Cyber security isn’t just something that happens in the background anymore. It’s not just about firewalls or passwords — it’s about trust.

As a business owner, you’re responsible for protecting not only your own data but also your clients’, your team’s, and your reputation. That’s something we take seriously at CREAVO, which is why we made the decision to get Cyber Essentials certified.

It wasn’t just a box-ticking exercise for us — it was about leading by example. If we’re helping our clients stay secure, we have to hold ourselves to the same (or higher) standard.

Why We Chose Cyber Essentials

We’ve always believed in doing things properly — with integrity, clarity, and a focus on long-term success. That applies just as much to how we manage our own business as it does to the advice we give our clients.

We went for Cyber Essentials because:

• We want our clients to know we take their security seriously.
• We believe in accountability — if we expect strong security from others, we should live by it too.
• It gives us peace of mind that our systems have a solid, verified foundation.

In a world where cyber threats are increasing daily, good enough just isn’t good enough anymore. Cyber Essentials gives us, and the businesses we work with, a clear benchmark.

What Cyber Essentials Covers (In Plain English)

Cyber Essentials isn’t some complex, unachievable security badge. It’s designed to cover the core basics that every business should have in place.

Here’s what it focuses on:

• Firewalls – Keeping unwanted traffic out.
• Secure configuration – Making sure devices and software are set up properly.
• User access control – Making sure the right people have the right access (and no more).
• Malware protection – Defending against viruses, ransomware, and other threats.
• Patch management – Keeping everything up to date with the latest security fixes.

Simple? Yes. But powerful. These five things stop the majority of common cyber attacks in their tracks.

Why Your Business Should Consider It

If you’re a growing business, you might think cyber security isn’t a top priority yet — but this is exactly when it matters most.

Here’s why Cyber Essentials is worth looking at:

• It gives you a baseline of protection — without overcomplicating things.
• It helps build trust with clients, suppliers, and partners. You can show you’re serious about security.
• It reduces your risk of data breaches, downtime, and the costs that come with them.
• It’s often a requirement for tenders, especially in regulated sectors or government work.

We’ve seen first-hand how businesses struggle with security after waiting too long. Cyber Essentials is a smart, proactive step — not just a reaction to something going wrong.

How CREAVO Can Help

We’ve been through the process ourselves, so we know what’s involved — and how to keep it straightforward.

If you’re thinking about getting Cyber Essentials certified (or just want to make sure your security basics are covered), we can help:

• Review your current setup.
• Identify any gaps.
• Support you through certification, or manage the process for you.

Final Thoughts

Getting Cyber Essentials wasn’t just about ticking a box for us. It was about showing our clients, our team, and ourselves that we’re serious about protecting what matters.

Cyber Essentials gives us that foundation — and it can do the same for you.