Protect Your Business. Win More Contracts. Demonstrate Your Commitment to Cyber Security.

Cyber Essentials Certification

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and businesses of every size are being targeted by cyber criminals. Whether it's ransomware, phishing emails, stolen passwords or malware, the impact of a successful attack can be devastating.

Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed certification scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber attacks. It demonstrates to customers, suppliers and stakeholders that your business takes cyber security seriously and has implemented essential security controls.

At Soltech IT Ltd, we guide businesses through the entire Cyber Essentials certification process, making it simple, stress-free and cost-effective.

Whether you're applying for the first time or renewing your certification, our experienced consultants will ensure your organisation is fully prepared and compliant.

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a nationally recognised cyber security certification developed by the UK Government's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It establishes a baseline level of cyber security by ensuring organisations have implemented key technical controls to protect against common online threats.

Research shows that the controls required by Cyber Essentials can prevent the vast majority of common cyber attacks.

Achieving certification demonstrates that your organisation follows recognised cyber security best practices and is committed to protecting customer data and business systems.

Why is Cyber Essentials Important?

Cyber attacks don't just affect large corporations. Small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly targeted because attackers often assume they have weaker security.

Cyber Essentials helps reduce the likelihood of:

• Ransomware attacks
• Phishing attacks
• Malware infections
• Password compromise
• Data breaches
• Unauthorised access
• Financial fraud
• Business disruption

For many organisations, Cyber Essentials is now a requirement when tendering for contracts or working with government departments, local authorities and larger enterprises.

The Five Cyber Essentials Security Controls

To achieve certification, your organisation must demonstrate that it has implemented five key security controls.

Firewalls

Firewalls protect your network from unauthorised access by controlling incoming and outgoing internet traffic.

We ensure your firewall is correctly configured to provide the highest level of protection.

Secure Configuration

Devices and software should be securely configured to minimise vulnerabilities and reduce unnecessary services that attackers could exploit.

We review your systems to ensure they meet Cyber Essentials requirements.

User Access Control

Only authorised users should have access to your systems, with permissions restricted to those required for their role.

We help implement:

• Least privilege access
• Secure administrator accounts
• Strong password policies
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Malware Protection

Every endpoint should be protected against malicious software.

We implement advanced endpoint protection using enterprise-grade security technologies, helping detect and stop threats before they cause damage.

Security Updates

Keeping software up to date is one of the most effective ways to protect against cyber attacks.

We review your:

• Windows devices
• Servers
• Microsoft 365
• Third-party applications
• Network equipment

to ensure critical security updates are installed promptly.

Our Cyber Essentials Certification Service

At Soltech IT, we don't simply hand you a questionnaire and leave you to complete it yourself.

Our consultants work alongside your business throughout the entire certification process.

Our service includes:

• Initial Cyber Essentials readiness assessment
• Gap analysis
• Remediation recommendations
• Technical support
• Guidance completing the assessment
• Evidence review
• Submission support
• Certification assistance
• Renewal reminders

Our goal is to make achieving Cyber Essentials straightforward, regardless of your organisation's size or technical expertise.

Who Needs Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is suitable for organisations of all sizes, including:

• Small Businesses
• Medium-Sized Businesses
• Professional Services
• Manufacturers
• Charities
• Schools
• Multi Academy Trusts
• Healthcare Providers
• Legal Firms
• Accountants
• Construction Companies
• Engineering Businesses
• Local Authorities
• IT Companies

Whether you have five employees or five hundred, Cyber Essentials helps strengthen your cyber resilience.

Benefits of Cyber Essentials Certification

Achieving Cyber Essentials provides significant commercial and security benefits.

Increase Customer Confidence

Customers increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate that they take cyber security seriously.

Certification provides reassurance that your organisation follows recognised security standards.

Win More Contracts

Many public sector organisations and larger businesses require Cyber Essentials certification before suppliers can bid for work.

Certification may help your organisation qualify for opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.

Reduce Cyber Risk

Implementing Cyber Essentials controls significantly reduces the likelihood of common cyber attacks.

Support Cyber Insurance

Many insurers now ask organisations whether they hold Cyber Essentials certification when providing cyber insurance quotations.

Certification may help demonstrate good security practices during the underwriting process.

Improve Compliance

Cyber Essentials supports broader information security and data protection objectives by encouraging good cyber hygiene across your organisation.

Why Choose Soltech IT?

Choosing the right partner can make the certification process significantly easier.

Businesses choose Soltech IT because we offer:

• Experienced cyber security consultants
• Fixed-price certification support
• Clear, jargon-free advice
• Practical remediation guidance
• Microsoft security specialists
• Ongoing managed cyber security services
• UK-based support
• Fast response times

We don't just help you achieve certification—we help you improve your overall cyber security posture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Cyber Essentials certification take?

For organisations that already have good security controls in place, certification can often be completed within a few days. Businesses requiring remediation work may take longer depending on the changes needed.

Is Cyber Essentials mandatory?

While Cyber Essentials is not legally required for most organisations, it is increasingly expected by customers and is mandatory for many UK Government contracts involving sensitive information.

What's the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?

Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment certification verified by an external certification body. Cyber Essentials Plus includes independent technical testing of your systems to verify that the required controls are operating effectively.

Can you help us if we fail?

Yes. If your organisation does not initially meet the requirements, we'll work with you to identify the issues, implement the necessary improvements and help you achieve certification.

Ready to Achieve Cyber Essentials?

Whether you're applying for Cyber Essentials for the first time or renewing your certification, Soltech IT can make the process simple and stress-free.

Our experienced consultants will assess your current security, identify any gaps and guide you through every stage of certification, helping you strengthen your cyber security while demonstrating your commitment to protecting your customers and business.

Contact Soltech IT today to arrange a Cyber Essentials readiness assessment and take the first step towards achieving certification.

Meet the team

Jacob Fox

Operations Manager

Jacob Fox began his career training and qualifying in management at Tesco's, developing strong leadership and operational expertise from an early stage. With a solid background in IT and a passion for technology, Jacob joined Soltech IT several years ago and has steadily progressed through the company.

Starting as a Junior Engineer rising through the ranks to become Operations Manager. Today, Jacob plays a key role in overseeing operations and ensuring Soltech IT continues to deliver exceptional support and service.