Ensuring your organisation is cyber-secure is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Whether you're a small or medium-sized business (SME), a charity, or a public sector organisation, cyber-attacks pose a serious risk to your operations. According to the UK government's “Cyber Essentials Impact Evaluation (2024)” report published today, the 10 year old Cyber Essentials certification provides a critical layer of defence against the most common and destructive cyber threats. As a certification body, OCM Communications offers a streamlined path to Cyber Essentials certification, ensuring your organisation is both compliant and secure.

In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of Cyber Essentials, explore the trends and insights highlighted in the Cyber Essentials Impact Evaluation, and offer compelling reasons why non-certified organisations should prioritise certification today.
#1: What is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help organisations of all sizes protect themselves from the most common internet-based threats. It provides a simple but effective framework for protecting your organisation against cyber-attacks by focusing on five key technical controls:
1. Firewall and Internet Gateway Security – Ensuring that only safe and necessary network services are accessible.
2. Secure Configuration – Ensuring devices and systems are properly configured to reduce vulnerabilities.
3. Access Control – Limiting user access to data and systems based on their role, ensuring only authorised personnel can access sensitive information.
4. Malware Protection – Using antivirus software or application whitelisting to restrict malicious software.
5. Patch Management – Ensuring devices and software are updated regularly to address known vulnerabilities.
These technical controls form a robust baseline for cyber security, providing businesses with a crucial layer of protection. There are two levels of certification available:
#2: Why Cyber Essentials Matters
In 2023, 32% of UK businesses reported being the victim of a cyber breach or attack, with the average cost of an attack estimated at around £8,460 (UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023). This figure rises significantly for medium-sized businesses. These attacks often result in data loss, financial penalties, damage to reputation, and disruption of services—consequences many SMEs cannot afford.
The Cyber Essentials Impact Evaluation (2024) report further reinforces the importance of taking proactive steps to protect your organisation. One of the key findings was that 82% of Cyber Essentials-certified organisations expressed confidence that the technical controls have a direct impact on protecting them from common cyber threats, such as phishing attacks and malware.
Additionally, organisations that have Cyber Essentials in place are more likely to have confidence in their overall cybersecurity posture. 91% of certified users reported that the scheme improved their understanding of the steps necessary to reduce cybersecurity risks. This means that Cyber Essentials doesn't just provide immediate protection; it encourages a culture of proactive risk management, which is critical for long-term security.
#3: Cyber Essentials in Action: Real Impact on Organisations
The Cyber Essentials Impact Evaluation report highlights several real-world benefits experienced by certified organisations. Here are some key takeaways from the report:
Mitigation of Cyber Incidents: Organisations that implemented the Cyber Essentials controls experienced fewer cyber incidents. According to the report, a notable 57% of organisations reported that they had seen a reduction in cyber incidents since certifying with Cyber Essentials.
Supply Chain Assurance: The certification has become a vital tool in managing third-party risk. 45% of certified organisations use Cyber Essentials as a benchmark when assessing the cyber risk posed by suppliers. This is critical in today’s interconnected world where supply chain vulnerabilities can often be a weak link in security.
A great example of supply chain resilence has been announced today, The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are supporting Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide, NatWest, Santander UK and TSB to expand the role Cyber Essentials plays in their supply chain risk management processes.
The government and participating banks encourage other businesses to follow this example and incorporate Cyber Essentials into supplier requirements. This will raise cyber security expectations across the UK, enhance the security posture of the economy and make the UK a safer place to do business.
"By requiring suppliers, or other third parties, to have Cyber Essentials themselves, customers gain tangible assurance that fundamental cyber security controls are in place, and they are protected from common cyber attacks. Such assurance is no longer a ‘nice to have’ - it’s a necessity. Embedding Cyber Essentials requirements across supply chains will drive up the cyber maturity of our whole economy. This is a real priority for me" - Cyber security Minister Feryal Clark at the 10 year anniversary event for the Cyber Essentials scheme in the House of Lords 23:10:2024
Increased Market Competitiveness: Certification offers more than just security benefits. The report notes that 69% of certified organisations believe that Cyber Essentials has increased their market competitiveness. Many organisations are now choosing to work with suppliers who can demonstrate a commitment to cyber security, with 61% of Cyber Essentials-certified organisations being preferred by clients over non-certified competitors.
For businesses, this translates to real competitive advantages. As more tenders and contracts require Cyber Essentials certification, obtaining this accreditation can open up new business opportunities and ensure your organisation remains a trusted partner in a digital economy increasingly wary of cyber risks.
#4: Trends in Cyber Threats and Why You Need Cyber Essentials
Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and more frequent. The National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) 2023 Annual Review highlighted key trends that every organisation should be aware of:
1. Ransomware Attacks: These attacks have continued to rise, targeting businesses of all sizes. Criminals are now using more advanced tactics to disable security features, encrypt data, and demand hefty ransoms. According to the Cyber Essentials Impact Evaluation, Cyber Essentials provides protection from many of the common attack vectors used in ransomware incidents, reducing the likelihood of a successful attack.
2. Phishing and Social Engineering: Phishing remains one of the most prevalent methods for launching cyber-attacks, and even unsophisticated attacks can result in significant damage. By implementing multi-factor authentication and robust access controls, Cyber Essentials-certified organisations significantly reduce their vulnerability to these types of attacks.
3. Supply Chain Attacks: As businesses become more interconnected, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting third-party suppliers to gain access to larger organisations. Cyber Essentials certification ensures that your organisation, and those in your supply chain, are following industry best practices for cyber security.
These evolving threats underscore the importance of having a solid cyber security foundation like Cyber Essentials. Even the most basic certification provides a strong defensive framework that addresses the majority of these common threats, which are often the first line of attack for cybercriminals.
#5: Financial and Reputational Benefits of Cyber Essentials
Beyond protection from cyber-attacks, Cyber Essentials certification can yield substantial financial and reputational benefits. Here's how:
1. Cost Savings on Cyber Insurance
Many insurers now offer discounted premiums to organisations with Cyber Essentials certification. The Cyber Essentials Impact Evaluation reports that 80% fewer cyber insurance claims were made by certified organisations compared to non-certified ones. With cyber insurance becoming a critical part of risk management, having a certification can help reduce costs and provide peace of mind.
2. Reduced Downtime and Business Disruption
Cyber-attacks can cause significant operational downtime, leading to financial losses. Certified organisations are better equipped to respond to and recover from such attacks. By following the Cyber Essentials framework, you ensure that you have a robust incident response plan in place, minimising the disruption caused by cyber incidents.
3.Increased Trust and Reputation
Trust is everything in today’s digital economy. Customers, partners, and clients want to know that their data is in safe hands. Certification acts as a badge of credibility, signalling to stakeholders that your organisation takes cyber security seriously. According to the Cyber Essentials Impact Evaluation 79% of certified organisations believe that the certification positively impacts client confidence. This is especially important in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and legal services, where the handling of sensitive data is critical.
Why Non-Certified Organisations Should Act Now
If your organisation is not yet Cyber Essentials certified, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to common, preventable attacks. The Cyber Essentials Impact Evaluation revealed that 72% of non-certified organisations are not using any other recognised security standards or frameworks, leaving them exposed. Additionally, these organisations often have a false sense of security, with many reporting confidence in their defences despite not having formal cyber security measures in place.
This overconfidence can be dangerous. Without certification, you are more likely to miss critical vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Cyber Essentials provides a structured approach to security, ensuring that your organisation covers all the necessary bases, from firewall management to patching and malware protection.
Why Choose OCM Communications for Cyber Essentials Certification?
As a Cyber Essentials Certification Body, OCM Communications is dedicated to helping organisations navigate the certification process with ease. Our team of experts provides guidance and support at every step, ensuring that your organisation not only meets the required standards but also understands the long-term benefits of a strong cyber security posture.
We offer both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification services, helping you choose the level that best fits your organisation’s needs. Whether you're a small business looking to meet tender requirements or a medium-sized enterprise seeking to enhance your market credibility, we have the expertise to guide you through the process.
With a growing network of certified businesses, the demand for Cyber Essentials certification is only increasing. As more organisations mandate certification for their suppliers, staying competitive means staying secure. Don’t wait until a cyber attack strikes—take proactive steps to secure your digital future today.
At OCM Communications, we believe that every organisation, no matter its size, deserves to be secure. The Cyber Essentials certification process is simple, affordable, and effective, offering a vital layer of protection against the most common cyber threats. Contact us today to start your Cyber Essentials certification journey.
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