As cyber threats grow more advanced, achieving Cyber Essentials Plus has become a vital step for organisations aiming to strengthen their cybersecurity and earn client trust. While the standard Cyber Essentials certification offers a strong starting point, Cyber Essentials Plus takes it further with hands-on technical verification. Getting certified may seem daunting, but with the right preparation, your business can achieve Cyber Essentials Plus smoothly. In this article, we’ll share top tips to help you succeed and fully understand how Cyber Essentials fits into your overall security strategy.
Understand the Difference Between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus
Before preparing for Cyber Essentials Plus, ensure you fully grasp how it differs from the basic Cyber Essentials. While Cyber Essentials is a self-assessed certification covering five key security controls, Cyber Essentials Plus includes an external audit conducted by a certification body. You’ll be tested on real-world effectiveness, not just policy. This makes Cyber Essentials Plus more thorough and more credible in the eyes of clients and partners.
Complete Cyber Essentials First
A key prerequisite for Cyber Essentials Plus is passing the standard Cyber Essentials certification. Use this process to identify weaknesses and fix them. Many organisations rush through Cyber Essentials, but taking the time to properly implement all five controls—firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and patch management—lays the groundwork for passing Cyber Essentials Plus on the first try.
Conduct Internal Audits Before the Assessment
Don’t wait for the assessor to find your weaknesses. Perform your own internal audits based on Cyber Essentials Plus criteria. Simulate vulnerability scans, review software patch levels, and test endpoint security. Aligning your practices with Cyber Essentials standards before the assessment reduces the chance of surprises and increases your chances of passing.
Keep All Systems Fully Updated
One of the most common reasons organisations fail Cyber Essentials Plus is outdated software. Make sure all operating systems, applications, and firmware are patched and up to date. The Cyber Essentials framework requires timely patching of vulnerabilities, typically within 14 days of release. Keeping your systems compliant with this timeline is essential for achieving Cyber Essentials Plus.
Limit User Access and Enforce Strong Password Policies
Cyber Essentials stresses the importance of access control. Limit administrative rights to essential personnel only. During the Cyber Essentials Plus assessment, user accounts are checked for privilege levels and password policies. Enforcing complex passwords and multi-factor authentication across your network is not only a Cyber Essentials requirement—it’s a major component of passing the Plus-level audit.
Document Everything
While Cyber Essentials Plus is focused on technical testing, your ability to provide documentation can still influence the audit process. Ensure you have records of software updates, access control policies, antivirus configurations, and internal security reviews. Clear documentation shows the assessor that your Cyber Essentials implementation is both real and consistent.
Choose the Right Certification Body
Not all certification bodies approach Cyber Essentials Plus assessments the same way. Partner with a body that provides guidance and support, not just pass/fail results. Experienced assessors will offer valuable insights that can help you address gaps and maintain ongoing compliance with Cyber Essentials standards.
Train Your Staff
Employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity. Include staff training as part of your Cyber Essentials implementation plan. Awareness of phishing attacks, secure password habits, and safe internet use is critical—especially since Cyber Essentials Plus assessors may test user behaviors as part of their checks.
Final Thoughts
Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus certification is a valuable investment in your organisation’s cybersecurity and reputation. By building on your Cyber Essentials foundation with a clear focus on technical readiness, regular patching, access control, and internal audits, your business will be well-positioned for success. With strong preparation and attention to detail, Cyber Essentials Plus can not only strengthen your digital defences but also enhance trust with clients, partners, and regulatory bodies—making it an essential step in today’s threat-filled cyber landscape.
