Ensuring your IT supplier meets Cyber Essentials requirements means confirming they follow a set of basic cybersecurity practices designed to protect your business from common online threats. Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme that sets out clear standards for network security, access control, and software management. When your IT provider aligns with these standards, you reduce the risk of cyberattacks that could cause downtime, data breaches, or loss of customer trust.
Why this matters for UK SMEs
For small and medium-sized businesses, a cyber incident can be devastating. Even a short period of downtime can disrupt sales, delay projects, and frustrate customers. Additionally, if your business handles personal data, you have a legal responsibility under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 to keep that information secure. Meeting Cyber Essentials requirements helps demonstrate you take these obligations seriously and can be a factor in winning contracts, especially with public sector clients.
A typical scenario
Consider a UK-based SME with around 50 employees that relies on cloud services and local servers. They notice occasional slow network performance and want to ensure their IT partner is managing security properly. A good IT provider would first review the network setup against Cyber Essentials controls—checking firewall configurations, ensuring all devices have up-to-date software, and confirming multi-factor authentication is in place for remote access. They would also help the business prepare for Cyber Essentials certification by documenting these controls and advising on any gaps.
Practical checklist: How to verify your IT supplier meets Cyber Essentials
- Ask for evidence of Cyber Essentials certification or equivalent security audits related to their service delivery.
- Request details on their network management practices, including firewall rules, patching schedules, and malware protection.
- Check if they enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accessing your systems remotely or for administrative accounts.
- Review their approach to user access control—do they limit permissions based on roles and regularly update access lists?
- Inquire about logging and monitoring—can they detect and respond to unusual activity promptly?
- Confirm backup procedures—are backups encrypted, tested regularly, and stored securely offsite?
- Ask if they follow NCSC good practice guidance and can support your Cyber Essentials Plus assessment if needed.
Next steps
Cyber Essentials compliance is a practical way to reduce cyber risk and support your business continuity. If you're unsure whether your current IT provider meets these standards, or if you're selecting a new supplier, start by having an open conversation about their security practices. A trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor can help you assess your current situation, identify any weaknesses, and guide you through the steps needed to maintain Cyber Essentials compliance effectively.