Cyber Essentials Consultancy
Beyond Compliance: Your Partner for Cyber Essentials Certification & Robust Defences
We’re not just certifiers. We’re your cybersecurity partner that will not stop at identifying vulnerabilites, we identify and remediate them. Ensure your CE compliance is not only achieved, but robustly and intelligently maintained with Advantage Protect Cyber Essentials Consultancy.
- Guided Cyber Essentials self-assessment
- Hands-on Cyber Essentials Plus testing
- Partnered consultative approach
- Clear actionable remediation advice
“We don’t just certify; we partner to identify, remediate, and maintain robust defences.
So let’s start with a conversation, not a quote.”
Scott Williams
Going beyond the checklist
Advantage Protect consultancy doesn’t just help you pass — we help you understand and implement meaningful, ongoing security improvements that reduce real-world risk.
We assess your security posture holistically
Looking beyond the form, we evaluate your environment to identify real risks and opportunities for improvement.
We clarify the grey areas
Where the standard leaves room for interpretation, we bring clarity and confidence.
We uncover and address hidden risks
From legacy systems to cloud misconfigurations, we surface vulnerabilities that certifiers might miss.
We help embed cybersecurity into your operations
Our approach supports long-term resilience, not just short-term certification
We guide you through CE Plus readiness services
We prepare your systems and teams for external assessment — reducing surprises and delays.
For Cyber Essentials Plus, our clients trust our hands-on approach to test defences and ensure full compliance with the standard. From firewalls to patching and malware protection, we check it all — and offer practical guidance to resolve any issues.
Certification is just the beginning with your trusted advantage
10 years of Cyber Essentials
Over 215,000 Cyber Essentials certificates have been awarded to businesses, charities, schools, universities and local authorities, including 49,248 issued in the past 12 months.
Source: gov.uk
Cyber insurance and GDPR
Whilst certification is mandatory in some industries, it also helps any organisation meet legal obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018, supporting GDPR readiness by enforcing good security practices.
92% fewer insurance claims are made by businesses and organisations with the Cyber Essentials controls in place.
Source: gov.uk
Arrange a consultation
Call 0208 057 4080 or send us your details and we’ll contact within a day:
Understand Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials PLUS
 Cyber Essentials |  Cyber Essentials PLUS | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Security Controls | ✔ Covers essential technical controls | ✔ Includes all Cyber Essentials controls |
| Self-Assessment | ✔ Yes | ✘ No – independently verified |
| External Verification | ✘ No | ✔ Yes – includes hands-on technical audit |
| Vulnerability Scan | ✘ Not required | ✔ Required – performed by certified assessor |
| Customer & Partner Assurance | ✔ Demonstrates commitment | ✔ Stronger assurance with verified testing |
| Contract Eligibility | ✔ Meets basic requirements | ✔ Preferred for high-trust environments |
| Support from Our Experts | ✔ Guided self-assessment | ✔ Full support through audit and remediation |
| Best For… | Small to medium businesses starting out | Organisations needing deeper assurance |
About Cyber Essentials (CE) (Plus)
Cyber Essentials (Plus) is a UK government-backed certification scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber threats. Whilst certification is mandatory in some industries, it also helps any organisation meet legal obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018, supporting GDPR readiness by enforcing good security practices.
CE focuses on five key technical controls:
- Firewalls – Securing internet connections.
- Secure configuration – Ensuring systems are set up safely.
- User access control – Managing who has access to data and services.
- Malware protection – Guarding against malicious software.
- Security update management – Keeping devices and software up to date.
We help organisations leverage many benefits with CE:
- Reduced Risk of Cyber Attacks
Organisations with Cyber Essentials are 92% less likely to make a cyber insurance claim, thanks to protection against common threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware. - Enhanced Trust and Credibility
Certification signals to clients, suppliers, and stakeholders that your business takes cybersecurity seriously—boosting your reputation and competitive edge. - Eligibility for Government Contracts
Many UK public sector contracts require Cyber Essentials, especially those involving personal or financial data. - Insurance Incentives
Some insurers offer lower premiums or bundled cyber insurance for certified businesses, recognising the reduced risk profile. - Support for Compliance
Helps meet legal obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018 and supports GDPR readiness by enforcing good security practices. - Improved Internal Awareness
The certification process educates staff and leadership, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness across the organisation.
Cyber Essentials FAQs
What is Cyber Essentials and why does it matter?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification that helps organisations guard against common cyber threats.
It demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity and is often required for public sector contracts.
What’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials involves a self-assessment of your security controls, while Cyber Essentials Plus includes a hands-on technical audit.
Cyber Essentials Plus covers vulnerability scans, phishing simulations, and device testing for deeper assurance.
How can Advantage Cloud help us achieve certification?
We guide you through every step, from readiness assessment and remediation to final certification.
Our consultants simplify the process, ensuring your policies, systems, and controls meet the required standards.
How long does the certification process take?
Timelines vary based on your current security posture.
With our support, most organisations complete Cyber Essentials within a few days, and Cyber Essentials Plus within 1–2 weeks following initial assessment.
Will certification improve our cybersecurity?
Absolutely.
Beyond compliance, Cyber Essentials strengthens your defences against 80% of common attacks, boosts customer trust, and supports long-term resilience.
Looking to deploy powerful Managed IT Security?
Advantage Defense™ – for organisations that demand resilient managed cyber security powered 24/7 by UK-based SOC. Our unified SaaS platform seamlessly integrates endpoint protection, network security, MDR, email, and cloud security to simplify your cyber security management. And with enhanced threat response with reporting, Advantage Defense™ delivers cybersecurity confidence round the clock.
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Advantage Cloud have a pioneering attitude, and we believe our customers are pioneers too. Why pioneers? Because by partnering with advantage cloud, customers pioneer new technology and processes, not seen before, into their organisation.
This is mission critical expertise delivered with a pioneering spirit.
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