CYBERSECURITY CERTIFICATION

Cyber Essentials. The UK's Baseline Standard.

Cyber Essentials is the UK Government-backed certification scheme that protects your business against the most common cyber threats. Intech helps businesses in Hampshire and across the South achieve and maintain their Cyber Essentials certification.

WHY IT MATTERS

What is Cyber Essentials and do you need it?

Cyber Essentials was developed by the UK Government's NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) in response to the rising tide of cybercrime. Research shows that implementing its five controls protects against up to 80% of the most common cyber attacks.

Certification is increasingly required - and in some cases mandatory. All suppliers to UK central government contracts involving sensitive data must hold Cyber Essentials. MOD suppliers must hold Cyber Essentials Plus. Many local authorities, NHS trusts, schools and large private companies now require it from their supply chain.

Even if it's not mandatory for your business, certification demonstrates to customers, partners and insurers that you take cybersecurity seriously. It's also a requirement for many cyber liability insurance policies.

Two levels of certification

Cyber Essentials

Self-assessed questionnaire reviewed by a certifying body. Confirms your policies and controls are in place. Completed online, typically within a few days.

Good for: most businesses, supply chain requirements

Cyber Essentials Plus

Includes an independent technical audit where a certified assessor tests your systems directly. A higher standard - and independently verified.

Required for: MOD contracts, NHS suppliers, government work

THE FIVE CONTROLS

What Cyber Essentials actually requires

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Firewalls A boundary firewall must be in place and correctly configured to prevent unauthorised access. Covers both hardware firewalls (like Sophos XGS) and software firewalls on devices.

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Secure Configuration Computers and network devices must be configured securely - no default passwords, unnecessary software removed, unnecessary features disabled. Reduces your attack surface.

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User Access Control User accounts must have the minimum privileges needed. Admin accounts must only be used when necessary. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required for cloud services and remote access.

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Malware Protection Endpoint protection software must be installed on all devices and kept up to date. Covers antivirus, anti-malware and solutions like Sophos Intercept X that use AI detection.

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Patch Management Software and operating systems must be kept up to date. High-risk patches must be applied within 14 days. Applies to operating systems, apps and firmware.

HOW WE HELP

Intech's Cyber Essentials support service

We don't just hand you a questionnaire and wish you luck. Our team works through each of the five controls with you, identifies gaps in your current IT setup, and makes the changes needed to get you over the line.

We're Cyber Essentials certified ourselves, so we know exactly what assessors are looking for. We use the same Sophos toolset we recommend to customers to meet the technical requirements for firewalls, endpoint protection and patch management.

Once you're certified, we can maintain your compliance year-on-year as part of an ongoing managed IT service - so renewal is straightforward rather than a last-minute scramble.

Get help with your application

What's included in our support

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Pre-assessment gap analysis of your current IT setup

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Firewall configuration and review (Sophos XGS)

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Endpoint protection rollout (Sophos Intercept X)

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MFA setup for Microsoft 365 and remote access

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Patch management monitoring and reporting

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User access control review and hardening

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Questionnaire guidance and submission support

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Annual renewal management as part of managed IT

Ready to get certified?

Whether you need Cyber Essentials for a contract requirement or simply want to improve your security posture, we'll guide you through the process from start to certificate.

Start Your Certification