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Helping Berkshire businesses strengthen their cyber security foundations
Cybersecurity is no longer something “just for big companies.” Small and medium-sized businesses across Berkshire are now prime targets for cyberattacks - and the consequences of a breach can be devastating, both financially and reputationally. That’s why Cyber Essentials has become one of the most valuable certifications a business can achieve. It provides a clear, government-backed framework to protect against the most common cyber threats.
If you’re unsure where to begin with improving your business’s cybersecurity, Cyber Essentials is the perfect starting point - simple, structured, and effective.
What Is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification that helps businesses protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. It focuses on five key areas: firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and patch management.
Why Cyber Essentials Matters for Businesses
Cyber Essentials gives every business - whether in Ascot, Bracknell, Wokingham, Reading, or the wider Berkshire region - a clear and achievable framework for improving security. It’s the quickest and most cost-effective step toward reducing your cyber risk.
1. Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats
The biggest advantage of Cyber Essentials is protection. The certification outlines practical steps to secure your IT systems, such as configuring firewalls, managing user access, and keeping devices fully patched. These measures significantly reduce the chances of falling victim to attacks like phishing, malware, or ransomware.
2. Build Trust with Customers and Partners
Trust has become a competitive advantage. Cyber Essentials demonstrates that you take cybersecurity seriously, giving customers and partners confidence that their data is being handled responsibly and securely.
3. Meet Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Regulations such as GDPR require businesses to implement appropriate security controls. Cyber Essentials helps meet these obligations and can also unlock opportunities - particularly if your business works with government agencies or regulated industries where Cyber Essentials is required.
4. Strengthen Your Business Reputation
A cyber-attack can damage a business’s reputation overnight. Cyber Essentials reduces this risk and signals to the market that you are committed to protecting customer data and maintaining strong cyber hygiene.
5. Save Money and Reduce Cyber Risk Long-Term
The cost of certification is small compared to the potential costs of a cyber-incident - downtime, fines, lost revenue, and reputational damage. Many insurers also offer better premiums for Cyber Essentials-certified businesses.
6. Improve Your Cybersecurity Knowledge
The certification process highlights weak points, exposes overlooked risks, and improves understanding of what “good security” looks like across your business.
7. Benefit from Expert Guidance
Working towards Cyber Essentials gives you access to expert advice to help implement the required controls. This is especially valuable for small businesses without a dedicated IT or cybersecurity team.
8. Prepare Your Business for the Future
Cyber threats evolve constantly. Cyber Essentials helps keep your business updated with best practices and ensures you’re ready to adapt your security posture as technology and threats change.
9. Gain Peace of Mind
With certification in place, business owners and managers can feel confident that they’ve taken responsible steps to reduce cyber risk and protect their organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cyber Essentials mandatory?
No - but it is required for some government contracts and is strongly recommended for all businesses handling customer data.
How long does Cyber Essentials certification take?
Typically between a few days and two weeks, depending on the size of the business and any remediation required.
What’s the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials is self-assessed. Cyber Essentials Plus includes the same controls but adds a hands-on technical audit by an accredited assessor.
Can Cyber Essentials really stop cyberattacks?
It won’t prevent every threat, but it blocks the majority of common attacks - especially those caused by outdated systems, weak passwords, and poor configuration.
Do small businesses actually benefit from Cyber Essentials?
Yes - SMEs are frequent targets, and Cyber Essentials is a simple, affordable way to strengthen security and win customer trust.
Get Cyber Essentials Support for Your Business
At Telanova, we’ve helped businesses across Wokingham, Ascot, Bracknell, Reading and the wider Berkshire region achieve Cyber Essentials certification with confidence.
Explore our IT support services or call 01344 989 530 to find out how we can help strengthen your cybersecurity.
