Maintaining Cyber Essentials Plus standards means having a robust set of cybersecurity measures in place to protect your business from common cyber threats. Managed IT services play a crucial role in this by ensuring your IT systems are configured correctly, regularly updated, and continuously monitored. For UK SMEs, this support helps to meet the technical requirements of Cyber Essentials Plus, which includes verified security controls such as firewalls, secure configuration, user access management, malware protection, and patch management.
Why this matters for UK SMEs
Failing to meet Cyber Essentials Plus standards can leave your business vulnerable to cyberattacks that cause downtime, data breaches, or loss of customer trust. For example, a ransomware attack could lock you out of critical systems, halting operations and potentially exposing sensitive data. Managed IT services help reduce these risks by proactively managing security settings and ensuring compliance, which supports business continuity and helps maintain customer confidence, especially when handling personal data under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
A common scenario
Consider a UK SME with around 50 employees that handles customer payment data and personal information. Without dedicated IT expertise, the business might struggle to keep all devices patched, configure firewalls properly, or enforce strong password policies. A managed IT provider would conduct an initial security audit, implement necessary controls like multi-factor authentication (MFA), and set up automated patching and monitoring. They would also prepare the business for the Cyber Essentials Plus external vulnerability scan and internal tests, addressing any issues before certification.
Practical checklist: what to do next
- Ask your IT provider: How do you manage patching and updates? Do you monitor firewall and antivirus status continuously? Can you support MFA and secure user access controls?
- Review proposals and SLAs: Look for clear commitments on security monitoring, incident response times, and regular reporting related to Cyber Essentials Plus requirements.
- Internal checks: Verify your current password policies enforce complexity and regular changes. Check that backups are performed regularly, stored securely, and tested for restoration.
- Access control: Ensure user accounts have appropriate permissions and that former employees' access is promptly revoked.
- Device management: Confirm all devices connected to your network have up-to-date antivirus software and are included in patch management.
- Supplier questionnaires: When engaging vendors, request evidence of their Cyber Essentials or equivalent cybersecurity measures to reduce supply chain risks.
Next steps
Engaging a trusted managed IT provider can simplify the process of maintaining Cyber Essentials Plus standards. They bring the technical expertise and ongoing support needed to keep your IT environment secure and compliant. If you're unsure about your current setup or what gaps may exist, consider arranging a security review or advisory session with an experienced IT partner who understands the needs of UK SMEs.