You’ve just passed Cyber Essential Plus certification and now have the comfort of achieving a well-recognised security standard that will open up new opportunities for your business. However, cybercriminals never rest and consistently look for you to drop your guard and expose a vulnerability they can exploit. Businesses therefore must stay on their toes in the face of ongoing cybersecurity threats.

Here are some essential steps to ensure your organisation remains secure long after achieving Cyber Essentials Plus.

• One of the most important things to remember is the need to keep your policies and procedures up to date. Once you’ve achieved Cyber Essentials Plus, you’ve laid the groundwork for security, but the cyber threat landscape constantly evolves. New risks, regulatory changes and technological advancements require that your security policies be regularly reviewed and updated. Doing so can ensure your defences stay relevant and practical in the face of new challenges.

• Another crucial aspect of ongoing cybersecurity is continuous employee training. While Cyber Essentials Plus helps secure your systems, employees remain one of the most significant lines of defence. Human error, such as falling for phishing attacks or using weak passwords, continues to be a leading cause of data breaches. Regular security awareness training ensures that your team remains informed and vigilant, helping to prevent costly mistakes and reinforce a culture of security within the organisation.

• As cyber threats continue to grow more sophisticated, automated vulnerability monitoring becomes essential. While Cyber Essentials Plus helps secure your systems, vulnerabilities can appear at any time. Automated monitoring tools can scan your infrastructure for weaknesses and notify you of potential risks in real time. By implementing these tools, you can stay ahead of vulnerabilities, patch security gaps and prevent attacks before they happen.

• Managing ongoing compliance can be complex, particularly if your organisation must adhere to multiple regulations. Using compliance management tools helps track your security status and ensures that your organisation continues to meet necessary standards. These tools provide valuable insights into your compliance performance, flagging potential issues that can be addressed before they become a problem. Regularly using these tools helps ensure that your security measures remain intact and reduces the risk of non-compliance.

• Finally, while Cyber Essentials Plus is a strong foundation, it’s important to formalise your cybersecurity strategy for long-term success. A comprehensive approach that includes risk management, incident response and continuous security assessments is key to keeping your defences up-to-date. You might also consider pursuing additional security certifications, such as ISO-27001, to further strengthen your strategy. These certifications enhance your security posture and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high cybersecurity standards as your business grows.

Conclusion

Remaining vigilant against cybersecurity threats is a constant effort that requires the right tools, processes and mindset. By keeping your policies up to date, continuously training employees, using compliance and vulnerability monitoring tools as well as formalising your security strategy, you can stay ahead of emerging risks and protect your organisation. Achieving a security accreditation also provides the added benefit of a structured approach to cybersecurity, helping you stay compliant while maintaining the highest security standards.

At Intrepid, we have helped several organisations define and establish strong ongoing cybersecurity strategies. We have several offerings to help companies prevent, address, and patch cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

If you’d like to hear more about Intrepid’s Security and Technology offerings, please contact us at sales@beintrepid.co.uk to set up a free consultation.