Cyber Essentials certification
A UK government-backed scheme that protects your business against the most common cyber attacks — and proves to customers, partners and regulators that you take security seriously.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a certification scheme backed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It sets out a baseline of five technical controls that, when properly implemented, stop the vast majority of internet-based attacks.
For small and medium businesses it is the most practical first step in cyber security — affordable, well understood, and increasingly expected by customers and supply chains. Network Fish guides London businesses through both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, from gap assessment to certificate.
The five core controls
Get these right and you close the door on most common attacks. We assess, remediate and maintain each one across your devices and cloud services.
Firewalls
Secure your internet connection so only safe, necessary traffic reaches your network and devices.
Secure configuration
Set up devices and software to reduce vulnerabilities and provide only the services you actually need.
User access control
Ensure staff only have access to the data and services they need, with admin rights tightly managed.
Malware protection
Defend against viruses and other malicious software across every one of your devices.
Security update management
Keep devices and software patched and up to date with the latest supported versions.
Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus
Choose the level of assurance that fits your business. We prepare you for either — and manage the whole process.
Cyber Essentials
A verified self-assessment of your controls against the five-control standard. The fastest, most cost-effective route to certification and a strong security baseline.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Everything in Cyber Essentials, plus a hands-on technical audit by a certified assessor — the highest level of assurance, and often required for larger contracts.
Why get certified?
Win more business
Certification is now required for many UK government and supply-chain contracts.
Reassure customers
Show clients and partners that their data is protected by a recognised standard.
Reduce your risk
Close the door on phishing, malware and unauthorised access before they cost you.
Support insurance
Many cyber insurance policies look for Cyber Essentials as a baseline requirement.
How Network Fish helps
- Gap assessment. We review your devices, cloud services and Microsoft 365 against the five controls and show you exactly where you stand.
- Remediation. We fix the gaps — firewalls, configuration, access, malware protection and patching — with minimal disruption.
- Certification. We guide you through the assessment (or the Plus audit) all the way to your certificate.
- Stay compliant. With ongoing managed IT support, we help you keep your certification year after year.
Ready to get Cyber Essentials certified?
Talk to a real engineer about where your business stands today — no jargon, no obligation.
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