Cyber Security
Cyber security in Exeter: get certified, then stay protected
Cyber Essentials blocks around 80% of common attacks. We take you through it, then stay on as your security partner — team trained, systems hardened.
Talk to us about your cyber security
We'll tell you where your real risks are, what we'd do about them, and what it costs, then get on with it.
Most cyber attacks aren't sophisticated — they go after the easy targets: an unpatched laptop, a weak password, a member of staff who clicks the wrong link. Cyber Essentials closes off the common routes in, and it's the certification more and more contracts now ask for.
Certification is the start, not the finish
Getting certified is worth doing — but threats don't stand still. Cobalt stays on after certification with vulnerability scanning, staff awareness training and quarterly reviews, so your protection keeps pace with how attacks change.
Plain English, no scaremongering
We won't bury you in jargon or frighten you into buying things you don't need. We'll tell you where your real risks are, what we'd do about them, and what it costs — then get on with it.
What is at risk
What a cyber attack can cost your business
Cyber attacks can happen at any time, and yes, we're all vulnerable. Without the basics in place, you're open to:
01
Data breaches and financial loss from avoidable threats
02
Failing to meet legal or supplier compliance standards
03
Losing customer trust and damaging your reputation
04
Increased insurance premiums and liabilities
05
Relying on untrained staff to be your cyber defence
What we do and why
More than just a tick box, it's a safety net
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification that blocks around 80% of common cyber attacks. It's simple, affordable and powerful, and with Cobalt by your side it's more than just a tick box, it's a safety net.
Our approach is hands on. We assess your systems, fix any gaps, and walk you through the Cyber Essentials process step by step. We take care of the details so you can get on with business.
Our cyber package includes
- Full security audit
- Practical help with controls and policies
- Vulnerability scanning and patch management
- Penetration testing where required
- Help with your Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus application
- Support with annual renewals
- Cyber training and awareness sessions
- Quarterly consultations to review and maintain your compliance
Cyber Essentials is a badge worth having. With Cobalt, it's a strategy worth keeping.
How it works
Six steps to staying protected
01
Security audit
Full assessment of your current systems and gaps
02
Vulnerability scanning
Patch management and ongoing monitoring
03
24/7 monitoring and protection
Done by real humans
04
Cyber training
Staff awareness so your team is your first line
05
Disaster recovery
Planning and secure data backup and recovery
06
Quarterly reviews
Stay ahead of evolving threats all year
Cyber Essentials
What getting certified involves
Cyber Essentials
A government-backed scheme that closes off the most common routes attackers use. We go through your systems, fix what needs fixing, then take you through the assessment, so you pass properly. For a typical small business it takes a few weeks, faster if your systems are already in decent shape.
More on Cyber EssentialsCyber Essentials Plus
Everything in Cyber Essentials, plus a hands-on technical audit: an assessor checks your systems directly rather than relying on a self-assessment. We get your systems into shape first, so the assessment confirms what we've already put right.
More on Cyber Essentials PlusIt has been a great relief to finally have a system that just does what it should do with a company that does care about its customers for the long term.
Wayne Martin
IT Manager, Luscombe Drinks
Trusted across the South West
Our services
Everything we do in cyber security
FAQs
Common questions
Is Cyber Essentials mandatory?
It's mandatory for some government contracts and increasingly asked for by larger clients and insurers. Even where it isn't required, it's the cheapest, fastest way to block the most common attacks — so it's worth having either way.
What's the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus?
Cyber Essentials is a verified self-assessment. Cyber Essentials Plus adds a hands-on technical audit by an assessor who checks your systems directly. Plus carries more weight with clients and insurers — we'll advise which you need.
We're a small business — are we really a target?
Yes. Smaller businesses are targeted precisely because attackers expect weaker defences. The good news is the basics go a very long way, and they don't cost much. That's what Cyber Essentials is built around.
#WEARECOBALT
Talk to us about your cyber security
We'll tell you where your real risks are, what we'd do about them, and what it costs, then get on with it.