Preparing for Cyber Essentials can highlight gaps that were not obvious during everyday business operations. The right technology may already be in place, but devices, updates, user access and security settings are not always managed consistently.

Here are some of the most common challenges we encounter when helping businesses prepare for Cyber Essentials, along with practical ways to address them.

Maintaining an accurate device and software inventory

Although it may seem trivial, it is crucial to have a fully up to date device inventory which records the makes/models of devices owned by the organisation, it’s also important to have a comprehensive register of who has been assigned which device.

It should record useful details such as:

• Device type, make and model
• Operating system and version
• Installed business applications
• The employee responsible for each device
• Whether the device is still supported and receiving security updates

Beaming can help businesses improve device visibility and management using Microsoft tools such as Intune.

Keeping software supported and updated

Cyber Essentials requires high-risk and critical security updates to be installed within 14 days of release.

This applies to more than desktop operating systems. Businesses also need to consider applications, browsers, mobile devices, servers, routers and firewall firmware.

Relying on employees to check and report their own software versions can make this difficult to manage. Centralised device management can provide a clearer view and help ensure updates are applied consistently.

Making security part of everyday processes

Cyber Essentials focuses on technical controls, but those controls still depend on clear responsibilities and consistent internal processes.

Your team should know who to contact when someone joins or leaves, when new software is required or when a suspicious email is opened. Staff should also receive clear guidance during onboarding and regular security reminders.

Documenting these processes helps your business maintain its controls after the assessment, rather than treating certification as a one-off exercise.

Managing user accounts

Employees should only have access to the systems and information they need to perform their roles.

Common issues include unused accounts remaining active, employees having unnecessary administrator permissions and businesses using administrator accounts for everyday work.

A clear process should cover:

• Creating accounts when someone joins
• Updating access when roles change
• Closing accounts promptly when someone leaves
• Reviewing administrator privileges
• Approving who can install software

Keeping everyday and administrator accounts separate can also reduce the risk of unauthorised changes or malicious software being installed.

Reviewing firewall and router settings

Firewalls and internet routers help control connections between your network and the internet.

Businesses preparing for Cyber Essentials should check that default passwords have been changed, unnecessary services and ports are disabled, and management settings are not openly accessible from the internet. Router and firewall firmware must also be kept supported and updated.

Older settings can remain in place long after they are needed, so regular reviews are important.

Is your business ready for Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials preparation is easier when you understand your existing devices, accounts, software and security settings before beginning the assessment.

Beaming can help you identify areas that need attention and put practical controls in place. Talk to our team for clear, expert support with your Cyber Essentials preparation.