Dominik
11 months ago
CYBER ESSENTIALS · LONDON
Cyber Essentials Certification London
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification that sets a baseline for protecting your business against common cyber threats.
- Cyber Essentials support in London and surrounding areas
- Helping organisations understand the requirements
- Put the right security controls in place for certification
- Ongoing IT support to stay compliant afterwards
Sereno supports both Cyber Essentials Certified and Cyber Essentials Certified Plus.
Partnered with the best · Certified by Microsoft, Google & Cyber Essentials
CYBER ESSENTIALS CERTIFICATION · LONDON
What Is Cyber Essentials Certification?
Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates your organisation has key security measures to protect against the most common cyber threats. It focuses on controls that reduce avoidable weaknesses in your IT and lower the risk of sensitive business or customer data being compromised. Cyber Essentials certification can strengthen your cyber security, show strong security practices to customers and partners, and help meet security requirements when working with certain clients or supply chains.
There are two levels of certification: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.
Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials uses a verified self-assessment to confirm that the required controls are in place.
Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus covers the same requirements but adds independent technical testing of your systems, providing a higher level of assurance.
To achieve Cyber Essentials certification, organisations need to meet requirements across five core areas of cyber security:
Secure Configuration
Devices and systems should be set up securely, with unnecessary software, services and user accounts removed or disabled. Secure settings need to be maintained as your IT environment changes.
Access Control
People should only have access to the systems and information they need for their role. Administrator privileges should be limited and managed carefully to reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
Malware Protection
Appropriate measures should be in place to protect devices against malware and prevent malicious software from running on your systems.
Security Update Management
Operating systems, applications and firmware need to remain supported and receive security updates within the required timeframes, with patch management helping address known vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Firewalls
Firewalls protect devices from unauthorised connections coming from the internet or other networks. They need to be configured securely and kept up to date as part of your wider security controls.
Get support with Cyber Essentials certification in London.
Trusted by London Businesses
Google Reviews
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CloudTango Reviews
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“Sereno have been a reliable and valued partner, with a fantastic team of highly responsive and capable technicians, backed by proactive and forward-thinking leadership.”
John Holmes
IT Manager, Oikos Storage Ltd
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Joanna Socko
Franklyn James
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COO/CFO, Urban Logistics
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“The advice we've had from Sereno means we can make informed decisions about what our company actually needs and we know we can implement changes easily.”
Alice Lees
Hutton Consulting
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“Sereno IT provided a solution that perfectly aligned with our needs. Not only did they help us save on costs, but they also ensured our systems are secure and…”
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Statons Estate Agents
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Archio Ltd
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Jo Nauman
AKT Productions Limited
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Fay Allen
Greencore Homes Ltd
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Ant Yapi UK Ltd
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Strata Property Group Ltd
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Director, Big Potato Limited
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5-star rated on Google and CloudTango
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75+
Companies and 2,300+ people supported
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98%
Client retention since inception, with zero quality-related churn
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100%
Staff retention last year, so you work with the same accountable team
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Growing
We helped our clients grow 14% on average last year
PROTECTION IN PRACTICE
How Cyber Essentials Protects Your Business
Cyber Essentials requirements are designed to reduce the risk from common internet-based threats by addressing everyday weaknesses in your IT. The Cyber Essentials technical controls make it more difficult for cyber criminals to access your systems and help protect the business data you hold.
Reduces Exposure to Common Cyber Threats
Many cyber attacks take advantage of known vulnerabilities, weak account security or poorly configured devices. Cyber Essentials addresses these basic weaknesses, reducing the opportunities attackers can use to get into your systems.
Protects Sensitive Data
Access controls and secure account management reduce the risk of business or customer information being accessed by the wrong people. Users should only have the permissions they need, while stronger authentication provides additional protection for supported systems.
Closes Common Security Gaps
Outdated software and insecure settings can leave avoidable weaknesses across your IT environment. Cyber Essentials requires supported software, timely security updates and secure configuration to reduce these gaps.
Limits Unauthorised Access
Accounts and permissions need to be managed as people join, change roles or leave the business. Administrator access should also be restricted, while MFA is used where required to make compromised credentials harder to exploit.
CYBER ESSENTIALS SUPPORT · LONDON
Our Cyber Essentials Services
As part of its wider cyber security services, Sereno provides Cyber Essentials support to help businesses understand the requirements and put the necessary security controls in place for certification. We manage the technical areas that need ongoing attention, from your devices and software to access permissions and network security.
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Asset & Device Management
Sereno provides detailed reporting on the devices used across your business, including operating systems, models, application versions and asset status. We also standardise new device builds, applying secure configurations and removing unnecessary software from the outset.
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Secure Configuration & Patch Management
We maintain secure configurations across your endpoints and keep operating systems, third-party applications and firmware updated. Our patch management processes support timely security updates, while software approvals and audits help make sure applications remain appropriate for business use.
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Password, MFA & Account Security
Sereno enforces password policies and multi-factor authentication across supported systems. We also define processes for responding to suspected password or account compromise and can advise on Single Sign-On to support centralised authentication across cloud applications.
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User & Admin Access Management
Structured joiner and leaver processes make sure access is assigned and removed when needed. Sereno also manages administrator privileges, including the use of separate admin accounts, and tracks changes to permissions to support stronger access control.
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Firewall & Network Security
We manage router and firewall configurations and apply the firmware updates needed to keep network infrastructure secure. This includes changing default administrator credentials and maintaining settings that support the Cyber Essentials requirements.
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BYOD & External Device Access
For freelancers and other users working from non-company devices, Sereno can help define and enforce separate access policies. Permissions can be restricted so unmanaged devices do not have broader access to organisational data and services than necessary.
Make Cyber Essentials certification easier with expert guidance from Sereno.
Annual certification
Renewed every year
Valid 12 months
Renew annually
CYBER ESSENTIALS & CYBER ESSENTIALS PLUS SUPPORT · LONDON
Ongoing Support to Maintain Your Cyber Security Standards
Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications are valid for 12 months, so they need to be renewed annually. Recertification gives you an opportunity to check that your security posture still meets the current requirements of the Cyber Essentials scheme.
Sereno provides Cyber Essentials support throughout the year, managing security updates, access permissions and device configuration. This makes it easier to identify and address gaps before renewal and maintain the required standards between certifications.
Case studies
Case Studies
London businesses come to Sereno when they want IT to feel organised, owned and easier to manage. Real outcomes for real businesses.
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Case study · Hutton Consulting
The IT Relationship Hutton Consulting Was Looking For
Modernised cloud and identity setup to support hybrid working, with security and strategy from a partner they could finally trust.
Read the case study -
Case study · Statons Estate Agents
How Statons Transformed Operations with Microsoft 365
Took ownership of devices, onboarding and security so the operations team could focus on customers, not IT.
Read the case study -
Case study · Urban Logistics REIT
Reliable IT Support for a Listed Property Investment Company
Built an IT roadmap aligned to growth, with predictable monthly investment, dependable support and clearer reporting.
Read the case study
HOW TO GET CERTIFIED
How to Get Cyber Essentials Certified
Getting Cyber Essentials certified starts with understanding how your current IT setup compares with the scheme requirements. Sereno can guide you through the process, answer your questions and help identify the changes needed before assessment.
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Review Your Current Security
Check your devices, software, user access and other areas covered by the five Cyber Essentials controls to identify any gaps that need to be addressed before you apply.
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Address the Gaps
Make the necessary changes to bring your IT environment in line with the requirements of the Cyber Essentials scheme. Our team can support this work across areas such as patching, secure configuration, access management, device security and firewall controls.
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Complete the Assessment
Register for certification through an approved certification body and complete the Cyber Essentials self-assessment questionnaire. Your answers need to be approved by a board member or equivalent before they are reviewed by an independent assessor.
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Receive Your Certification
If the certification body confirms that your organisation meets the requirements, you receive your Cyber Essentials certificate. If you choose Cyber Essentials Plus, the same five basic security controls are also checked through an independent audit. Once certified, your organisation can also display the Cyber Essentials badge to show customers and partners that it has achieved the standard.
CYBER ESSENTIALS CERTIFICATION SUPPORT
How Sereno IT Can Help
We support businesses before, during and after Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification, helping you understand what is required and address the areas that need attention.
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Discuss Your Cyber Essentials Goals
We start with a conversation about your current IT setup, why you want to get certified and any questions you have about the Cyber Essentials certification process.
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Review Your Cyber Essentials Readiness
Sereno reviews your IT environment against the relevant requirements to identify gaps that could affect your certification.
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Address Security Gaps
Where changes are needed, our team can work on areas such as patch management, secure configuration, MFA, access permissions, device security and firewall controls.
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Prepare for Certification
Once the required controls have been addressed, Sereno helps make sure your IT environment is ready for the Cyber Essentials assessment.
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Maintain the Required Standards
Support continues after certification. Sereno manages the relevant security controls throughout the year, making it easier to maintain your standards and prepare for annual renewal.
Need help getting ready for Cyber Essentials? Sereno can guide you through the process.
Book a ConsultationCYBER SECURITY EXPERTS · LONDON
Why Choose Sereno IT for Cyber Essentials Certification?
Cyber Essentials Plus Certified
Sereno is Cyber Essentials Plus certified, so we understand the security standards businesses need to meet and the importance of maintaining them beyond the initial certification.
Backed by the Sereno teamSecurity Controls Managed for You
Many of the areas covered by Cyber Essentials are already part of Sereno's IT support services. We manage security updates, device configuration, user access controls and other areas that need regular attention.
Backed by the Sereno teamPractical Cyber Security Expertise
If you need to make changes before certification, Sereno can carry out the technical work needed to improve your cyber security. You get support with fixing the issues, not just advice on what needs to change.
Backed by the Sereno teamLocal London Support
Sereno is based in central London, with a local team that can support your business remotely and arrange on-site assistance when hands-on work is needed.
Backed by the Sereno team
Cyber Essentials, managed
One team. Certified expertise.
Certified experts · Controls managed · Local London team
Prepare Certify Maintain
Frequently Asked Questions
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to protect organisations against cyber threats. It is based on five technical controls designed to reduce common security weaknesses. Cyber Essentials Plus covers the same requirements but adds an independent technical audit to check that the controls are working effectively in practice.
According to the National Cyber Security Centre, Cyber Essentials Plus covers the same protections as Cyber Essentials but adds more rigorous, independent technical testing. You can complete the two levels together or move on to Cyber Essentials Plus within three months of achieving Cyber Essentials certification.
This varies depending on your current cyber security and whether any changes are needed before assessment. Once you apply for Cyber Essentials, you have six months to complete and submit the assessment. Sereno can provide practical support with preparing your IT environment and addressing security gaps that could affect certification.
Cyber Essentials is recommended by the UK Government as a minimum cyber security standard for organisations of all sizes, including small and medium-sized organisations. Certification can help protect against common cyber attacks and may also be required when bidding for certain government or commercial contracts.
IT Insights · Industry Expertise
What's Next For You?
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Guide Compliance & Risk
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London IT Support Company Sereno achieves Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
Sereno IT has been awarded Cyber Essentials Plus certification, independently verified by IASME across around 1,000 digital assets, demonstrating robust protection against cyber threats.
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