What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed, industry-recognized cybersecurity certification scheme that helps organizations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. It is aimed at businesses of all sizes. It offers a simple but effective set of security controls to safeguard sensitive data and systems from malware, phishing, and hacking.

It is designed to help you protect your company against the most common cyber security threats. It is an accreditation that shows your customers and suppliers that you take cybersecurity seriously. The Cyber Essentials scheme has two levels of certification: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. Both offer valuable cybersecurity credentials, but they differ in the assessment process and the depth of security validation.

Cyber Essentials is the foundational level of the scheme. It is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that want to demonstrate their commitment to basic cybersecurity practices. This level is based on a self-assessment questionnaire, where organizations answer questions about their cybersecurity policies and practices.

Cyber Essentials Plus is a more advanced level of certification. It includes all the benefits of Cyber Essentials but with added technical testing and verification. This level provides a more rigorous evaluation of your organization’s security measures conducted by a third-party assessor.

How can Aire Valley Computer Solutions help with Cyber Essentials?

AVCS offers IT security services that can help you prepare for Cyber Essentials certification. We can assess your current IT security practices, help you implement necessary changes, and guide you through the certification process. Whether you’re looking to achieve Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, we can provide the expertise and support to ensure that your business meets the standards required for certification.

We offer a streamlined Cyber Essentials certification process for customers on a Managed IT Support contract with AVCS at a fixed fee. This package includes:

1. Completion of the Cyber Essentials Questionnaire: We will complete the Cyber Essentials self-assessment questionnaire on your behalf. Our experts will ensure that all responses meet the certification standards and accurately reflect the state of your systems. Your primary responsibility will be to commit to any adjustments we recommend, though these should be minimal if you already adhere to our best practices. This streamlined process ensures a smooth and efficient path to certification.

2. Certification Fee: We cover the cost of the Cyber Essentials certification fee, providing you with peace of mind that there are no hidden expenses. This ensures you can focus entirely on achieving certification without worrying about additional financial considerations.

3. Support for Cyber Essentials Plus (If Applicable): If you choose to pursue Cyber Essentials Plus, which involves an independent technical assessment of your systems, we provide full support throughout the process. This includes liaising with the third-party assessor, ensuring all necessary documentation is prepared, and helping your systems pass the required technical checks. AVCS will work with you to address any identified gaps, making the journey to Cyber Essentials Plus certification seamless.

For customers not subscribed to our Managed IT Support plan, we offer comprehensive guidance to help you achieve Cyber Essentials certification. This certification is a widely recognized standard for safeguarding your business against cyber threats. Our team will work closely with you to assess your current systems, processes, and practices and identify areas for improvement.

To ensure a successful outcome, we provide detailed recommendations designed to meet the necessary standards for certification. However, your commitment to implementing these recommendations is essential to the process. By following our expert advice, you can achieve compliance and demonstrate a solid commitment to cybersecurity to your stakeholders.

Why Choose AVCS for Cyber Essentials Certification?

1. Expertise: With years of experience in IT security, AVCS possesses the in-depth knowledge required to guide businesses through Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications. We’ve helped numerous organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture, ensuring compliance with certification standards while safeguarding their operations from common cyber threats.

2. Efficient Process: At AVCS, we understand the importance of minimizing disruptions to your business. By entrusting us with the Cyber Essentials certification process, you can focus on your core operations while we handle everything. From completing assessments to ensuring compliance with best practices, we make the journey to certification smooth, stress-free, and efficient.

3. Fixed Fee for Managed IT Support Clients: We offer a cost-effective, fixed-fee approach to Cyber Essentials certification for businesses already benefiting from our Managed IT Support services. This includes everything from the initial assessment to completing the certification process, giving you a hassle-free way to demonstrate your commitment to cybersecurity without hidden fees or surprises.