Cyber Essentials provides a strong foundation by ensuring that five core technical controls – firewalls, secure configuration, user access management, patching and malware protection – are in place. The standard certification is based on a self-assessment, which is then reviewed by a certification body. Cyber Essentials Plus, however, goes much further.

The “Plus” level includes a rigorous hands-on technical audit carried out by an independent assessor. Devices, systems, and security configurations are tested to confirm that protections are not only documented, but actively working. This includes vulnerability scanning, testing of end-user devices, verification of authentication controls, and checks on patching and anti-malware tools. It is a comprehensive, practical demonstration that our security controls hold up under scrutiny.

Why This Matters

Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus shows our clients, partners, and suppliers that NetPlatforms is committed to providing secure, reliable, and resilient services. It offers:

• Enhanced assurance: A technical auditor validates our systems directly, ensuring controls are functioning as intended.
• Protection against common attacks: It is designed to defend against the most prevalent cyber threats targeting UK businesses.
• Increased trust and credibility: Clients can be confident that we follow strong cyber-security standards.
• Competitive distinction: Many organisations now prefer, or even require, Cyber Essentials Plus from their service providers.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) goes beyond simple backups. It’s a comprehensive framework that ensures your business can continue operating during any disruption. A proper BCDR strategy includes:

• Redundant systems that activate automatically
• Clear protocols for who does what during a crisis
• Communication plans for staff and customers
• Regular testing to ensure everything works when needed
• Recovery time objectives that define how quickly each system must be restored

Think of it this way: a backup is your safety net. BCDR is your entire contingency plan that prevents you from needing to fall in the first place.

What the Assessment Involved

To achieve Cyber Essentials Plus, NetPlatforms underwent a thorough audit that included:

• External vulnerability scanning of our public-facing systems
• Testing a representative sample of our devices for configuration, patching and malware controls
• Reviewing our approach to secure user access, including MFA and role-based accounts
• Ensuring our processes meet the strict criteria outlined by the certification framework

Unlike the standard certification, any issues discovered during the Cyber Essentials Plus audit must be remediated within a short timeframe, underscoring the high standard required to pass.

Strengthening Our Security Posture

For NetPlatforms, Cyber Essentials Plus is more than a badge – it’s part of a broader strategy to deliver secure services and protect the organisations that rely on us. This certification validates our proactive approach and supports our goal of reducing risk both within our own infrastructure and across our clients’ environments. 

What This Means for Our Clients

Working with a Cyber Essentials Plus certified provider gives our clients added confidence that:

• Their data is protected by industry-recognised controls
• NetPlatforms implements security best-practice across our operations
• We maintain strong defences against evolving cyber threats
• We remain committed to continuous improvement in all areas of cyber security

Looking Ahead

Security is never static. Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus is a major accomplishment, but it is also a starting point for further enhancement. We will continue to review our processes, refine our systems, and stay aligned with the latest guidance to ensure our clients always receive the highest standard of protection.

NetPlatforms is proud of this achievement – and proud to deliver services backed by independently verified security.

 If you want to learn more about what Cyber Essentials Plus means for your business or how we can help strengthen your organisation’s security posture, we’re ready to help. Get in touch!