks and reports on other common areas of compromise. Following the audit, a report is sent with full details of everything checked, and two tables for remedial work - one for work required for passing Cyber Essentials, and another for work that is not required for Cyber Essentials but is recommended to help further increase your cyber security."
Nathaniel Gill
Head of Cyber Security at Apex
Why Greater Manchester Businesses Should Have Cyber Essentials Accreditation
Greater Manchester is a hub of business activity, with many organisations relying heavily on digital infrastructure. Here are a few reasons why businesses in this region should consider Cyber Essentials accreditation:
Enhanced Security
Cyber Essentials helps protect your business from the most common cyber threats, reducing the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
Building Trust
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates to customers, partners, and stakeholders that your business takes cyber security seriously. This can enhance your reputation and build trust.
Compliance and a Competitive Edge
Many contracts, especially with government or larger enterprises, require or favour suppliers to have Cyber Essentials accreditation. By attaining it, your business gains a competitive advantage in bidding for new business and meets key compliance obligations more easily.
We have been putting customers through the Cyber Essentials certification since 2018, and Paweł from David M Robinson had this to say about his experience with us over the past 5 years of Cyber Essentials:
"We're really pleased to be working with Apex on the Cyber Essentials scheme. At David M Robinson, trust and attention to detail are at the heart of everything we do - not only in our design and client experience, but also in how we approach cyber security. Taking part in this scheme is an important step for us in strengthening the protection of our systems and customer data.
Apex make the entire process straightforward from start to finish. Their guidance, clarity, and hands-on support help us navigate the requirements smoothly and with confidence. It's reassuring to know we have a partner who understands our business and shares our commitment to maintaining high standards across the board."
When to Consider Cyber Essentials Plus Over Cyber Essentials
While both accreditations are valuable, there are certain situations where Cyber Essentials Plus might be the better choice for your business:
- Handling Sensitive Data: If your business deals with sensitive or personal data, Cyber Essentials Plus provides a high level of assurance that your systems are secure.
- Operating in regulated industries: Businesses in regulated industries, such as finance or healthcare, may need the additional security measures provided by Cyber Essentials Plus to meet industry standards and regulations.
- Seeking increased credibility: For businesses looking to enhance their credibility and demonstrate a strong commitment to cyber security, Cyber Essentials Plus offers a more rigorous certification process.
Achieving Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certification is a smart move for any business in Greater Manchester. Not only does it enhance your security posture, but it also builds trust with your customers and partners, and gives you a competitive edge in the marketplace. Whether you choose the basic Cyber Essentials or the more comprehensive Plus, taking steps to improve cyber security is an investment in the future of your business.
