.png)
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme that shows your business is protected against the most common cyber attacks. Built around five key security controls, it offers two levels of certification, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, and lets you display the badge to show customers and partners you take security seriously.
.png)
Why Get Certified?
Win More Contracts
Certification is required for many government and public sector contracts, and increasingly expected by larger businesses within their supply chains.
Protect Your Business
Put proven controls in place that guard against the most common cyber attacks, reducing the risk of downtime, data loss and costly disruption.
Build Customer Trust
Display the Cyber Essentials badge to show customers, suppliers and partners that you take the security of their data seriously.
Gain Clear Direction
Get a clear picture of where your business stands, with practical steps to strengthen your IT security and keep it on track.
Who is Cyber Essentials for?
Cyber Essentials is suitable for organisations of every size, from sole traders and small teams to growing SMEs and charities. It’s especially valuable if you handle customer data, work within larger supply chains, or bid for government and public sector contracts, where certification is often a requirement. Whatever your sector, it gives you a recognised way to prove your business is protected.
The 5 Pillars of Cyber Essentials
These five security controls form the foundation of Cyber Essentials, protecting your business from the most common cyber threats. We assess, implement and manage each one, guiding you smoothly through certification.
1. Security Update Management
We remove default passwords, unused accounts and unnecessary software from your devices. Every system is set up securely from day one, giving attackers fewer ways in.
2. Malware protection
We protect every device against viruses, ransomware and other malicious software. Threats are detected and blocked early, so your business keeps running smoothly.
3. Secure Configuration
We keep your devices and software up to date with the latest security patches. Known weaknesses are fixed quickly, before they can be used against your business.
4. Firewalls
We set up and manage firewalls that act as a secure barrier between your business and the internet. Only the traffic your business needs gets through, keeping unwanted visitors out.
5. User Access Control
We make sure your team only has access to what they need to do their job. With multi-factor authentication and controlled admin rights, your accounts and data stay protected.
.png)
Cyber Essentials Vs Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials is a great starting point for most businesses, while Cyber Essentials Plus adds independent technical testing for extra assurance, often required by larger clients and public sector contracts. Not sure which is right for you? Our team will help you decide.
A self-assessment questionnaire independently checked by a qualified assessor. It confirms your organisation meets the scheme's five technical controls. Boyns can explain the questions, help you prepare and assess your application against the official requirements.
.png)
Builds on this by adding an independent, hands-on technical audit to verify that those controls are properly in place and working effectively.
Get Your Business Cyber Essentials Certified
Book a free cyber security audit and our team will show you exactly what’s needed to get your business Cyber Essentials certified.
.png)
FREE cyber security assessment
Discuss your current setup, uncover potential weaknesses and understand where your business could be at risk.
.png)
A Clear Path to Certification
Get practical, tailored recommendations to close any gaps, with our team guiding you through every stage of the assessment.
.png)
Ongoing Support to Stay Compliant
Certification lasts 12 months, and we help keep your protection up to date so you’re ready for renewal.
Cyber Essentials FAQs
Your Local IASME Certification Body
Based in Ruthin, Boyns is an IASME-licensed Certification Body supporting businesses and charities across North Wales.
We explain the requirements, help you identify gaps and assess your application against the scheme criteria. You get straightforward guidance from a local team, with certification awarded once the requirements are met.