Cyber Essentials
Protect against common cyber threats
Access contracts requiring certification
Show that you take cyber security seriously
Enquire about CE+ & Penetration Testing Below
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials (CE) is a UK government-backed certification scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber attacks.
Think of it like an "MOT" for your digital security. It focuses on five basic technical controls that, when implemented correctly, can prevent around 80% of common cyber threats (like phishing, malware, and hacking).
Then there is Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+). CE+ is the next step after CE & builds upon the first certification to inspect, verify and validate your CE submission with the help of a qualified assessor. This valuable certification helps prove security controls are implemented and maintained to the Cyber Essentials Plus standard.
The 5 Key Controls
To get certified, an organisation must prove it has these five areas under control:
Firewalls: Creating a "buffer zone" between your internal network and the internet to block unauthorised access.
Secure Configuration: Ensuring devices and software are set up securely (e.g., changing default passwords and removing unnecessary apps).
User Access Control: Limiting access to data and services so that employees only have the permissions they need for their specific roles.
Malware Protection: Using up-to-date antivirus software and "sandboxing" to stop malicious code from running.
Security Update Management: Keeping all software and operating systems patched and up-to-date (typically within 14 days of a patch being released).
Why do I need it?
Government Contracts: It is mandatory for any business bidding for central government contracts that involve handling personal or sensitive data.
Customer Trust: It proves to your clients and partners that you take data security seriously.
Insurance Incentives: Many UK insurance companies offer lower premiums or even free basic cyber insurance to organisations that hold a valid certificate.
Supply Chain Safety: It helps ensure that your suppliers aren't a "weak link" that could lead to a breach of your own systems.
How can we help?
Benjifort was setup in 2025 to primarily help deliver the Cyber Essentials scheme. Prior to its creation, the main focus has been on delivering Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus audits to dozens of SME’s on the Beacon, Evendine, and Willow question sets.
With this expertise comes an understanding of the scheme, what the questions are asking of the client, and how businesses can adapt to become more cyber resiliant.
Benjifort offers two forms of Cyber Essentials Basic:
A discounted package for companies who need less assistance to certify
An assistance package to help guide SME’s to success
For Cyber Essentials Plus, Benjifort has teamed up with Red Citadel, enabling us to offer Cyber Essentials Plus alongside comprehensive penetration testing services.
This partnership ensures that our clients benefit from both foundational security certification and in-depth, real-world testing of systems. By combining our expertise with Red Citadel’s specialist capabilities, we can support businesses in strengthening their cybersecurity posture, meeting compliance requirements, and building trust with customers and stakeholders. You can find more about Red Citadel here.
