Cybercrime is evolving fast and with the rise of artificial intelligence, it’s becoming easier and cheaper than ever for cybercriminals to launch sophisticated attacks. From AI-generated phishing emails to automated malware that can bypass traditional defences, the threat landscape is changing and small businesses are no longer flying under the radar.
So how do you protect your organisation in this new AI-driven age?
Enter Cyber Essentials; a simple, government-backed certification designed to help businesses build a strong foundation of cyber resilience.
The Growing AI Threat to SMEs
AI is no longer just a buzzword, it’s now being used by cybercriminals to automate and scale attacks. For example:
- Phishing emails generated by AI tools are harder to detect due to better grammar, tone, and targeting
- AI-driven bots can scan for vulnerabilities across thousands of websites in seconds
- Deep Fakes and spoofing tools are being used to impersonate staff and trick employees into sharing data
According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, AI-enhanced attacks are becoming more frequent, with breaches involving AI costing 15% more than traditional attacks.
What Is Cyber Essentials?
Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed scheme developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) It outlines a baseline of essential security measures all businesses should have in place, helping protect against the most common cyber threats, including those now being accelerated by AI.
There are two levels of certification:
- Cyber Essentials – self-assessment focused on core protections
- Cyber Essentials Plus – includes a hands-on technical audit for extra assurance
What Does Cyber Essentials Cover?
Cyber Essentials is built around five key technical controls, all of which play a critical role in stopping both traditional and AI-enhanced attacks:
- Firewalls & Gateways: To block unauthorised access
- Secure Configuration: So, your systems aren’t left with default settings or open ports
- Access Control: Ensuring only the right people have access to critical data
- Malware Protection: Including antivirus, anti-ransomware, and behaviour-based detection
- Patch Management: Keeping your software up to date to close known vulnerabilities
These measures can prevent over 80% of common cyber threats.
Why Your Business Needs Cyber Essentials in 2025
Whether you’re a small agency, an online retailer, or a growing tech firm, Cyber Essentials gives you:
- Protection from AI-powered attacks
- Reassurance for your clients and suppliers
- A trust signal for tenders and government contracts
- A starting point for long-term cyber resilience
- Lower risk and potential savings on insurance premiums
It’s also a powerful internal tool, helping you spot gaps in your security and build confidence across your team.
Is It a Legal Requirement?
Not yet but it’s increasingly expected:
- Mandatory for most UK government contracts
- Frequently requested in supplier risk assessments
- May become part of upcoming data protection regulations, especially in AI-sensitive industries
Getting certified now helps you stay ahead of the curve. Not just for compliance, but for competitiveness.
How Microtech Can Help
At Microtech, we help businesses like yours gain Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification, with hands-on support throughout the process.
From pre-assessments and IT health checks to remediation and audit readiness, we simplify the entire journey. Plus, we stay on top of the latest threats, including how AI is changing the cyber risk landscape.
