Cyber Essentials Certification in Oxford

Cyber Essentials Certification for Oxford Businesses

Secure your business and demonstrate your cyber resilience with Cyber Essentials certification. The UK government backed scheme to protect ahainst 80 % of common cyber attackes.

At Kriston Technology, we make the process simple, guiding you every step if the way.

Why Cyber Essentials Matters in Oxford?

Oxford is home to world class research, life sciences, innovation and a thriving SME exosystem. Whether your a biotech, start-up or professional services business, Cyber Essentials helps demonstrate robust cyber hygiene and builds trust with clients.

Cyber Essentials isn’t just a badge — it’s proof that your business takes cybersecurity seriously.

With certification your business can:

Enhance security and protect against the most common cyber threats
Competitive Advantage and Win more business, with government bodies and larger businesses, that mandate Cyber Essentials
Reduce cyber insurance premiums and demonstrate compliance to regulators
Build trust with customers and partners by showing commitment to cyber security

In Our Client’s Words

“Kriston Technology Limited’s expertise and dedication were instrumental in achieving our Cyber Essentials renewal. Their thorough approach and attention to detail have significantly enhanced our security posture and provided our customers with the confidence they need.”

Clare Simpson

Head of Operations, FluoRok

What are the 5 technical requirements for Cyber Essentials certification?

Cyber Essentials is a government backed scheme supported by the National Cyber Security Centre that will help protect Oxford-based businesses from a range of the most common cyber security threats.

The five key areas of the assessment are:

• Firewalls – Need proper configuration to prevent unauthorised access to your internal networks.

• Patch Management – Software and Operating Systems should be supported and kept up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

• Malware Protection – Antivirus or anti-malware software should be installed on every device and kept up to date.

• Access Control – Individual user accounts should be used, with the least privilege model to allow employees to do their job.

• Secure Configuration – Computers should be configured with only the software and services required to perform their job and minimise vulnerabilities.

Why work with Kriston Technology?

Based in Oxfordshire, we’ve been helping Oxford-based businesses secure their IT since 1998. Our dedicated team of security experts make Cyber Essentials stress-free by handling the technical detail, while you stay focused in running your business.

25+ years of IT Security experise
Dedicated conssultance to guide you through the process
Proven track record with SMEs in Oxford, London and across the UK
End to end support: assessment, remediation, certification, renewals
Ongoing support and complimentary services; Vulnerability Management and Penetration Testing

We support organisations in achieving both levels of Cyber Essentials certification, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus through a structured, hands on approach. Our team provides expert guidance across every stage of the certification journey. From initial consultation to final submission, we help you understand the requirements, identify gaps in your current security posture, and implement practical improvements aligned with the five key control areas: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management.

The process typically begins with a comprehensive assessment of your systems and infrastructure. We highlight areas that require attention and offer tailored support to help you meet the certification criteria. Whether it’s refining firewall rules, improving endpoint protection, or establishing least-privilege access policies, our goal is to make Cyber Essentials achievable without disrupting your day-to-day operations.

For Cyber Essentials, we guide you through the self-assessment questionnaire, ensuring you understand each requirement and are well-prepared to submit accurate and complete evidence.

For C yber Essentials Plus, we assist with the technical audit by helping you prepare your systems for hands-on verification. Our support includes pre-audit checks, remediation advice, and coordination with the certifying body to ensure a smooth experience.

Our 5-Step Certification Process

Step 1: Consultation & Scoping – we understand your business needs
Step 2: Gap Analysis – we identify risks and areas to improve
Step 3: Remediation Support – we help fix vulnerabilities and apply best practices
Step 4: Assessment & Verification – complete the self-assessment (and technical audit for Plus)
Step 5: Certification Issued – valid for 12 months, with our reminder service to keep you compliant

Book a Free Cyber Essentials consultation today

Around 80% of cyber attacks could be prevented if businesses implement Cyber Essentials best practices.

What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?

The key distinction between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus lies in the depth of verification involved.

Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment certification that helps organisations implement foundational cybersecurity controls. It involves completing a structured questionnaire that covers five critical areas: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management. While the responses are reviewed by a certification body, there is no independent testing of your systems. This level is ideal for businesses seeking a cost-effective way to demonstrate basic cyber hygiene and meet minimum compliance requirements.

Cyber Essentials Plus, on the other hand, builds on the same core principles but introduces a hands-on technical audit conducted by a qualified assessor. This audit includes vulnerability scans and direct testing of systems and devices to ensure that the controls are not only in place but are functioning effectively. The Plus certification provides a higher level of assurance for clients who demand robust cybersecurity standards.

Kriston Technology supports both certification levels with a guided process that includes consultation, gap analysis, remediation support, and audit preparation.

Cyber Essentials FAQs

How much does Cyber Essentials cost?

There are two levels, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. The basic Cyber Essentials is a self-assessment and the first step in helping protect your businesses. Depending on the size of your business, the certification process costs from £420 + VAT.

Cyber Essentials Plus builds on the Cyber Essentials certification with the same basic principles but requires a hands-on technical verification. Depending on the size of your business, the certification process costs from £2560 + VAT.

How long does the Cyber Essentials process take?

The certification process involves answering a short questionnaire, and the time involved depends on how well you know your computer systems and infrastructure, how many changes might need to be implemented to pass the certification, and the resources available. Depending on the size and complexity of your environment it can take from a few days to a few weeks. Recertification is typically a much quicker process. Kriston Technology supports Oxford businesses with tailored guidance, remediation, and policy creation to accelerate the process.

Is Cyber Essentials mandatory?

No, it’s not mandatory, but is becoming increasingly important across multiple business sectors and is often expected by business and clients.

Is Cyber Essentials required for government contracts?

In many cases it is a requirment to be able to bid for government and MOD contracts and increasingly expected. It’s advisable to check with the relevant department to confirm their Cyber Essentials requirements.

How long does the Cyber Essentials certification last?

The certification lasts for 12 months.

How can people check if a business is Cyber Essentials certified?

You can use the Cyber Essentials Certificate Search facility on the IASME website to check a business has a valid Cyber Essentials certificate.

Does Cyber Essentials cover remote workers and cloud services?

Yes, modern work environments are fully supported, and we’ll help you configure systems correctly.