What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is the UK Government-backed certification scheme that proves your business has the fundamentals of cybersecurity in place. It’s built around five key technical controls, and it’s increasingly required for public sector contracts, supplier agreements, and cyber insurance.
Stronger security
The process leaves your IT genuinely more secure, not just certified on paper.
Builds trust with customers, often required for tenders and contracts, improves your security and business resilience
Why It Matters
The Five Controls
🧱 Firewalls — keeping unwanted traffic out of your network
🔐 Secure configuration — locking down devices beyond their default settings
⚙️ User access control — making sure only the right people have the right access
🛡️ Malware protection — layered defence against ransomware and malicious software
📥 Security update (patch) management — closing the gaps attackers rely on
Our Process
Step 1 — Gap Analysis
We review your business against the five controls and show you exactly where you stand.
Step 2 — Strengthen Your Setup
We work with you on the areas most likely to need attention — firewalls, patching, access control, and more.
Step 3 — Independent Assessment
Once you’re ready, our authorised partner carries out the official Cyber Essentials assessment.
Step 4 — Certified
You’re certified — a recognised badge you can use with customers, suppliers, and on tenders.
Everyone Fails First Time — And That’s OK
Here’s something most businesses don’t know going in: almost everyone fails their first Cyber Essentials assessment. It’s not a red flag — it’s the whole point of the process. The scheme is designed to find gaps, not catch you out.
We work alongside you throughout, so you’re going into the assessment as well-prepared as possible
Not at all — we can work alongside your existing setup.
It depends on your starting point. We’ll give you a realistic timeline after the gap analysis.
That’s expected and normal — we work with you to address them ahead of resubmission. It’s part of the standard process.
No — assessment and certification are carried out by our authorised Cyber Essentials partner. We handle the guidance, preparation, and fixes.
It’s renewed annually, so your certification stays current as threats change.
Cyber Essentials doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re starting from scratch, preparing for renewal, or need help addressing gaps identified during an assessment, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
From the initial gap analysis through to certification, we’ll help you understand the requirements, strengthen your security posture, and approach the assessment with confidence.
Speak to our team today and take the first step towards Cyber Essentials certification. Alternatively, Email: sales@centro.co.uk
