Cyber Essentials
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification that outlines the security procedures a company has in place to secure its data. It demonstrates that your business takes security seriously and that you are protected from common cyber threats. Cyber Essentials is a ’must have’ if you’re aiming for government contracts or contracts that require this certification.
Why Choose Cyber Essentials?
While we already manage your security comprehensively, we particularly recommend Cyber Essentials if:
- You plan to bid for government tenders or want to apply for government funding
- You work in an industry that mandates Cyber Essentials
- You work with (or want to work with) prestigious clients and want to show them that data protection is a top priority and prove your business takes cyber security seriously.
How Does it Work?
Cyber Essentials focuses on five essential security measures (which you already have in place as a client of Singularitee):
Secure Configuration
Set up computers securely to minimise ways that a cyber-criminal can find a way in.
User Access Control
Control who can access your data and services and what level of access they have.
Malware Protection
Identify and immobilise viruses or other malicious software before they can cause harm.
Security Update Management
Prevent cyber criminals from using vulnerabilities in software as access points into your systems.
Firewalls
Create a security filter between the internet and your network.
We Handle the Certification Process for You
We will demonstrate that these measures are in place by completing a self-assessment on your behalf to meet the certification requirements.
The certification process takes about 1-2 weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive a shiny new certificate valid for 12 months.
If you would like to maintain your certification year on year, we can manage the renewal process on your behalf.
Certification Levels
There are two levels of certification. Choosing the right certification for your business depends on your specific needs:
- Cyber Essentials: As detailed above, is a certification that involves a self-assessment (done by us) to show you have the five security measures in place.
- Cyber Essentials Plus: is an advanced certification that includes an independent audit and technical testing to verify your security measures. You need to complete Cyber Essentials first before moving on to Cyber Essentials Plus.
Essentials Plan
Included in your Singularitee Subscription
- Security Configuration: Change default passwords, turn off unnecessary accounts and services, keep software updated, apply security settings, and limit admin access.
- User Access Controls: Give accounts only to authorised people, limit what they can access, use separate accounts for admin tasks, regularly check and update permissions, use multi-factor authentication to secure access, lock accounts after failed attempts, and enforce strong passwords.
- Malware Protection: Use Antivirus software, only download apps from trusted sources and prevent users from installing unapproved software.
- Security Update Management: Keep all software up to date by installing updates and patches as soon as they are available.
- Firewalls: Use firewalls to block unauthorised access, change default passwords, and configure settings to allow only necessary connections.
Advanced Plan
Cyber Essentials
Year 1 – £1,495
- Audit & Consultation: We carry out the self-assessment on your behalf, demonstrating that you have all five required security controls in place.
- Certification Delivery: Once the self-assessment is complete, we provide you with the official Cyber Essentials certification.
- Cyber Insurance: Cyber Security cover of up to £25,000.
Renewal cost per year: £1,075
Premium Plan
Cyber Essentials Plus
*You must be certified for Cyber Essentials to obtain Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
Starting from £1,399
- External Audit: In addition to the self-assessment, an external auditor tests your systems to verify the security measures.
- Higher Assurance: This testing includes vulnerability scans and checks to ensure your defences are effective. This provides a higher level of assurance that your cyber security measures are working as intended.
- Certification Delivery: Once complete, we provide you with the official Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
Cost per year:
1-9 users £1,399
10-49 users £1,499
50-99 users £1,799
100-499 users £2,299
If you are interested in Cyber Essentials, please contact us using the form below. We can then help you decide which certification is most appropriate and guide you through the process.