Cyber Essentials

IT Compliance

Cyber Essentials is a protection standard developed in the United Kingdom to address fundamental cyber threats. It defines the technical security requirements, such as protecting end devices, controlling network access, and keeping software up to date, in order to safeguard organisations against threats like malware and ransomware attacks.

Cyber Essentials,UK standard,public sector,IT security,cyber security
The Cyber Essentials certification is designed for businesses of all sizes that want to demonstrate they implement basic security measures, thereby increasing their resilience to cyber threats. This certification is especially important for organisations working with the public sector, IT service providers, or industries requiring data protection. Although the standard was developed in the UK, the certification is also available for organisations operating in the UK market, regardless of their location, and may be required to meet contractual security requirements.

Cyber Essentials Certification – Key Stages and Benefits for IT Security

The Cyber Essentials certification process begins with a self-assessment of security to verify compliance with requirements regarding the protection of devices, networks, and data. The organisation identifies potential security gaps and takes corrective actions, such as updating software or implementing threat protection systems. The company then completes a detailed questionnaire assessing the state of its security in five key areas, such as access management, protection against malware, and network monitoring.

This questionnaire is then submitted to an accredited certifying body, which verifies compliance with the required standards. Upon successful completion of the audit, the organisation receives the Cyber Essentials certification, valid for 12 months, after which the certification must be renewed. The Cyber Essentials certificate serves as the foundation for IT security and enables organisations to meet cybersecurity requirements when collaborating with the public sector and other entities requiring certification.

How We Can Assist You with the Cyber Essentials Certification Process

We help our clients obtain the Cyber Essentials certification by providing comprehensive support at every stage of the certification process. We begin with a detailed IT security audit to identify potential security gaps and areas that need improvement. Then, we develop a tailored action plan to implement necessary changes in the protection of devices, networks, and data.

We also assist with completing the questionnaire, which is part of the certification process, and support its submission to the accredited certifying body. After the certification is obtained, we also offer assistance in maintaining compliance with the Cyber Essentials standard and preparing for the annual re-evaluation.

How We Will Work with You on Cybersecurity and Cyber Essentials Certification

Stage 1

Current State
Review

Regardless of whether you are applying for the Cyber Essentials certification or already hold the certification, we need to review your current state to assess what has already been implemented, what works, and where challenges exist. This phase will help us better understand your organisation, identify areas for improvement, and introduce actions to enhance your IT security.

Stage 2

Action Plan
Development

Based on the current state review and your specific needs, we will propose an action plan. This will be tailored to your organisation’s requirements and challenges. Drawing from our wide experience, the solutions will be designed specifically for you and aligned with your organisation’s IT environment.

Stage 3

Implementation
Support

If you don’t want to resolve known issues by yourself or don’t have time for ongoing improvement or maintenance activities, leave it to the specialists. We will handle your security gaps from start to finish. We will create new processes, implement improvements, prepare documentation, and train your staff. While you could handle it yourself, entrusting the task to specialists will make it quicker, easier, and more cost-effective.

Stage 4

Internal
Audit

We will conduct an internal audit in your organisation, required by the Cyber Essentials standard, and prepare a report showing your compliance and areas for improvement. Internal audits assess the state of implementation and readiness for certification. These audits help identify areas for improvement and eliminate potential non-compliance issues.

Stage 5

Self-Assessment
Form Completion

We will assist with completing your self-assessment form, which checks whether your security procedures comply with the Cyber Essentials requirements. It includes answers to questions about various security areas. We can complete this for you or work together to ensure all aspects are appropriately covered.

Stage 6

Submitting the
Certification Application

After successfully completing the internal audit, you will need to submit your application for the Cyber Essentials certificate. Depending on the process chosen, this may involve a self-assessment or an evaluation conducted by an accredited certifying body.

Stage 7

Verification

In the case of self-assessment, you will undergo external verification, where the accredited organisation will check if the responses to the questionnaire are accurate and if your organisation meets the requirements. This may involve a technical audit to confirm security measures. We will be with you every step of the way, ensuring the process is smooth and efficient.

Stage 8

Continuous
Support

Security is an ongoing process. After obtaining the certification, you will need to invest time and resources in maintaining compliance and security. You can do this in-house with your own resources or simply delegate it to us. We will manage it for you, working as part of your organisation to ensure continuous compliance with the Cyber Essentials standard.

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Patronusec Sp z o. o.

Head Office:
ul. Święty Marcin 29/8
61-806 Poznań, Polska

KRS: 0001039087
REGON: 525433988
NIP: 7831881739
D-U-N-S: 989454390
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