In today’s business world, cyber security isn’t just a buzzword—it’s absolutely key to survival.
If you’re looking to win contracts, protect sensitive data, and build trust with your clients, Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification will already be on your radar.
But what exactly is CE+, and how does it differ from Cyber Essentials (CE)? More importantly, how can it benefit your business, and what’s involved in getting certified? Let’s dive in.
What is Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials Plus is an advanced level of the UK Government-backed Cyber Essentials scheme. Both certifications aim to help businesses defend against the most common cyber threats, but CE+ takes it a step further.
While Cyber Essentials involves a self-assessment and an external review of your submitted answers, Cyber Essentials Plus requires a more rigorous evaluation. An independent assessor will test your systems to ensure your cyber security measures are robust and functioning as expected.
Key Differences Between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
| Feature | Cyber Essentials | Cyber Essentials Plus |
| Self-assessment | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| External vulnerability scan | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Independent verification | ✖️ | ✔️ |
| Testing of systems | ✖️ | ✔️ |
In short, CE+ provides a deeper level of assurance for your business and your clients.
Why You Need Cyber Essentials Plus
Investing in CE+ certification can open up a world of opportunities for your organisation:
- Win New Business: Many government contracts and large companies require suppliers to hold CE+ certification. Without it, you could miss out on lucrative opportunities.
- Boost Customer Trust: Showing clients you prioritise cyber security enhances your credibility and reassures them their data is safe.
- Strengthen Cyber Defences: The certification process identifies vulnerabilities in your systems, allowing you to fix them before they’re exploited.
- Comply with Regulations: CE+ aligns with other frameworks such as GDPR, helping you stay compliant with data protection laws.
What You Need for CE+ Certification
Getting CE+ certified requires time, effort, and a solid cyber security foundation. Here are the key steps:
- Start with Cyber Essentials: You must first achieve the basic CE certification.
- Secure Your Systems: Ensure your devices, networks, and systems meet CE+ standards.
- Pass an Audit: An independent assessor will test your systems through simulated attacks and on-site reviews.
- Maintain Compliance: Cyber security isn’t a one-time fix. You’ll need to keep your systems updated to retain certification.
How Dial A Geek Makes CE+ Certification Easy
At Dial A Geek, we know navigating cyber security compliance can be daunting. That’s why our Protect & Grow plans are designed to align with CE+ requirements. When you sign up, all the technical work required to meet CE+ standards—such as ensuring secure configurations, patch management, and user access controls—is included as part of your plan.
This means you only need to cover the cost of the certification itself, saving you time, effort, and the hassle of coordinating with external providers.
Ready to Get Certified?
Cyber Essentials Plus is more than just a badge—it’s a commitment to protecting your business, your clients, and your future.
Dial A Geek is a National Cyber Security Centre’s Assured Cyber Advisor. We’ve already helped over 1,000 businesses in Bristol and across the UK improve their cyber security and achieve compliance. Why not be next?
Let’s discuss how we can streamline your journey to CE+ certification. Book a meeting with Gildas Jones today, and take the first step towards a more secure and successful future.