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Cyber Essentials helps to protect your business from cyber crime, and demonstrates to your customers that you have taken steps to keep their personal details safe.

Why obtain Cyber Essentials for your business?

Cyber Essentials certification proves to prospective clients that your business has the essential cyber security measures in place. This certification is endorsed by the National Cyber Security Centre. 

  • Evidence of the certification is now commonplace in many supply chains and tenders as a prerequisite for bidding.
  • The implementation and certification of the controls confirms that your business is safe against the majority of cyber threats.
  • GDPR regulation came into effect on May 25th 2018. Cyber Essentials certification proves your business has taken the first step towards compliance.
  • Cyber Essentials certification is mandatory for many central government contracts which such as the Ministry of Defence (MOD) or the Nuclear Decommisioning Authority (NDA).

The Certification

Designed to protect your organisation from cyber-based threats by ensuring your organisation is implementing the fundamental security controls which protect against the majority of online threats. APMG has been accrediting organizations for over two decades and its exemplary accreditation standards are world-renowned.

Cyber Essentials

  • Self-assessment questionnaire completed entirely online, at your own pace. 
  • Confirms your company’s IT systems comply with essential cyber security controls. 
  • Assurance that your company is protected against the most common cyber-attacks.
  • Certificate and branding package for successful organisations. 

Cyber Essentials PLUS

  • Provides maximum cyber security assurance. 
  • Involves an internal vulnerability scan of your network – including workstations and mobile devices. 

Cyber Essentials Recertification

To recertify, simply pay using our online store: https://store.apmg-international.com/certification/cyber-essentials

If successful your certificate will be issued in 2-3 working days by our certification body partner, Sophlee. IASME is the accreditation body.

 

How do I get a Cyber Essentials Certification?

APMG are no longer a Certification Body for Cyber Essentials but we've teamed up with Sophlee to help you become Cyber Essentials certified. To start your application visit the APMG Store.

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TESTIMONIALS

The process itself is simple yet very detailed and through. We are delighted to have become accredited and look forward to working with APMG and XyOne in the future

Thierry Zoghbi, gia

We found the re-certification process to be very straight forward indeed. From submission to award in less than 24 hours, we were suitably impressed with the speed and efficiency of the service we received.

Mike Easdon, Cartus

We found the APMG certification process extremely thorough and well-documented. We were delighted to be accredited first time and so quickly, as we place great emphasis on all aspects of IT security.

Hugh Silberrad, Polyformes Ltd

Our experience with applying for the Cyber Essentials certification has been a very smooth process. It was very speedy from the point we registered through to the certification being granted. There were helpful guides available and the application itself was well laid out and easy to work through. We’d highly recommend for anyone looking to certify their proactive approach to potential cyber security threats.

Liv Morris, Water Direct

The entire experience with APMG has been highly satisfactory in all aspects and we look forward to continued contact and working with you in the future.

Dan Brereton, Imperial Civil Enforcement Solutions

Cyber Essentials accreditation for us was swift and painless and, as we had a lot of the pre-existing documentation, we were accredited in under 24 hours. It’s given us a massive advantage at securing and discussing requirements with new, bigger customers.

Daniel Dainty, Kamazoy Virtual IT Department

I found the certification process with the APMG system to be very straightforward and easy to use, I had no issues throughout the process.

Keltie LLP

We are very happy with the service we received from APMG – the process was simple to follow and we attained certification well within our desired timelines

Anthony, Intelligent Decisioning Ltd

The process with APMG was without stress and very straight forward. The people were very helpful, and the software and user guides easy to use. I would definitely use them again.

Helen Taylor, Tricostar

The process with AMPG was very well documented and simple to follow, with the system itself being user-friendly and easy to upload documents. We are delighted to have be accredited on the first submission, and would not hesitate to recommend APMG - we will definitely use them again for any future certifications.

Elly, RMS Recruit

Cyber Essential Certification with APMG was extremely straight-forward with their slick system, allowing for a swift certification process. Highly Recommended

Alex Sweeting, 4 Ways Diagnostics

Our Certification process with APMG was a quick and rewarding process. We will definitely use APMG in the future and recommend them to anyone wishing to secure their I.T. infrastructure.

Barry, HMG Paints

We had a very straight forward experience getting certified by APMG, the team helped quickly and effectively when we had questions, and it took us around 24 hours to get certified!

Evan, Icelantic

APMG made registering very easy, online user guide was helpful & the process was very quick.

Martine, Hammond Clarke

Completing security questionnaires is a regular part of a Security Officer’s life, but the new APMG online version of Cyber Essentials is a big improvement. It was concise, meaningful and simple. If you’re well prepared, the task is a simple one.

Rob Batters, Northdoor Plc

CONTACT US

FAQs

How do I get a Cyber Essentials badge for my organisation?

We have partnered with Capula to deliver Cyber Essentials certification - please visit the APMG Store 

Once you have paid you will receive a unique link from Capula to create an account on the CyberSmart portal.

Complete your questionnaire on the CyberSmart Portal and submit for assessment.

When successful - you will be awarded your Cyber Essentials certification and badge.

How long does the certification last for?

Both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials PLUS certificates last for 12 months from the date of certification. 

How do I know what will be in scope for my Cyber Essentials assessment?

Cyber Essentials certification can cover the whole of an organisation’s enterprise IT, or a sub-set.

Whether the whole or a part of the organisation is subject to certification, the scope must be clearly defined in terms of the organisation or business unit managing it, the network boundary and physical location.

The name on the certificate must be consistent with the scope.

Cyber Essentials is not intended for use with bespoke IT systems such as those found in manufacturing, industrial control systems, on-line retail and other environments.

Whilst the fundamentals of Cyber Essentials are equally applicable, these types of system will have different constraints, attack vectors and vulnerabilities.

In general, the areas that will be in scope are those that affect the security of your information and over which you have control. That will include any IT equipment within your offices or properties from where you operate. 

It will also include any outsourced services where you have a specific contract (such as for the provision of IT equipment) as distinct from a “generic” contract with people like Google for Gmail email services. 

This might mean you need to check with your service provider exactly how they deal with your information and the security of the services they provide to you.

Will Cyber Essentials stop me getting hacked?

Cyber Essentials offers a sound foundation of basic hygiene measures that all types of organisations can implement and potentially build upon.

Implementing these measures can significantly reduce an organisation's vulnerability. However, it does not offer a silver bullet to remove all cyber security risk; for example, it is not designed to address more advanced, targeted attacks and organisations facing these threats will need to implement additional measures as part of their security strategy.

I do not operate my own ISP / have a server, just a laptop / desktop. Is Cyber Essentials suitable for me?

Yes - it most certainly suitable for you. Whilst you might think you are not likely to be a target for an attack from the internet, the fact that you are a small organisation suggests to attackers you might be doing less to protect yourself.  

Cyber Essentials will help to ensure you will not fall victim to such attacks or can recover from them more effectively if you do.

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