Cyber Essentials Help for Small Business: A Practical Guide to Certification and Protection

Protecting your business from the most common cyber threats, simply and affordably.

Why Cyber Essentials Matters

Cyber security isn’t just for big corporations. Just because you run a small business and feel that you won’t be targeted, this isn’t the case. Small Businesses face cyber attacks regularly, it just doesn’t make for as interesting news stories as one of the large corporations, you’re just as likely if not more to be targeted by cyber criminals. Why? Because attackers know smaller organisations often lack dedicated IT teams or robust defences.

That’s where Cyber Essentials comes in. It’s a entry level government-backed certification scheme designed to help UK businesses protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. And the best part? It’s practical, affordable, and achievable, even if you’re not a tech expert.

This guide walks you through the essentials of Cyber Essentials (v3.2), what’s changed, and how your small business can get certified with confidence.

What Is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a set of five technical controls that, when implemented correctly, can protect your business from the majority of cyber attacks. It’s not about perfection, it’s about getting the basics right.

The five control areas are:

1. Firewalls
2. Secure Configuration
3. Security Update Management
4. User Access Control
5. Malware Protection

Let’s break these down in plain English.

Step-by-Step: What You Need to Do

1. Firewalls

What it means: You need to control who can access your network.
What to do:

• Use a firewall on your internet connection (your router usually has one).
• Make sure it’s configured to block unwanted traffic.
• If you use cloud services or remote access, apply firewall rules there too.

2. Secure Configuration

What it means: Devices and software should be set up securely.
What to do:

• Remove unused apps and accounts.
• Change default passwords.
• Disable features you don’t need (like remote access if it’s not used).

3. Security Update Management

What it means: Keep everything up to date.
What to do:

• Enable automatic updates for operating systems and apps.
• Regularly check for updates on devices that don’t update automatically.
• Apply critical patches as soon as possible.

4. User Access Control

What it means: Only the right people should have access to the right things.
What to do:

• Give staff access only to what they need.
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Remove access when someone leaves the business.

5. Malware Protection

What it means: Protect your devices from viruses and malicious software.
What to do:

• Install antivirus software on all devices.
• Use built-in protections like Microsoft Defender.
• Avoid downloading files or clicking links from unknown sources.

What’s New in Version 3.2?

Cyber Essentials v3.2 includes updates to reflect modern working practices:

• Passwordless authentication is now recognised as a secure method.
• Remote working is fully integrated into scope.
• Manual configuration fixes are now part of update management.
• Cloud services and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) are more clearly defined.

These changes make the scheme more relevant to how small businesses operate today, especially those with hybrid teams or outsourced IT.

What to Consider Before You Start

Scope your certification

Decide which parts of your business are in scope (e.g. just your office network, or remote workers too).

Get your documentation ready

You’ll need to show evidence of your controls.

Choose a certification level

Start with Cyber Essentials or go further with Cyber Essentials Plus, which includes a hands-on technical audit.

Use the Readiness Tool

The NCSC offers a free Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool to help you assess your current posture.

Why It’s Worth It

Reputation

Show customers and partners you take security seriously.

Compliance

Meet requirements for public sector contracts.

Protection

Reduce your risk of ransomware, phishing, and data breaches.

Peace of mind

Know you’ve covered the basics.

Final Thoughts

Cyber Essentials isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being prepared. For small businesses, it’s a smart, achievable way to build resilience and trust. And with version 3.2, it’s more relevant than ever.

If you’re ready to take the next step, GRC Hub can help you assess your readiness, close any gaps, and guide you through certification.

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