Cyber Security
Cyber Essentials
Protect your business. Prove your security
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cyber security certification designed to help organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. It demonstrates that your business has implemented essential technical controls to defend against attacks such as phishing, malware, ransomware and unauthorised access.
At Minster Micro Computers, we help organisations prepare for, achieve, and maintain Cyber Essentials certification with clear guidance, practical support and assessor-level expertise.
At Minster Micro Computers, we are Cyber Essentials certified and we help organisations prepare, achieve, and maintain Cyber Essentials certifications as an IASME Certification Body
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a nationally recognised cyber security standard developed by the UK Government and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It focuses on five key technical control areas that protect against the majority of common cyber attacks:
- Firewalls and internet gateways
- Secure configuration of devices and systems
- User access control
- Malware protection
- Patch management and updates
Certification provides reassurance to your customers, suppliers and stakeholders that your organisation takes cyber security seriously.
Why Cyber Essentials Matters
Cyber Essentials is a nationally recognised cyber security standard developed by the UK Government and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It focuses on five key technical control areas that protect against the majority of common cyber attacks:
- Firewalls and internet gateways
- Secure configuration of devices and systems
- User access control
- Malware protection
- Patch management and updates
Certification provides reassurance to your customers, suppliers and stakeholders that your organisation takes cyber security seriously.
Our Cyber Essentials Support
We support organisations at every stage of the Cyber Essentials journey, from first-time applicants to businesses renewing annually.
Our service includes:
- Gap analysis against Cyber Essentials requirements
- Guidance on required technical controls and evidence
- Support completing the Cyber Essentials questionnaire
- Remediation advice to address non-compliance
- Ongoing support to maintain certification year-on-year
Our cyber team includes Cyber Essentials Assessors, meaning we can help you avoid common pitfalls and unnecessary delays.
Expert-Led, Practical Advice
Our Cyber Essentials support is delivered by our own Cyber Essentials Assessors who are experienced cyber security professionals with real-world technical expertise. This means:
- Advice is practical and achievable, not theoretical
- Controls are aligned with how your business actually operates
- Security improvements are prioritised based on real risk
- Certification is achieved without unnecessary disruption
We don’t just help you pass — we help you improve your security posture.
Who is Cyber Essentials For?
Cyber Essentials is suitable for organisations of all sizes, including:
- Small and medium-sized businesses
- Organisations handling customer or personal data
- Companies bidding for government or regulated contracts
- Businesses looking to strengthen their cyber foundations
Whether you’re starting your cyber security journey or formalising existing controls, Cyber Essentials is a strong first step.
Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus
Feature / Requirement
Assessment Type
Verification Method
Technical Testing
Level of Assurance
Certification Validity
Cyber Essentials
Self-Assessment Questionnaire
Submitted answers reviewed by an external assessor
No
Basic assurance
12 months
Cyber Essentials Plus
Independent On-Site/Remote Verification
Technical tests by an external assessor
Internal & External Vulnerability Testing
Higher assurance with verified security
12 months
Ready to get started?
Take the next steps towards recognised cyber security assurance.
Whether you’re seeking Cyber Essentials or the more comprehensive IASME Cyber Assurance, Minster Micro Computers is ready to help you achieve certification smoothly.
Call us today on 01562 68211 or email sales@minstermicro.co.uk to arrange a preliminary audit with our certified assessors and begin your journey to trusted cyber-resilience.
Cyber Essentials FAQs
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a certification that businesses can gain which helps to protect them against the threat of cyber-attacks. The UK Government has backed this scheme and it is developed and operated by the National Cyber Security Centre. The objective is to create a safer internet space for all organisations across all sectors.
Is Cyber Essentials a legal requirement?
Cyber Essentials is a legal requirement for businesses looking for central government contracts, particularly those which involve personal information.
For example, this includes:
- Handling personal information of citizens (e.g. home address, bank details).
- Handling government employees, ministers and special advisors personal information, such as payroll and travel bookings.
- Provide IT systems and services which store or process data that is classified within the Government Security Classifications.
What is included in Cyber Essentials?
There are two Cyber Essentials packages available. Cyber Essentials includes an online self-assessment questionnaire and certification upon successful completion, valid for one year, as well as the ability to exercise Cyber Essentials branding on your business.
The Cyber Essentials Plus package includes: support and guidance through the application process, as well as a certification valid for 12 months upon successful completion; support continues with a dedicated helpdesk, alongside an on-site assessment. Cyber Essentials branding can be utilised for the promotion of a business, plus there are no resubmission fees.
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