CYBER ESSENTIALS
First Step To Stronger Cyber Security
Cyber Essentials is a UK government‑backed certification designed to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber threats. It focuses on five essential security controls and demonstrates that your business is taking the right steps to safeguard systems and data.
For organisations that need higher assurance, Cyber Essentials Plus adds independent technical testing to verify your controls through technical audits.
30+ Years
Protecting what matters most
CREST Certified experts Trusted Security Professionals
Trusted by NHS & UK Government
Proven. Reliable. Secure.
24/7 UK based SOC
Always on. Always Protecting.
Cyber Essentials Certification, Strengthen Your Defences, Prove Your Security
SERVICE OVERVIEW
Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials is designed to help organisations achieve a baseline level of cyber security. It focuses on five key controls: secure configurations, firewalls, access control, malware protection, and patch management. Certification demonstrates that your organisation is taking proactive steps to reduce risk and protect sensitive information.
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Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus builds on the standard certification with a more rigorous approach. It includes internal and external vulnerability scans, checks for patch management and malware protection, and tests your defences against common attack methods. This independent audit provides stronger assurance and helps you demonstrate a higher level of security maturity.
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CE + Pre-Assessment
If it is your first time achieving certification, we can support you with a gap analysis style pre-assessment to ensure that you are compliant and ready to for the formal audit.
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What you get with our Cyber Essentials Certificate
Guided Certification Process – We support you through every stage Cyber Essentials certification process.
Independent Technical Audit – As part of Cyber Essentials Plus, we deliver comprehensive internal and external testing to validate your cyber security controls and confirm compliance.
Actionable Recommendations – Receive clear guidance on addressing any gaps and strengthening your overall cyber security posture.
Cyber Essentials Key Features & Benefits
IASME Approved Certification Body
Sapphire is fully accredited to deliver Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.
Benefit: Trusted expertise and a proven track record.
Comprehensive Testing
Includes vulnerability scans, malware checks, MFA verification, and system reviews.
Benefit: Confirms your defences against real-world threats.
Cloud and Endpoint Coverage
Tests include cloud services, end-user devices, and public-facing infrastructure.
Benefit: Ensures protection across your entire environment
Clear Process and Timelines
Certification typically takes 1 day for Cyber Essentials and 3–5 days for Plus.
Benefit: Fast turnaround without unnecessary complexity.
Regular Reviews and Validity
Cyber Essentials Plus includes thorough scans of public-facing infrastructure and internal systems to identify weaknesses.
Benefit: Confirms your defences against real-world attack methods and reduces exposure to common exploits.
​External and Internal
Vulnerability Testing
Cyber Essentials Plus includes thorough scans of public-facing infrastructure and internal systems to identify weaknesses.
Benefit: Confirms your defences against real-world attack methods and reduces exposure to common exploits.
Pre-Assessment Supports
We review your controls and provide guidance before submission, reducing the risk of delays.
Collaborative Testing
Our team works with you during the Cyber Essentials Plus audit to ensure clarity and minimise disruption.
​Post-Certification Guidance
You receive prioritised recommendations to address any gaps and prepare for future assessments.