The Department for Education (DfE) has introduced a new requirement for colleges and special post-16 institutions (SPIs) to achieve Cyber Essentials certification. This change highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in the education sector, ensuring that sensitive student data and institutional systems remain protected against ever-evolving cyber threats. We've worked with Curo Services to develop a Cyber Essentials Readiness Assessment – read on to find out more about the assessment and why this partnership is so important to us and our customers.
Why Cyber Essentials matters
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme that helps organisations protect themselves from a range of common cyber threats. Achieving certification demonstrates that a college or SPI has taken the necessary steps to safeguard its IT systems, reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring compliance with DfE’s latest regulations.
By obtaining Cyber Essentials, institutions not only meet funding requirements but also protect sensitive data (safeguard student and staff information from potential cyber attacks), enhance reputation (demonstrate a commitment to cybersecurity and data protection), and reduce risk (prevent vulnerabilities that could disrupt learning and operations).
Cyber Essentials Readiness Assessment by Cloud9 & Curo
To help colleges and SPIs smoothly transition to these new requirements, Cloud9 Security and Curo Services have developed the Cyber Essentials Readiness Assessment. This solution is designed to prepare institutions for certification by identifying gaps in their IT security posture and providing actionable recommendations to meet Cyber Essentials standards.
How the Readiness Assessment works
The Cyber Essentials Readiness Assessment takes a proactive approach by:
1. Assessing current IT security measures, identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses.
2. Providing tailored recommendations, outlining steps to meet Cyber Essentials requirements.
3. Streamlining the certification process ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey to compliance.
Why choose Cloud9 Security and Curo Services?
With extensive experience in IT security and a deep understanding of the education sector, we have developed a solution that is both practical and effective. Our combined expertise ensures that colleges and SPIs can achieve compliance without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Cloud9 Security's founder and CEO, Martin Ferguson says, ""At Cloud9 Security, we understand the unique challenges facing the education sector. That’s why we’ve partnered with Curo Services to deliver a Cyber Essentials solution that not only meets compliance requirements but also integrates seamlessly into your daily operations. Our combined expertise ensures that colleges and SPIs can focus on delivering quality education while we safeguard their IT environment."
Mark Twining, Chief Operations Officer at Curo Services, agrees. "Curo and Cloud9 have been delivering successful outcomes for shared customers in partnership for many years now. With this readiness assessment we aim to take the pain away for colleges looking to achieve compliance with the DfE mandate, helping to protect our country’s education sector from cyber threats."
Act now to stay compliant
As the deadline approaches for achieving Cyber Essentials, it’s essential for colleges and SPIs to act now. Partnering with Cloud9 Security and Curo Services ensures that institutions are prepared, protected, and compliant before the deadline on 31st July 2025.
Learn more about the Cyber Essentials Readiness Assessment.