In the UK, the Cyber Essentials Plus certification is becoming ever more important as cyber-attacks become more sophisticated and more regular. The government-supported standard offers a clear measure of good-quality cybersecurity practice and enables organisations to safeguard against typical attacks like phishing, malware, and ransomware. In contrast to the straightforward self-certification, Cyber Essentials Plus involves a hands-on technical review to ensure security controls are not only implemented but indeed functioning as required. With increased regulatory burdens, customer trust on the line, and supply chain security increasingly important, Cyber Essentials Plus certification reflects a rigorous commitment to data security, resilience, and adherence and is therefore an essential step for UK organisations of all sizes.
Meeting the terms of Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus is the enhanced variant of the Cyber Essentials scheme, which is aimed at assisting organisations in protecting themselves against the most prevalent cyber risks. It consists of:
- A manual technical examination of systems
- Internal and external vulnerability scans
- Making sure security controls exist and are functioning properly
- Firewall, patch, and access control audit
- Real-world user endpoint device testing (desktops, laptops, etc.)
Organisations need to pass the Cyber Essentials Verified Self-Assessment (CE VSA) baseline test of cyber hygiene before CE Plus can be attained.
Our approach
Goaco collaborates closely with the internal IT personnel in organisations to walk them through the certification. Our process included:
- Gap analysis and vulnerability identification
- Control enhancement support
- High-touch communication and transparency throughout
- Guidance, testing, and assurance
- Customised assistance based on NCSC guidelines and CE Plus standards
The solution
We start with the CE Verified Self-Assessment, which gives us a snapshot of the current cyber security environment of your business. Our experts will then utilise advanced auditing tools to determine potential discrepancies and collaborate closely with your IT administrators to address issues in a timely manner.
After completing CE VSA, we will then carry out:
- Internal and external vulnerability scans
- Discussion sampling of devices in the IT estate
- Risk-based remediation plans based on threat intelligence
- Patching, anti-malware, and firewall setting audit
Each of the controls will be tested to ensure all are working in accordance with Cyber Essentials requirements, and in turn ensuring your systems are hardened to attacks in the real world.
Why this matters
No business is insusceptible from cyber-attacks, especially without the right tools to protect themself. By achieving the Cyber Essentials Plus certification, businesses can set the initial benchmark for building digital leadership—security, responsibility, and forward-thinking.
Previous project
As part of a bid to continue to give back to the community through charitable efforts, Goaco contacted the Gurdwara in Kent, UK, to inquire how we might assist their digital needs. They had the vision: to be the first Gurdwara in the UK to become certified to the Cyber Essentials Plus standard. With the assistance of Goaco, this became a reality.
“This milestone is an affirmation of a strong commitment to protecting the digital security and personal information of our Sangat, sevadars, and broader community.” — Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara.
Looking ahead: ongoing support & cyber maturity
Cyber Essentials Plus isn’t a milestone achievement—it’s a stepping stone to ongoing improvement. Goaco is dedicated to empowering businesses with:
- Ongoing cyber hygiene training
- Perspectives on emerging threat trends
- Strategic advice for continuous development of their security posture
Our mission is to make cybersecurity not only possible, but meaningful, and based on human connection, cultural understanding, and technical expertise.
If your organisation is considering investing in Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus, Goaco will assist your business every step of the way. Get in touch today.
Click here to know more about Cyber Essentials certification.