Cyber threats are no longer the preserve of large enterprises. Small and medium businesses across the North East are increasingly in the crosshairs of automated attacks, phishing campaigns, and ransomware — and many aren't ready.
What is Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification scheme that helps organisations protect against the most common cyber attacks. The Plus tier adds a hands-on technical verification step: an independent assessor actually tests your systems, rather than just checking a self-assessment form.
There are five key controls:
- Firewalls — keeping attackers out
- Secure configuration — reducing attack surface
- User access control — right people, right access
- Malware protection — stopping malicious software
- Patch management — keeping software up to date
Why does it matter?
For many businesses, CE+ certification unlocks tangible commercial benefits:
- Public sector contracts — mandatory for most central government work and increasingly required for NHS and council suppliers
- Cyber insurance — many insurers now require CE+ or offer lower premiums for certified firms
- Client confidence — particularly in regulated sectors like healthcare, legal, and finance
- GDPR posture — demonstrating security controls supports data protection compliance
What does the process look like?
At High Tide, we guide businesses through the entire process — from gap analysis and remediation through to the final assessment. Typically this takes 4–8 weeks depending on the complexity of your infrastructure.
We're based in Hartlepool and work with businesses across Teesside, Durham, and the wider North East. If you're looking to achieve Cyber Essentials Plus certification, get in touch with our team.