Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification that checks five core security controls every business should have: a firewall, secure configuration, access control, malware protection and patch management. For a technology supplier, achieving it proves you take security seriously, helps you win business, and is often a requirement to work with larger organisations and financial clients.
It is one of the most practical security steps a tech firm can take, and the badge opens doors. Here’s what it involves and why it is worth it.
1. The five core controls
Cyber Essentials covers firewalls, secure setup of devices and software, control over who can access what, protection against malware, and keeping everything patched. These are the basics that stop the most common attacks.
2. Why clients ask for it
Larger and financial clients want assurance that their suppliers are secure. Cyber Essentials gives them an independent, recognised answer, which is why it often appears as a requirement in contracts and tenders.
3. It shortens security reviews
Holding the certification answers many security-questionnaire questions in one go, which speeds up sales and due-diligence. It is a clear, trusted signal that saves everyone time.
4. We help you get and keep it
As an NCSC Assured Service Provider, we help firms reach Cyber Essentials and keep the controls in place year after year, so the certification stays meaningful rather than lapsing.
A real example: security built to standard
We supported a software company serving financial trading firms with the kind of layered security Cyber Essentials looks for, from patching and malware protection to access control, kept consistent across the estate. Building to that standard is what lets a tech supplier win the trust of demanding clients.
For a software, technology or financial trading firm, this is part of managed IT and security that usually costs about £45 to £100 per user per month, scaling with your headcount, your security needs and how much uptime the business depends on.
Why technology and trading firms choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002, including software and technology companies and firms that serve financial markets. We know the systems these teams depend on: secure VPN and remote access, source control and build pipelines, virtual dev and test environments, Microsoft 365 and Teams, and the security that banks and regulators expect, from multi-factor authentication and endpoint protection to application allowlisting and email security. We work with technology and trading firms in London and across Essex and Hertfordshire. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support organisations with 10 to 100 employees across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford.
Book a free IT and cyber security review
Want to achieve Cyber Essentials? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll guide you through it.