02/10/2026
Cyber Essentials is a Government-backed scheme designed to help businesses protect themselves against some of the most common cyber threats.
At its core, Cyber Essentials focuses on five areas:
• Firewalls
• Secure configuration
• Security updates
• User access control
• Malware protection
It's simple enough on paper, but it’s often the small things that catch businesses out when there's a lot to think about: old employees whose accounts are still active, hardware that's no longer receiving updates, admin access for staff who don't need it.. the list goes on!
The Cyber Essentials requirements have changed in 2026, with cloud services now clearly included within the scope of the assessment. That’s especially important for businesses using Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and other cloud platforms.
Working towards Cyber Essentials can be a useful way to review the whole IT setup, identify gaps and get the basics in order. We’ve put together a practical guide covering what Cyber Essentials involves, what’s changed in 2026, common problems we see, how to prepare for certification - and how we can help.
Read the full guide here ⬇️
A practical guide to Cyber Essentials for Cornwall businesses. Learn what certification covers, who needs it and how Piran Tech can help you.