To enhance what we do, we use this Government-backed scheme as a framework for working with our clients. This allows us to have a common goal and understanding when working together to protect your data.
What is the Cyber Essentials scheme
We now use the UK Government’s Cyber Essentials scheme as the backbone of how we protect our clients. Using this recognised framework gives us — and you — a shared goal and clear, measurable steps to reduce risk and safeguard your business data.
What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification designed to stop the vast majority of common cyber attacks. It focuses on practical, cost-effective controls that protect organisations from the kinds of incidents most likely to cause harm: malware, ransomware, credential theft and simple hacking techniques. Even a single, basic infection can cause lost sales, disrupted cashflow, wasted staff time and, critically, damage to your reputation. Where customer data is involved, a breach may also lead to regulatory action under GDPR and heavy fines.
What the scheme covers
Cyber Essentials concentrates on five key areas:
Boundary firewalls and internet gateways — making sure network entry points are secured.
Secure configuration — removing unnecessary services and locking down systems.
Patch management — keeping software and operating systems up to date.
Access control — ensuring only authorised people can access sensitive systems.
Malware protection — using anti-malware and endpoint controls effectively.
How Cyber Essentials helps your organisation
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates that you have the fundamentals in place. The benefits are immediate and practical:
Reduce risk: the controls block the majority of common attacks and lower the chance of a damaging breach.
Build trust: customers and partners see a clear commitment to data security.
Meet procurement requirements: Cyber Essentials is often required for public-sector contracts and some commercial tenders.
Support insurance and compliance: insurers and regulators increasingly expect demonstrable cyber hygiene.
Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus
The standard Cyber Essentials certification is a self-assessment that confirms your controls are in place. Cyber Essentials Plus goes further, with independent technical verification and testing of your systems. We recommend Plus for organisations that want stronger assurance or who work with regulated clients.
How we work with you
We use Cyber Essentials as a practical roadmap: we assess your current posture, fix gaps, implement the necessary controls and guide you through certification. Our approach combines technical remediation with people-focused training so your staff understand day-to-day responsibilities as well as the technical fixes.
Ready to find out where you stand? Take our quick and easy Cyber Essentials check and we’ll provide a clear summary of vulnerabilities and next steps. Contact datamills at info@datamills.co.uk or book a free review to get started.
PS. Watch out for some of our events on this subject at Digital Cafe.