Why Cyber Security Certification is Good for Business (Not Just Big Business)

Cybersecurity can feel like a slippery subject. We all know it’s important, but for many businesses, it’s filed somewhere between “We’ll look into it next quarter” and “We’re too small to be targeted, right?”

Unfortunately, the cybercriminals didn’t get that memo.

54% of SMEs were hit by a cyberattack in 2022, and the risks are only growing. High-profile data leaks are becoming commonplace and making a splash on the front pages. From ransomware to phishing, insider threats to plain old human error, it’s never been easier for hackers to catch a business off guard.

That’s where Cyber Essentials certifications come in. They’re not just corporate badges: they’re practical frameworks to help businesses protect themselves, build customer trust, and meet regulatory requirements. And at Greenfrog Computing, we’re here to help businesses leap safely into certification without the headache.

What Is a Cyber Essentials Certification?

Think of a cybersecurity certification as your business’s security MOT. It’s a formal way to show you’ve put the right controls in place to protect your systems, data, and customers from cyber threats.

In the UK, the most common certifications are:

Cyber Essentials

A government-backed scheme that covers the basics, such as firewalls, secure configurations, access control, malware protection, and patch management.

Cyber Essentials Plus

Everything in Cyber Essentials, plus a hands-on technical audit by an independent assessor to verify your security measures actually work.

SO 27001

The gold standard for highly regulated industries, with detailed processes, policies, and regular audits. (Great, but a big leap for most SMEs.)

At Greenfrog Computing, we focus on Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus. They’re accessible, affordable, and offer a huge amount of protection for businesses of all sizes.

Why Bother? Isn’t Cybersecurity Just for Big Business?

Not anymore.

SMEs are now three times more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals than large corporations. That’s because smaller companies often have weaker defences, fewer resources, and less formal security measures in place.

Still unsure? Let’s break down the most common objections we hear, and why they don’t hold water:

“We’ve got antivirus, so we’re fine.”

Antivirus is great, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Cyber Essentials covers broader protections like firewalls, device management, and regular updates.

“We’re too small to be a target.”

Hackers don’t care how big you are. Many attacks are automated, sweeping the internet for vulnerable systems regardless of company size.

“It’s expensive and takes ages.”

Cyber Essentials is crucial for businesses, and most firms can complete certification in 1-3 days.

“It’s not mandatory, so why bother?”

Certification builds customer trust, opens new contract opportunities, and protects your reputation. Some government contracts even require it.

The Risks of Doing Nothing

Here’s what happens if you decide not to bother with cyber certification:

• Higher risk of ransomware (62% of ransomware attacks target SMEs)
• Potential data breaches (39% of UK businesses were hit in 2022)
• Lost business (47% of people stop working with companies after a data security incident)
• Regulatory fines if you mishandle data (up to £17.5m under GDPR)

Or to put it simply: no plan = big problem.

Let’s flip it to the positive:

1. Protection Against Cyber Threats

Cyber Essentials helps prevent 98.5% of common cyberattacks. That’s a pretty good batting average.

2. Customer Trust

Displaying a cybersecurity certification is like a “Trust Mark” for your business. It shows clients you take their data seriously.

3. Win More Work

Government contracts, supply chain partnerships, and large organisations often require Cyber Essentials. It gets you on the list for bigger opportunities.

4. Regulatory Compliance

While Cyber Essentials isn’t a GDPR certification, it helps you meet many of the same security requirements.

Feature	Cyber Essentials	Cyber Essentials Plus
Self-assessment	Yes	Yes
External audit	No	Yes
Time to certify	1-3 Days	1-3 Days plus audit
Confidence level	Good	Great
Best for	SMEs starting their cyber journey	SMEs wanting to level up security

Which One’s Right for You?

If you want quick, effective protection with minimal fuss?

Cyber Essentials is your first leap.

If you want external verification and maximum client trust?

Cyber Essentials Plus is the next step.

At Greenfrog Computing, we can help you work out what’s right for your business, get you started, and guide you through the whole process, without drowning you in jargon.

How Greenfrog Supports Your Cyber Certification Journey

We don’t just point you to a checklist and wish you luck. Here’s how we help:

Guided Setup

We’ll walk you through the Cyber Essentials questionnaire, explain the technical bits, and help configure your systems properly.

Device Compliance Checks

We’ll review your endpoints to ensure they meet the requirements.

Managed Audits (for Plus)

For Cyber Essentials Plus, we’ll liaise with auditors, prep your systems, and even help you run mock audits if needed.

Ongoing Support

Certification isn’t a one-and-done. We’ll help you stay compliant year-round, making recertification easy.

Let’s Keep Your Business Safe (And Hopping Ahead of the Hackers)

Cybersecurity isn’t about scaring people. It’s about smart protection, building trust, and staying one step ahead of trouble.

Whether you’re a startup, a growing SME, or just ready to tighten up your security, Greenfrog Computing is here to help you get certified, stay protected, and sleep a little easier at night.

Want to find out more about a Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus Package? Get in touch!