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What Are Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus

• Cyber Essentials is a self-assessed certification that ensures your organisation meets five core security controls:

  1. Firewalls and routers
  2. Secure configuration
  3. User access control
  4. Malware protection
  5. Security updates and patch management

• Cyber Essentials Plus builds on this with a hands-on technical audit conducted by an external assessor. It verifies that your controls are not just in place—but working effectively in real-world conditions 

Why Certification Matters

• Compliance: Required for many UK government contracts and increasingly expected in regulated sectors.
• Risk Reduction: Helps prevent common cyber attacks like ransomware, phishing, and unauthorised access.
• Trust: Demonstrates to clients and partners that you take cybersecurity seriously.
• Insurance: Some cyber insurance providers offer better terms or lower premiums for certified organisations.

How to Prepare: A Step-by-Step Guide

Secure Chain Technology Group Ltd has helped numerous clients—including iitac and Care4Generations—achieve certification through a structured, supportive process 

. Here’s how it works:

1. Initial Assessment

Secure Chain conducts a gap analysis to identify where your current setup falls short of Cyber Essentials requirements. This includes:

• Reviewing firewall configurations
• Assessing endpoint security
• Evaluating user access policies

2. Implementation Support

Based on the findings, Secure Chain provides a tailored implementation plan. This may include:

• Hardening device configurations
• Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Updating patch management processes

3. Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)

Secure Chain guides you through the SAQ, ensuring your answers align with the latest 2025 “Willow” question set and version 3.2 of the requirements 

4. Cyber Essentials Certification

Once the SAQ is complete and reviewed, Secure Chain submits it to the certification body for approval.

5. Pre-Audit Assessment (for CE+)

Before the technical audit, Secure Chain performs a dry run to ensure you’re ready. This includes:

• Vulnerability scanning
• Device sampling
• Cloud service configuration checks

6. Technical Audit and Certification

A certified assessor (e.g. from Incursion Cyber Security or Predatech) conducts the audit. Secure Chain coordinates the process and helps address any remediation actions 

What Secure Chain Brings to the Table

• Expertise: Deep knowledge of Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, and CIS controls.
• End-to-End Support: From gap analysis to audit coordination and remediation.
• Tailored Advice: Solutions that fit your business size, sector, and risk profile.
• Proven Track Record: Successful certifications for clients across legal, healthcare, and professional services.

Final Thoughts

Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus aren’t just checkboxes—they’re a foundation for a resilient, secure business. With the 2025 updates now live, it’s more important than ever to ensure your controls are up to date and audit-ready.

Secure Chain Technology Group Ltd is here to help you prepare, pass, and protect your business with confidence.